Finding Happiness Within

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.

Grateful For You

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my past, reflecting on memories of previous relationships, family and friends, and loved ones who have passed away. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of the work grind. Often, we get so busy that we forget to appreciate and show gratitude for the people in our lives. As I get older, I realize more and more that this life is precious, and we should cherish every moment of it. I remember when I was younger, all I wanted to do was be cool enough to hang out with my older cousins and their friends. I spent most of my childhood yearning to be older. Now that I am older, I long to be young again. Life is funny that way.

My perspective is beginning to shift on how I view the world. I understand more now. It’s not about what you have but who you are and what kind of energy you’re radiating daily. As I try to be more grateful, I notice I become more easygoing. Showing appreciation has a tremendous impact on your mood and energy. It also influences others as well. What you focus on is very important as well. The more you focus on the present moment, the better everything will be. I realize now that if I had been more present in my previous relationships. Things would have gone a lot smoother. People want to know that they’re cared for and appreciated. I am grateful that we live in a world where we can make mistakes, reflect, and decide to do better.

I am grateful for you, and I appreciate you taking the time to read my article today. I know it’s been some time since I’ve posted, but I plan on posting more weekly. You are an incredibly unique individual with unlimited potential. It starts with the energy you are radiating. Begin to show appreciation to people and your loved ones, and be grateful for what you already have. Then, watch your life grow in prosperity and abundance. I love you. Be you. Be great.

True Unconditional Love

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Here we are on this planet in the middle of the hustle the bustle, grinding away. Busy as ever, always on the go, always searching for something. Most of the time, once we get what we are looking for, we are satisfied for some time, then feelings of unfulfillment begin to creep in. So we continue to consume more and more, buying the newest gadget, new clothes, you name it. Little do we know, what we’re yearning for isn’t anything outside us. What I mean is the understanding that whatever happens, we will be ok. The assurance that no matter who comes and goes in our life, we will continue to press forward, focused on our chosen endeavors. It’s essentially the attributes of self-assurance, joy, outcome independence, and genuine care for the well-being and happiness of others, whether they’re in our life or not. Once we have developed those attributes, we can share true unconditional love.

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we must stop running away from our problems. It must happen to develop self-assurance because as we continually face the issues that arise and overcome, our confidence increases. This increase will develop the understanding to know that we can find a way out when push comes to shove. As a result, our life experience becomes more joyful, mainly because the more we know things will work out, the result has to be happiness. On matters of outcome independence, what is most important is that we let go. We all have past traumas that we are hanging on to, pain from previous relationships, and guilt from mistakes we have made; to move forward in our lives, we have to let all of it go. Once we do, we will develop the ability to work and not focus on the results. Essentially that’s what outcome independence is; whatever the result is, we are good either way.

Self-work is one of the most beneficial jobs that you have in this life. If you think about it, how will we be able to help others, or start a family, if we haven’t at least given this some effort? To care for someone else in an impactful way, where you don’t have to shower them with materialistic gifts. You have to come from a place of wholeness. I would say that this place has to be overflowing and radiating with an understanding that you can only get once you have started this work on yourself. Once you do, then and only then will you be ready to give others true unconditional love. Until next time may you be endued with, as my grandfather would say, “Agape Love.” Be you. Be great.

A Life Worth Living

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Hello there I know it has been quite some time since my last post, but I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to read what I have to say. Glad to be back writing again, and I hope all is well with whoever you are that is reading right now. Life has a way of teaching you things through experiences. Honestly, I think that’s one of the most beneficial ways we learn. Those experiences then initiate a shift in our thinking. We develop a mindset from that shift that forms our perspective. As a result, we create our perception or view of the world. Once we realize that our world is nothing but perception, we will understand that we can construct the life we want. Just by changing the way we think.

Our experiences or what we go through during adolescence, young adulthood, and adult phases of our life shape our reality. Some of what we go through early can either be a benefit or a detriment to our future if we are not careful. I must admit that I still carry some trauma from my childhood, even now. But I am actively working on it, and that is the key. At some point in our lives, we have to take an opportunity to reflect and figure out if our experiences have impacted our thinking. If not, we could develop many anxieties as a result. Your mindset is an essential instrument in orchestrating your ideal life. But to create, you must clear your mind of any inconsistencies that will deter you from your goals.

The mind, when focused, can accomplish any task. I want you to take a moment right now. To look around your room or wherever you are currently. Then I want you to contemplate how much of your surroundings was first a thought in your mind or that of someone else. Most of what you see in your life was first an idea. We must understand that we currently have one of the most valuable tools. That tool is our mind, and we take it for granted. Life is one of the most precious gifts we possess. You are the most unique, extraordinary, rare individual on this planet. What we find valuable is deemed rare and irreplaceable. So if you think about it, the life you are currently living is worth whatever you can imagine, and your worth is infinite with the right mindset.

I am sending loving, peaceful, and prosperous vibes your way. Renewed energy, courage, and perseverance will increase in your life. I believe in you, and you have what it takes to succeed. It may seem like you are alone or that society could care less about you. Just know that I deeply care about your well-being, and I hope you will make it out of any struggles you may be currently facing. Until next time may you be enriched with love and understanding. Create the life that you want; you are worthy of it. Be you. Be great.

