Creating Lasting Happiness

by Jiulio Consiglio -

Have you ever wondered why lasting happiness seems to elude so many of us? At times it can seem like we’re trying to find a brass ring in a field of hay. We try so very hard at being the best we can and still it seems to be so elusive.

What’s missing here? 

I think that it’s safe to say that it won’t be found in materialism, at least not the enduring type of happiness we’re in search of. And according to divorce rates it isn’t to be found in someone else. Where does that leave us folks?

Yup, you got it. Happiness begins with us. 

Each and every one of us is the source for our emotions. Happiness is truly a responsibility and only we can ultimately be held accountable for our own.

So how can we begin to create lasting happiness? 

Well let’s start by talking about what takes it away. Are you ready for this?

Here’s the culprit: attachment and what is attachment? 

It’s a belief or idea that we hold in our minds about how things should be and we base these ideas on past experiences. The great news though is that we can change any belief by making a conscious decision. It’s the most empowering thing you can do for yourself! Let’s look at an example in the next paragraph.

How many times have we gone to a department store or mall only to encounter a surly employee? Now most of us go into these places expecting a certain level of service. But guess what? Not every person you encounter is going to be able to uphold your standard of expectation. So when our expectations aren’t met we do this-react.

Reaction is the thief that attempts to steal away our happiness! 

You can decide to release expectation in any circumstance. Now that’s empowerment! Because the moment you do that, you now have relinquished the authority from anyone else to take it (happiness) away from you.

The other thing about happiness is this-it’s a choice. 

We don’t have to wait until some future event to happen or to get the dream car to be happy. It can be chosen moment by moment. It begins with a thought. You can choose happiness.

When you begin to choose it for yourself, you’ll discover that life will start sending you more and more reasons to be happy. It has a domino effect. Like attracts like. Just some food for thought.

Be happy.

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Elevating Our Relationships

by Jiulio Consiglio -

Our relationships are a reflection of our inner feelings and attitudes reflected outward. Relationships don’t succeed or fail because of luck or what we read in our daily horoscopes. Relationships change because we change our value about them. They change for the better or worse based on our priorities.

The moment we “fall out of love” what do many of us do? We terminate the relationship, we decide to leave it. It may be because the passion has faded or because she or he doesn’t treat us the way they used to. There are several reasons,but one thing is for certain... it always ends mutually either unconsciously or consciously.

In other words, relationships fail because people give up on them or they stop seeing value in them. There is nothing wrong with that, sometimes endings have to occur so that new beginnings can take place. But what if we decided to make it work? What key ingredients are necessary to elevate them?

Acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding are but a few elements that help make any relationship cohesive. Many times we unconsciously choose to not accept others because we have stopped accepting ourselves.

Acceptance of anyone else begins within. 

How can you expect anyone to love you if you don’t love yourself first?

Forgiveness is also key because it allows you to release yourself and the other from past misgivings. How can you create more wondrous moments if you’re still reliving the bad ones? And lastly, understanding allows you to be in the other’s shoes.

It begins by first understanding who we are through a path of self-discovery!

You’re the greatest mystery that is! Learn everything you can about yourself. Find out why you operate the way you do. Look deep within. Explore your mind. Decide who you want to be in any given relationship.

Obviously, there are many other key ingredients that make for a successful relationship but these are wonderful foundations to begin building a solid one.

Add water (unconditional love) to your relationships and remember to keep trimming the weeds (past grievances). It’s a daily practice that can lead to the most meaningful, wonderful experiences in your life.

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