Authentic Happiness
In a world where external validations and fleeting pleasures often dominate our lives, the pursuit of authentic happiness stands as a noble and timeless endeavor.
Genuine, authentic happiness goes beyond momentary smiles and surface-level contentment.
It's a profound sense of well-being that stems from our true selves, our values, and our connections with the world.
Let’s explore what authentic happiness is and how to achieve it in our everyday lives.
Authenticity + Self Awareness
Authentic happiness is not a fleeting emotion.
Instead, it's a deep and lasting state of well-being rooted in authenticity, meaning, and personal growth.
This type of happiness arises when you align your life with your core values, find a sense of purpose, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.
To embark on the journey toward authentic happiness, you must first become self-aware.
This means understanding your values and what you truly want.
I use this tool on my first session with every new client because it helps them get clear on the areas of their lives that matter most and will create the most authentic happiness if focused on.
Authenticity is about being true to yourself and living in a way that aligns with your core values.
When you embrace your true self, you create the foundation for genuine happiness.
Pursue Meaning and Purpose
Happiness isn't just about feeling good; it's about feeling fulfilled.
You have to find your purpose – the reason that gets you out of bed in the morning.
When I was in my early 30’s, I was constantly asking myself, “What is this all for? What is my purpose?” I was craving this feeling of meaning and like what I was doing was for a purpose.
Once I created my authentic vision and purpose statement - I started building every aspect of my life in alignment with it, which unlocked a deeper level of happiness and fulfillment.
When you feel that your life has meaning, it adds a profound layer of happiness.
Cultivate Positive Relationships
Authentic happiness is intricately linked to our social connections.
Invest time and effort into nurturing meaningful relationships with friends + family.
These connections provide support, joy, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for long-lasting happiness.
It’s also a good exercise to look at your relationships (start with the 8 people closest to you) to determine if they are serving your highest self.
Outgrowing friendships is a completely normal and common thing as we grow older and get more in touch with our values and purpose.
Many clients I work with are craving more of these types of connections in their lives - friendships with like-valued women who they can connect with on a deeper level, while they navigate the messiness of being human.
It’s CRITICAL to ensure your relationships are serving the person you are AND the person you are becoming.
Gratitude and Mindfulness
Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can significantly enhance your happiness.
Regularly reflect on the things you're grateful for, no matter how small they may seem.
There is a beautiful, SIMPLE exercise I practice and offer, which is at the end of your day, as your laying your head down, to close your eyes and ask the question, “What went well today?”
Mindfulness helps you stay present in the moment and appreciate the simple joys in life.