“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
Marcus Aurelius
Do you believe this? Do you believe happiness is a choice? Can you choose happiness simply by changing your perspective?
If it is true that very little is needed to make us happy, then why are we constantly searching for more of everything?
Honestly I believe we are often way too focused on material items, and looking for the next “high”, that rush of having more possessions. We desire a bigger home, that we of course then have to fill with designer furniture. We covert the latest handbags from our favourite brand, or those shoes we saw in the shop window, we even have to buy a new outfit for every special occasion we attend, it never ends! If those possession brought us the happiness we are so desperately looking for then why are we out shopping again next week? Some possessions hold a special place in our heart and do bring us long term happiness, which is more associated with the memory or meaning behind the possession, rather than the possession itself, but most items hold no value after the initial high of buying them! If possessions, and money were what really gave us happiness, then why are so many wealthy people so unhappy?
The truth is, happiness does come from within, it comes from honesty, from authenticity, and no amount of money can buy that.
We need to be honest with ourselves, with our partners, and those close to us, we need to be true to our values, and live in a way that honours them. If you really want to be happy, start by being honest with yourself about what it is you need in order to be happy within yourself. Treat yourself with kindness, and show kindness to others. Ask yourself what you can do today that will allow you to feel inner peace, and give yourself permission to live fearlessly authentic.
Here are this weeks favourite photographs shared with the Instagram hashtag #LivingFearlesslyAuthentic
Top Row features @oddhogg @somethingaboutbaby @familyof5ive_
Middle Row features @lisapomerantzter @thelondonmum @mediamummy
Bottom Row features @mummuddlingthrough @motherofteensuk @mission_mindfullness_blog
Thank you so much to everyone who joins in and supports this community!
If you would like a chance to be featured just tag your Instagram pics with #livingfearlesslyauthentic! You can follow my insta @macglanville.
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15 comments
So true. Happiness is something that is above all things material. It is not easily achieved because of our constant need for something more. While material wealth does help make our lives comfortable but happiness is a different matter altogether.
You said it Mac, and so bang on. In today’s world more and more people translate material possession to happiness and that is so transitory. I have seen people with the most meagre means to be happier than those living in a bed of luxury.
Happiness comes from being contented in where we are. Happiness comes from appreciating little things life has to offer.
This is such a great post, I’m a firm believer that you can choose happiness. I know to different people it means different things, but I’m not sure that constantly chasing the next thing and the next thing, is the answer X #mg
I do think happiness is something we can choose; at times. Obviously things like a death in the family or some tragedy that strikes can not be controlled.
Happiness is a choice and I believe in it. When one feels free from inside to follow own values without the constant worry of being judged is what it means to be truly happy.
You are so right. We live in such a materialistic world that it’s easy to think certain things make us happy when they really don’t! Lovely thoughts. Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
I do agree – but then I am also very aware of how unhappy I feel when we struggle for space and money and I can’t give my child/children the same experiences that others may be able to – although I guess those feelings are also a state of mind, but I wouldn’t have the same battle if circumstances were different . #twinklytuesday
Oh how true this is! Sometimes we are never happy with our lot… until something happens that brings us down to earth, brings it home to us to treasure the simple things we have in our lives. Thanks for hosting #mg
Thanks so much for featuring my twinnies 🙂 xx
I was just thinking about this the other day and came up with a quote for it but then I forgot to write it down lol. It came to me while talking to a friend who feels like he has no control over his life and is miserable but then says, “well it’s out of my hands so I’m used to it.” He says that a lot. That’s when I thought a lot about my own life and where happiness came into and I realized that it’s a state of being. That’s it! That was my quote. Happiness is a state of being. I have to write this down in my blog so I don’t forget it. Anyway, at one point I decided that I was tired of being miserable and made a life choice that from that moment on, even during my challenging times – and this year there have been many – that I was going to be happy. Great post Mac! We always seem to be contemplating the same things at similar times lol! I have share my latest post on your linky and will share this one on my social media!
Oh I agree. Lasting happiness comes from within. Other people or materialistic things may make you happy for a while but in the long run, happiness comes from being content from within. This is something we need to focus on while brining up our children – teach them to generate their own happiness.
I totally agree. The hardest part is changing our mindset and some days are definitely easier than others, but we all have the power within us. Great post x
#Mg
Totally agree that happiness comes from being honest and authentic and in the end, does not depend on anything material. After all, once we buy that big house, we want a bigger one. It never reaches a state when we are satisfied. Having said that, I’m still trying to figure out this happiness thing. Heck, I’d settle for being content.
Such an inspiring post. My kids are so spoilt. I’m trying very hard teach them this. Thank you so much for hosting.
Well said Mackenzie. So often our happiness can be found within.
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