5 Tips for a Happy Year – with Happiness, Love and Peace

happiness love and peaceWhat is it that we all want for 2016? If we get down to basics – is it Happiness, Love, Peace – for ourselves, for others, for the world? Rather than tips on Goal setting and New Year’s resolutions, below are my 5 tips for a happy year bringing peace and love into the world:

 

Have Space – we live in a world full of technology, our phones are often by our sides 24/7 – not to speak with anyone, but to check emails / social media etc. We’re being sucked into these rectangular contraptions controlling us “Look at me now”. Rather than spend time watching the next cat perform a trick, or read a quote from a celebrity who probably didn’t say it in the first place – have some space and breathe.

Each day commit to having 10 minutes of me-time – sit or walk in silence….in meditation. Perhaps light a candle and watch the flames; shut your eyes and listen, really listen to the sounds around; relax by noticing the rhythm of your breathing and how it feels as the air draws in and out – just 10 minutes. Alternatively – each time you walk up / down the stairs – stop and take 3 deep breaths.

Benefits: reduces disease, worry and anxiety, blood pressure. Increases focus and memory retention, well-being, energy level, creativity…

“Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.” Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

 Be grateful –One of the many things I am grateful for is that my lovely husband gives me a cup of tea in bed each day. And while he is downstairs brewing the tea, I am lying in bed and use this time to be grateful for my life and the people who are part of my life. Sometimes I write this down and other times I sit and smile as I think of what I am grateful for. It’s a wonderful way to start the day.

Benefits: According to scientific studies from Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough, people who actively and consciously practice gratitude are happy, optimistic, generous and giving, achieve their goals and are healthier – even spending more time keeping fit! What are you grateful for? Remind yourself each day and reap the benefits.

“Appreciate the good so the good appreciates”. Tal Ben-Shahar

 Spot it? Got it! One of my key learnings over the last few years is “If you spot it – you’ve got it”. It took me a time to understand this principle. What this means is that what we notice in others – their behaviours / attitude – is a mirror of ourselves. What are we spotting in others? Their faults or their strengths? And what we spot – how is this true for ourselves? I have been known for get annoyed with my husband for criticising me when I am cooking – however how often am I critical of others? By changing my focus and being grateful for his advice changes the dynamics between us.

The world and our relationships are mirrors of us in many ways. They reflect back to us what we put out. If we want Happiness, love and peace in the world, then by being this and spotting this in others, we bring more into the world. During this week, notice what you are focussing on in others – and how is this true of you? And how are you showing up? What do people spot in you? If we spot the good in others and the beauty in the world… well– we’ve got it!!

Benefits: Understanding of others and self, improves self-esteem & relationships

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” Gandhi

 Response-ability Another tip for having a wonderful 2016 is to be responsible for our own lives. Do you say “X makes me Y” e.g. “She makes me feel annoyed”? Are you a puppet? Do we really want to rely on others to be in control of our own emotions? By taking responsibility (the ability to choose our response) then we take control of our own emotions…liberating.

And sometimes we can jeopardise ourselves. Just this morning I was feeling slightly anxious about a future event. I quickly stopped myself and laughed – I do think we can take ourselves far too seriously!! I realised that this way of being is not helpful for me. The event hasn’t even happened – we cannot see into the future – so we might as well imagine something useful for ourselves! I changed my way of thinking – I imagined the event going well and felt excited. It takes seconds!! By realising that we have full control over our own thoughts and feelings gives us more choice.

Benefits: gives us choice, control and freedom, reduces stress and increases self-esteem

“You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.” Jim Rohn

KISS – Apparently the US Navy created this acronym of “Keep it simple, stupid” way back in 1960 as a design principle. I like the principle – just not the stupid part.

So what’s the reason I have included this in my tips? I believe that we can make life far too complex Simplicity is key. Just before Christmas, my friend, Lindsay, came round and helped me de-clutter my study – it is now a joy to sit here and type this blog. I have space. For me I am focussing on what connects with my values and purpose – and part of this is to keep life simple.

By identifying what is important to you and eliminating everything else will simplify life. This includes letting go…of clutter both tangible and intangible. Let go of things on your to-do list that are not supporting your purpose. Let go of old grievances and forgive – you are only damaging yourself; let go of toxic relationships, let go of living in the past or future and enjoy the now .

Spend more time with people you love; spend time learning and doing things that bring a smile to you and others. And as Nike says “Just do it”…which means I am going to sign off here and spend some time with my son who is home from Uni.

Benefits: improves focus and reduces busyness, saves money and time, improves relationships, reduces stress, increases appreciation and joy

“Living simply makes loving simple.” Bell Hooks

Wishing you all a joyful 2016 with peace and love

Lindsey xxx


Lindsey Reed is an experienced NLP coach, trainer and pattern spotter! She enables her clients to be their best selves. If you would like to work with Lindsey, contact her either by email lindsey@glows-coaching.co.uk or call 01832 280168 for a chat to see if she is the right coach for you. And for those interested in NLP, Lindsey highly recommends www.sueknight.com where she runs programmes around the world.

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