It doesn’t take much for us to be happy in life. And often, it won’t even cost us any money. Here are 10 signs that you’re a truly happy person and if you’re not, here are 10 simple things to start adding to your day:
©2015 Susie Lee
One of the most valuable lessons we can learn in life is how to love other people unconditionally. This doesn’t mean we condone a destructive behaviour but it does mean loving them with no strings attached – it means seeing them beyond their actions. So instead of being frustrated by their behaviour, or hurt by their actions, or offended by how they are, we’d save ourselves a lot of heartache by learning to love them where they’re at – happy, sad, upset, and even angry. Being hurt or offended by how they are will only cause more pain, misery, misunderstanding, and create distance.
We’re all a work in progress and are in desperate need of a daily transformation – to grow and live beyond our mistakes, hangups, and pain. We need each other to reach our full potential, see beyond the present, and discover how to love one another. When we feel genuine acceptance and compassion, true transformation begins to take work within us, and so with them. We need to envelop ourselves with love and then extend that grace to others, especially to those who are hurting, frustrated, angry, and lonely.
©2014 Susie Lee
Living your best will change from day to day. It doesn’t mean having it all together or being happy all the time – it means doing your best under the circumstances that you’re in. Here are some ways I remove stumbling blocks from living my best. By no means is this an exhaustive list but it’s a start…
What are some ways you live your best? I’d love to be inspired in hearing from you!
©2013 Susie Lee
Lately, I’ve had this thorn in my side… that’s been the struggle to love (or perhaps accept) someone who’s rude, mean, and selfish. It’s much easier to tolerate this behavior from a stranger but much harder from a person who’s close to you.
My first instincts are generally to avoid them – whether it’s seeing them or interacting with them. But realistically, I know I can’t avoid them forever. And I know deep down in my heart there’s a lesson to be learned. I’m learning that my worst enemies are, ironically, the best teachers – they teach me how to be patient, how to love unconditionally and how to practice forgiveness. It’s not easy but I’m learning to embrace these seemingly difficult people (and situations) in order to learn and embody love, kindness and compassion. This is what transforms lives and touches hearts, especially mine.
Every morning, I make a conscious decision to love because I know it’s the right thing to do. I make a conscious decision to forgive because I want to be set free. I make a conscious decision to have a positive attitude because I know everyone’s a work in progress, including me. I want to let go so I can move on – to love and live in freedom. Happiness isn’t a feeling but a daily choice. But you have to want it. I mean really want it. Choose love. One day at a time.
©2012 Susie Lee
I’m totally guilty of this. I’m so busy with ‘my life’; work, deadlines, plans, hopes and dreams. That I sometimes forget (or underestimate) to reach out to my parents in simple small ways I know would make their day – a phone call, a hug, a smile, a meal, a ride, a thank you note, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a unexpected visit. As they get older, I believe it’s the small acts of kindness that’ll touch their hearts rather than the once-in-a-while-big-events. My greatest hope is that my actions will always be motivated by love rather than by fear, expectations or guilt. In our parent’s season of change, may we honour them by expressing and showing how important they are to us today, and in the days to come.
©2012 Susie Lee
living your best 