Propensity Of Purpose

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What’s the meaning of life? Why are we here? As we go through the monotonous grind of working to cover expenses. At some point, we begin to ask ourselves, is this it? Is this all that life has to offer, working at a 9 to 5 we probably don’t even like? When we are born and start to grow up, we have so much potential, curiosity to explore the world, and a drive for accomplishments in different endeavors. At some point, we get older, graduate college, and begin to venture off into the real world. We then realize that life can be very hard at times, and we have to deal with the many stressors of life, unfortunately. We then forget about those dreams we had as a child. I now realize that this could be one of the reasons why we are unhappy. Because deep down, we still want that freedom we had when we were younger. Once I found my purpose and actively began to pursue it. I noticed that my happiness started to increase as a result, and it put me back on the path to freedom.

We all have a natural inclination to want to be somebody of importance. A drive within to become something more than what we are. Most of the time, many people wander from job to job. Then they search for fulfillment in different vices and indulgences to cope with the unhappiness they’re experiencing, and the cycle repeats itself. Your purpose is going to be one of the main things that will help break the cycle. It’s going to be something in your heart that you’ve always wanted to do, what you’re passionate about, and that comes naturally to you. It will also be something that you enjoy doing. Once you have identified your purpose, you will then have to create a plan. This plan will then put you on the path toward its attainment. While on that path, you will experience many ups and downs, and it will get hard at times, but it will be gratifying to know that you’re doing what you love.

I appreciate you taking to the time to connect with me during this reading.
You have the ability within you to become all that you can imagine. We only have so much time here on earth. We have also lost many loved ones recently, and I now realize how precious life is. Take the time that you have and decide to do what you love. You only have one life. Decide to live it to your fullest potential. Until next time may you be fortified with strength and resolve. Be you. Be great.

Protect Your Energy

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We all know someone we enjoy being around because they may be funny, easy to talk to, present, and understanding, or they seem to always be in a good mood. Some people carry energy that can fill a room as soon as they walk in the door. This energy is also contagious, and by interacting with these individuals, you may start to feel better. It has been called a vibe, energy, presence, and so on. I now understand the value of this energy, and I realize that it needs to be cultivated and protected at all times.

When I first began to meditate, one of the first benefits I noticed was it allowed me to slow down and settle into the present moment. It was during this time that I began to realize that everything is energy. The sun, moon, stars, water, earth, and its inhabitants are all forms of energy. This energy also gives off a vibration, and that vibration is what we feel if we are present enough to notice. Meditation allows you to harness this energy and transfer it anywhere in the body. By going into a deep meditative state through various breathing techniques, you will organize your internal world. As a result, you will see that your external will also get organized. At this time, you will start to notice how different things affect you. You will also begin to notice the energy of others, which will help avoid people and situations that aren’t beneficial to you.

How we carry ourselves, our behavior and actions, and the vibe or energy we have, says a lot about us before we even say a word. We must do what we can to cultivate this energy because it will help us navigate the world courageously, and as a result, you will begin to interact with people from a place of love and not need. As you improve, you will attract more opportunities, and doors will open for you. The reason for this is because you are starting to align more with nature. You’re beginning to vibrate in alignment with unconditional love, and that energy is magnetic. Until next time, remember you have the power to manifest whatever goodness you would like to experience. May you be uplifted to a height where you can see all the possibilities of abundance. Be you. Be great.

Power Of Perseverance

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The many things we would accomplish in life if we never give up, the possibilities are endless. As I sit here and reflect on life, my mind goes back to a time when I was younger, when I first learned about the idea of perseverance. It first started when my dad began to teach me how to play the drums when I was only two years old. I still remember him setting up the drumset in our old apartment in Tacoma across the street from Lincoln High School. I wasn’t the best player initially, and I could’ve decided to give up at that time and do something else, but I stuck with it. I started to watch other drummers so I could learn and improve. Eventually, I joined the jazz band in school and kept practicing, and I got better over time. Even though, during that time when I was a child, I wasn’t aware of the valuable tool I was developing. Looking back, I realize that there is tremendous power in persevering even when you feel like all hope is lost.

We all go through life afraid of failure, but failure is all a part of growth. To grow, you’re going to have to experience some suffering along the way. But if you continue to persevere during this time, learn, and find opportunities for improvement. Those inconveniences will subside, and you will be happy that you decided to show steadfastness. It’s never too late to pursue your passions and do what you love. The most gratifying thing one can experience is to see their dream becoming a reality.

Every day that we wake up, we have an opportunity, a blank canvas. We can decide to paint whatever masterpiece that we want. Use the gifts that you were born with and begin to cultivate and perfect your craft. When you experience any negativity from the media or other people in your life that don’t want to see you win, disregard it. Then regain your focus and determination to see your chosen endeavor through to fruition. I believe that you can achieve whatever you decide to accomplish. Just remember that it will take perseverance, but as you continue to press forward, you will become more powerful, and nothing will be able to stop you. Until next time, may you be encouraged to pursue your dreams. Be you. Be great.

