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Reflections on happiness

What you will get:Some reflections on happiness

 

True happiness does not come in a box…

 

Or a parcel.
Or, for that matter, any material thing.

 

Yes, it feels good for a moment to get the new iPhone.
To buy the new shoes.
To order 5 more things you don’t really need online.

 

Problem is…

 

That kind of “dopamine rush” happiness goes as quickly as it comes.

 

It’s a quick fix.
It’s a momentary buzz.
And it’s addictive.

 

Your brain soon learns…

 

…to crave that “fix” again and again.

 

Why wouldn’t it?

 

It’s quick.
It’s easy.
And as soon as it fades away, it leaves a craving for more.

 

More things.
More money.
More addictive dopamine rushes.

 

Now I don’t pretend…

 

…to know all the answers about what is true happiness for you.

 

Only you can figure that one out.

 

But what I can tell you…

 

If you want more serotonin and oxytocin in your body – hormones that produce more lasting and fulfilling feelings of happiness, then research tells us that the following things will work for you…

 

Acts of kindness and altruism – giving to others without expecting anything back.

 

Sharing experiences with those you love and care for.

 

Connecting more closely with your loved ones and reminding them how much you love them.

 

Feeling a sense of purpose and meaning in what you do.

 

Feeling part of a community where you belong and are accepted for who you are.

 

And what’s more…

 

Remembering that happiness should not be something you can work hard to achieve tomorrow.

 

It is something you can achieve today in those mindful moments of sharing and giving.

 

I’m off to reflect on how to get more sustainable feelings of happiness in my life.

 

How about you?

 

To your fulfilment.

 

Steve

 

Steve Neale
“Creator of the Limbic Performance System for Outstanding Leadership”

 

Psychologist, Executive Coach, EI Practitioner, Award Winning Trainer, International Author, Psychodynamic Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Mindfulness Instructor, International Speaker, Creator of the LPS, Creator of the Accredited Masters in High Performance Leadership

 

www.stevenealeinternational.com

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