#feetforward

It’s the perfect time of year to talk about happiness. There’s joy and laughter swirling in the air around Christmastime. Friendly faces and good cheer fill the lighted streets. We all crave happiness, and in today’s society, it’s almost expected that we will find it or work until we accomplish it.

Happiness is tied up in a few key things: money, friendship, our romantic partners, careers and our families. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking delight in these, Purity wants to dive deeper. Although relationships and possessions can bring a sense of security and sometimes even peace, they are not guaranteed. What do individuals experience when relationships fall apart, or when they lose a job? Life does not promise to be perfect – it actually seems to come equipped with many challenges.

Albeit cliche, happiness has to come from within to be of lasting value. When we truly accept ourselves for who we are as human beings, we experience a much greater sense of peace and security, aside from any relationship or possession. This freedom allows you to feel more confident, self-assured, and ultimately more ready to roll with the punches. When we get knocked down, it’s vital to remain positive and remember who you are.

Generating happiness inwardly can also come from living in the present moment. Most people have a past they’d like to relive, or that they’d like to forget. Dwelling on what once was - whether good or bad - causes individuals to remain stagnant in their current lives. When you look behind you, you are no longer looking forward. Where your face is turning, there your feet will also turn. I encourage you to live in the present and make the most of every situation you encounter. Be committed to the future, not to the past.