Happiness. It means something different to each of us. Sure, happiness can be defined as a mental state—a feeling of positive and pleasant emotions that range from quiet contentment to pure joy. But the truth is that happiness is not just a state to which you can travel and then reside—happily ever after. It is a journey and a practice.
Happiness takes effort. Not necessarily “work” exactly, but effort. We have to do the things that make us happy. To make really hard choices to live the life that makes us happy. We have to be willing to get it wrong, take our licks, get back up and keep working at it. We have to cultivate habits that make us happy and forgive ourselves when we screw up. We have to be very careful about the people with whom we share our heart and how we spend our precious time.
Happiness is not a mysterious place inhabited only by a lucky few. It is not a prize that can be bought with more money or skinnier thighs. It is the result of a recognition that you have the power to choose to be happier than you are right now, the decision that you are going to make that choice and a commitment to doing the work every day to travel that road.
There's a lot that goes into our happiness, some of which goes as deep as our DNA. Yep, genetics play a role and so does our history and our circumstances, all of which can require us to work just a bit harder. But, the good news is that, if you put in the work, you can find brighter days.
Yep, we need to hunt for happiness. Look for it. Dig for it. Work for it. We need to do the things that will bring us joy perhaps not in the short term, but over time, even when we don’t feel like it. Especially when we don’t feel like it. Because, as Joyce often says, “when you need it most, you often feel like it the least.”
This month, we are going to go on a hunt to find the happiness we desire. This month, we are going to be Happiness Hunters, together.
Many women struggle with the motivation to get healthy, but it doesn't have to be hard. Join thousands of women who are crushing their goals with 99 Walks, a fun and motivational walking challenge for women. Set your goal, walk your miles and earn an inspirational bracelet.
You'll find all the tools you need to be successful, including a tracking app with an extensive library of walking classes, daily inspiration and a supportive community to keep you going.
Take your first step towards health and happiness, all through the simple act of walking. Start today with two weeks free.