In this solo episode, Katie reflects on happiness and how it is a choice. Katie discusses the importance of being intentional about happiness and shares practical strategies on how you can practice being intentional with your own happiness.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Often we think that happiness just happiness just happiness just happens or it occurs based on our circumstances. After reflecting on the above scripture Katie shares some thoughts around happiness and how we can be intentional on how to increase our happiness despite what circumstances we may be experiencing.

1. The world says that happiness is when everything is going well- choose to be happy with whatever you are going through
2. We all have circumstances that we would like to wish away or we say to ourselves " when this gets better then I will be happy" Your happiness cannot depend on circumstances- if it does, then you are not in control of your life. You decide your happiness or unhappiness- you decide how you show up in life- don't give that power to your circumstances or to other people.
3. Practice gratitude: there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for.
4. Serve others/volunteer! I've found that when going through difficult times, choosing to serve others always lifts me up! It helps me to realize all the things I take for granted or have to be grateful for
5. Resilience: learning to stand in the midst of your circumstances and persevere. Stand and keep showing up (even if it's all you can do) keep doing it, it builds resilience
6. Faith: relying on someone bigger than yourself. Surrendering the things that you cannot control to God
7. Movement: creating a routine where movement is part of your daily life. When you move you feel better physically and when you feel better physically, it helps improve your mental health and mood.
8. Nature- get outside! Being out in nature has tremendous health and wellness benefits! An article by the Canadian Psychology Association, showcases various studies that show up how natural experiences can enhance our well being, which in turn help us to cope with normal stressors and maintaining a positive outlook (Ibrahim, Y., Johnson, S., 2024).
9. Only 1-10 minutes outside can help boost your attention, reduce feelings of stress and improve your mood (Ibrahim, Y., Johnson, S., 2024).
10. Get outside, walk around the block, go for a 5 or 10 minute walk on your lunch break

This week, be intentional about how you show up for yourself and those around you! Choose happiness, surrender the things you cannot control- SMILE.

Article referred to in the episode:

(Ibrahim, Y., Johnson, S., 2024). Psychology Works Fact Sheet: Benefits of Nature Exposure. (Ibrahim, Y., Johnson, S., 2024). ; Posted on April 15, 2024. https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-benefits-of-nature-exposure/#:~:text=Self%2Dregulation%3A%20Nature%20helps%20us,et%20al.%2C%202020).

How to get in touch with Katie:

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Email: [email protected]