We all have a natural inclination or aspiration to experience joy. As a child, I remember playing outside with my friends all day. It seemed as if time lasted forever. We would be outside from sun up to sun down. Another vivid memory was when I began to play football in the 5th grade. I can still smell the grass of the field and the way water tasted after running during practice. I learned valuable lessons on that football field, like hard work, discipline, progress, and effort. Those were some of the most enjoyable experiences; when we’re children, it’s easy to access pure bliss and delight. This state is only accessible when your mind is clear and focused on the present moment. As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to achieve because of the many problems life presents us. Like work, bills, relationship disagreements, worry, and stress. We then search for ways to cope with these problems, which usually are unhealthy and lead to dependency.
Dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are some chemicals that the brain releases, which are responsible for happiness. Healthy forms of dopamine are released when you are actively working towards a goal and making progress. Unfortunately, the unhealthy versions are usually the forms we tend to use, like smoking, fried foods, energy drinks, drugs, and alcohol. These forms of dopamine release cause us to become dependent on them to feel good. I recently decided to quit caffeine, and it’s been about three months now. I worked overnight, and I realized that I was beginning to need more caffeine to stay up during my shift. I also noticed that if I didn’t have it soon after waking up, I would be irritable and get headaches. So I had to cut it out, and now I feel better. The first thing that will help you get on the path to access true happiness will be working on any dependency problems you currently have. The progress that you gradually make will begin to make you happier as you eliminate bad habits and begin to implement good ones. The serotonin and endorphins released from being outside in the sun, in nature, and exercising will benefit and allow you to connect to the joy and bliss that resides inside.
You can achieve any goal or dream that you can imagine. You deserve to be happy and enjoy a prosperous and abundant life. Understand that it won’t be easy, and you will experience many setbacks. I know I have. Don’t let that discourage you to give up. Focus on what you want to achieve, and I believe you will make it. Until next time, may you be enriched with abundant joy and happiness. You’re loved. You’re appreciated. Be you. Be great.
Love 