Three Keys to Happiness

Most individuals aspire to achieve happiness. If one were to conduct a survey on the definition of success, "happiness" would likely be a common response. However, attaining and maintaining happiness can be quite challenging.

Here are three keys to experiencing happiness:

1. Release control of things you have no control over.

There are simply some things we can't change or control. The past, other people's actions, the passage of time, etc. However, because we try to manage things that are out of our control, we become frustrated when things remain the same. This frustration detracts from experiencing good and meaningful things in our lives. The key here is acceptance. In Dialectical Behavior Therapy, the concept of radical acceptance refers to being able to accept reality as it is without judgment. Sometimes this can be a harsh, and even painful, experience. By embracing acceptance, you can effectively navigate your reality, potentially opening up new avenues for change over time. This can ultimately be a transformative experience, allowing us to live more fully in the present and to cultivate a richer, more meaningful existence.

2. Take action on the things you can control.

Once we're able to identify the things that we can actually address, we sometimes face the hurdle of inaction. For circumstances within your control, there may be inner struggles in the form of past trauma, self-doubt, unhelpful thinking, and emotional stress (among other things) that create barriers to change. Confronting these challenges allows us to identify specific areas in our lives where we feel stuck and to create actionable steps toward change. Whether it involves seeking support from others, engaging in reflective practices or setting realistic and achievable goals, each step we take can lead us closer to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

3. Practice gratitude.

Gratitude is less about optimism and overlooking difficulties, and more about creating new neural pathways that promote positive emotional experiences. The brain works efficiently to help us learn, adapt and survive. It establishes connections which build neural pathways along which information can easily travel, prompting our cognitions and behviours. Through the practice of gratitude, by focusing the mind on the positive events we experience, we are establishing neural networks that promote the transmission of information that can enhance our mood.

As we integrate these practices into our daily routines, we create a more vibrant and enriched life, characterized by a profound appreciation for the beauty, and in which we can experience happiness.