As a self-proclaimed optimist, I get asked if I am always happy.  And of course the answer is N-O! But, what I have been good at is seeing the silver lining when things really suck and not denying myself the time to be in the emotions I’m feeling - not brushing them under the rug. And this is how.     

Transcript:

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat and if you are a person like me who is very optimistic and who always sees things as glass half full, you may be asked, like I am - how are you “always” happy?   Can you always be happy?  How can I have some of what you have?  How does everything always work out for you? 

You might think it’s toxic to say everything is great, just tell us it’s not going well.   I found a hack that’s helped me in a podcast episode interview with Susie Moore and I wanted to share it with you.  

If you are feeling like there is something wrong, that you are in your feelings, instead of trying to ignore them, shine a spotlight on them and instead of asking yourself “what’s wrong” and going down the laundry list of all the things that’s wrong with this situation, ask yourself “what’s missing here”?   This re-frames the issue and allows us to take some action and choice in our outcome.  What’s changeable and what isn’t?  What are the changeable things we can focus on.  When we have options, we feel so much better.  What are the changeable options? What is available to me? 

If we deny what’s wrong and try to tell ourselves “be happy” - that won’t help.  We can tell ourselves that all day, but we’re too smart for that.  It won’t work.  But if we can see the changeable options, we can address the discomfort and choose options that bring us closer to the happiness we’re after. 

Inspired by this podcast with Susie Moore. 

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