Take charge of your happiness

It’s a process that takes time but is worth it in the end

by Kimberly Whitfield

I believe in order to live a happy life we need to be in charge of ourselves. More specifically, not looking to others to satisfy voids within us. Building a happier life is an ongoing process that takes time. I’m definitely still growing and have found the following essentials very helpful over the years:

Love your now

Accept where you are today and continue to move forward. Each day be grateful for what you have and don’t beat yourself up for what you’re lacking. Create a shortlist of two to three goals that you can take time to focus on at your leisure.

Forget (and heal) the past

Life can at times feel like an emotional roller coaster especially when it comes to relationships. In order to grow within certain areas of your life, believe in the process of moving on. I encourage you to trade feelings of dwelling on the past with forgiving and forgetting.

Embrace balance

It’s ok to say “no!” In fact, it allows us to embrace balance and not overextend ourselves. Don’t let controlling personalities or behaviors bully you into meeting their needs and deadlines. Remember, your well-being is important so only commit your time and energy to what you can handle. So what are you waiting for? Stop being a people pleaser!

Don’t worry

Worrying is bad for our overall health and oftentimes, during stressful situations, we predict the worst will happen. My experiences in life have proven that it’s best to take a deep breath and switch the worry channel to a positive station!

Peace of mind

Having peace of mind can allow one to accept things as they are even when they don’t meet our liking. For me, having peace of mind empowers me to feel comfortable and confident in my own space and ignites an inner peace. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process that can take a number of years. I believe personal life challenges and time allow one to grow wiser and gain strength and understanding. Start the process this week by taking time out, perhaps two to five minutes, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and relax.

Kimberly Whitfield is the owner of Kimberly Inspiring Beauty in Strength, a fitness instructor at Michigan State University and Trinity A.M.E. Church; a bodybuilder, and a public speaker. Visit her on the web at kwinspires.com for a list of her classes.