A New Beginning

The Path to Happiness

Whenever I think about change, I consider the what ifs, the wrong turns and even the uncertainties. Most would agree that in the past year our world has seen significant change in how we live or survivor from day to day. It’s not always comfortable but adjustment is necessary. Nevertheless, regardless of any fear that arises, starting new can be the change we need.

Deciding to shift parts of our lives does not mean that we do not value what we have and where we are. Usually, it starts with something within pulling at us for more life, more purpose and more happiness. A fresh start has so many possibilities — for both good and bad. But often, no matter how we feel about them, new beginnings are inevitable. It all comes down to where we want to be and the choices we make to get there. This can be exciting, challenging, scary, painful and nerve-racking – all at the same time. Have you ever felt this way?

For me, I’m coming out of a long hiatus that distanced me from some of my deepest passions and goals.  This hiatus may have limited my attention from some of my personal and business aspirations, but it gave me the precious time needed to nurture my family. This was an investment that strengthened our unity in many areas of stability and connectedness. The best part was the addition of our new baby boy. This, in itself, was a new beginning. Now, as seasons arise, a transition is presented yet again. It’s extraordinary one that ignites purpose and helps others to do the same.

As a certified life coach for 10 years, I’m no stranger to people seeking change that would lead them to more gratification. My observations as a coach, and in my personal life, have shown me that we tend to leave behind the simple opportunities that can bring pure joy. We are often so driven by the ideal vision of success or subconsciously accommodating the needs of others that we miss our own happiness. Thus, we live with an internal and tormenting lack of fulfillment. 

Happiness may seem like a simple idea, but it’s an essential ingredient to finding our life’s purpose. Happiness guides us in our decision-making and helps us reach our most desired goals. In this first edition of the Echo Luv newsletter, we want to help you gauge where you are on the happiness scale and offer tips on how you can improve and reach a higher level. This does not mean you are currently unhappy — these questions are meant to add confidence in where you are in life and where you want to be. Ask yourself, “Where is happiness most noticeable in my life today? What part of my life, right now, did I choose, and does it make me happy?”

We all have various choices in life that can lead us to or further away from true satisfaction. Many of these situations are not planned and out of our control like how we were raised, abuse, acts of injustice or natural disasters that can interrupt our lives unexpectedly and have a negative impact. Here are a few common reasons people struggle with obtaining or accepting happiness in their lives. Which of these do you relate to?

• Uncertain identity.

• Inability to say No to others versus saying Yes to self.

• Self-sabotaging behaviors.

• Post-traumatic stress.

• The need for perfection.

• Limited belief in happiness due to repeated encounters of hurt.

• Obligations driven by survival and essential needs. Feeling stuck.

• Lack of knowledge or motivation on how to add happiness and self-love.

• Fear of happiness itself.

Most people can find themselves in at least one reason that happiness feels unattainable in their lives. Whatever the cause, we must remind ourselves that sometimes the only aspect we can control is our choice to accept, make changes or simply cope with what has been presented to us.

If you are ready to learn more about yourself and increase happiness and fulfillment in your life, join us for the next edition as we dive deeper into the reasons for limited happiness and the solutions to help you find or create more. You must know that your life is precious, and you are worthy of an abundance of joy. Building a future of more contentment is beyond any previous mistakes, unfortunate past, wrongdoings or flaws. Creating more happiness starts with believing that you can, and that you sincerely deserve it.

As you begin to believe, here are recommended actions that will reinforce your faith.

Self-Love Assignment:

• Forgiveness:  Write down two or three things you want to forgive yourself for.

  Example: “I forgive myself for the pain I caused my family.”  “I forgive myself for not believing in me.”

• Mindset Reset:  Write down three things about who you are that make you happy. Say these things back to yourself every day until the next EchoLuv newsletter.

  Example: “My integrity makes me happy about who I am.”  “Being kind to others makes me happy.”  “My career gives me happiness about who I am.”

These should help get you started and trigger a positive shift in thoughts and behaviors.  Thank you for being with us and may you continue to live the mission. Until next time.

EchoLuv

~Shavon

Check out the personal video message from Shavon.