Because You’re Worthy

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How we feel about ourselves makes all the difference in life. You may call it self-esteem, confidence, self-image, self-worth, and so on. We begin to develop these characteristics at an early age from our parents. They are the ones who help encourage us to believe in ourselves. Unfortunately, some of these traits may go undeveloped. Maybe because of one or both parents not being around, or they neglect to support their children, because they may have problems of their own that they haven’t dealt with yet. As a child, I grew up in a single-parent home for a while, so I understand what effect this can have on you as you get older. It wasn’t until I began to read books on self-improvement that my confidence and self-worth improved for the better.

Life is full of choices and decisions, and what you decide to do or not do determines where you will go in life. What you think, what you experience, and how you feel are the results of choice. You then begin to act on those choices, and as a result, habits form, and those habits create your world. I understand that it may be hard to make decisions that are in your best interest. But it’s necessary if you want to change your life for the better. If you continue to remind yourself of the power choice has in your life, it will get easier over time, and you will continue to find ways to improve other areas of your life as a result.

You’re worthy of being able to wake up every day and feel good about yourself. I believe that you are an incredible, creative, unique individual with unlimited possibilities. You deserve to experience life joyfully. Decide today that you will create the habits necessary to put you on the path to self-improvement. That decision will help you to develop self-esteem, confidence and will improve your self-image and worth. With those characteristics fully developed, you will be able to pursue your dreams. Never give up. Until next time, may you be enriched with love and prosperity. Be you. Be great.

Hope And Faith

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At times during this journey of life, we are currently on. There can be many difficulties and challenges that we have to face. Often we may feel a bit discouraged and feel like giving up. I must admit I also find it hard to stay positive and upbeat when you turn on the TV, all you see in the news and media right now is negativity. What has helped me along the way is the development of faith and hope. It wasn’t until I found myself in a situation where I lost everything. Money, shelter, food, and all I had left was faith that it began to grow. This growth gave me the hope I needed to regain a positive mindset, which helped me find a way out to better opportunities.

Many unexpected things may occur in your life and knock you off course. You may lose your job, which causes financial problems. Then you might have an emergency where you might need funds to fix it. One could become stressed at times like these and start to get down on themselves. Or panic and feel like all hope is lost. Many people, at this point, lean on different vices to cope. During times like these, you will need courage, faith, and hope. To cultivate those attributes, you have to begin to look within and find your truth. This truth can be your belief system. The way you perceive the world, your principles, and your values. Also, you have to find your “why.” It can be anything from family, maximizing your potential, or growing tired of the mundaneness of life at times and wanting more. Once you find this truth, you will have something inside you. That protects you from outside influence, which will create a solid foundation. This foundation will act as an anchor. It will keep you focused when everything around you seems like it is falling apart.

I know right now, it can be hard to stay positive. You may feel mentally and physically drained. Don’t give up and be encouraged. Begin to cultivate your faith and build your hope. Create a positive mindset and work daily to find the good in everything you do. Be grateful for all that you have, even if it’s very little. Gratitude is the first step towards abundance. Once you begin to step on that path, you will realize that the world isn’t as bad as it seems. You will then start to notice and appreciate many things we may take for granted. Focus on goodness, and good things will begin to happen. Until next time, may you be given the hope and faith to see all the possibilities of life in abundance. Be you. Be great.

You Are Amazing

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Have you ever taken the time to think about how complex the human body is? It can process and digest the food you eat and then transport the nutrients to various parts of your body for recovery and repair. Your heart beats without you consciously thinking about it. You can look and interpret the world you live in and create meaning using your mind. Then you can decide to find solutions to problems that arise in the world with your purpose. I think we take for granted our natural ability. If we took the time to understand who we are and how amazing the human body is. We would appreciate and do whatever it takes to improve and protect it. One of the most important decisions I made was to start believing in myself and my ability. I think once you create the mindset that anything is possible and put in the work. You will realize that you can accomplish anything with that belief in yourself.

It first starts with your mind, what you think, how you perceive things, and your belief system. If you think about it, everything that has happened so far in your life is the result of the decisions you have made with your mind. Your thinking will determine what you experience in life. You have to continue to think positively. I know it’s hard, and some experiences aren’t always positive. Understand that every day isn’t going to go the way we want it. But if we continue to be patient and accept things that are out of our control as they are. It will help shape how you perceive the world, and perception is everything. Eliminating distractions like the TV, social media, news, and other various forms of entertainment that don’t align with your purpose and principles will help you.

Your belief system will be the deciding factor in your success and fulfillment. You have to create an environment of love, prosperity, confidence, and values in your life. Then you have to believe that anything is possible. It starts with adopting an abundance mindset that understands that there are unlimited possibilities as long as you work hard for what you want. Then you have to believe without a doubt that you can and will accomplish whatever you choose. I believe in you, do you? Until next time, understand that you have limitless potential and ability, then begin to cultivate it. Be you. Be great.