How to Find Happiness A-Z: Y

By C. Clark via wikimedia commons

One of my favorite quotes comes from Marianne Williamson:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ... We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? ... Your playing small does not serve the world ... as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

YOU.

You are awesome. We've chatted about this is past posts, but my point here is that you are powerful. You make your own reality--or that was my mantra throughout high school. Sure, things may happen that stand in your way, but you have the power to overcome all odds. More importantly, only you can change what isn't working in your life--whether that be by merely amending your attitude, or stepping up and making a plan to become your ideal self.

Image courtesy of Davebold370

When I was 14, I realized there were a number of things I didn't like about me. More importantly, I had a vision of who I wanted to become one day. With that serious goal in mind, I made a list of attributes I needed to develop, and one by one, worked to integrate them. I spent months focusing on just one aspect or habit until it was solid, and then I moved on down the list. Journaling was one of those. Speaking kindly to my siblings was another. Learning how to raise and teach children also made the list. When I look back on my teen years, I am immensely grateful for adult friends and leaders who set an amazing example and encouraged me to become my best self.

We, each of us, have figurative "elephants" to eat. Life may be so overwhelming we don't know where to start or even feel powerless and drowning in the implications of our reality. My advise to you is to pick one thing--just one--whether it be exercising, learning to smile more, reading for fun, organizing, etc, and focus. Use that divinely given power, afford yourself time and sufficient forgiveness for failure, and go forward. Set a goal. Write it on a calendar. Check in with yourself daily and see how you're doing. You'll be amazed at how truly powerful you are.  

What are your goals for this year?