What we can do is learn how to ride out the storm, how to cope with rough waters without allowing ourselves to become unhappy. This is an absolutely achievable goal when we have our heads in the right place and when we are prepared to deal with life how it is rather than how we hope it would be. 

The last sentence sums up a big reason why unhappiness can be generated within us. Generally if life is playing out how we hope it will be then we will feel happy. However if life is not how we want it to be then we will feel unhappy. Learning how to be happy with life even when it is going against what we want is a major weapon in our happiness armoury. It is similar to accepting failure as a step towards success. Sometimes we just have to accept that life is not plain sailing and that we will have to brave some storms to see the sunny days ahead.

     

Let's go over some strategies on how best to accept life's ups and downs and still be happy!

     

     

Whenever you feel like things are going to overwhelm you, making a point to remember that "this very thing, like all things will pass" can be your life jacket. And it's true.

     

Think back to when you have faced adversity it the past and successfully overcame it. We've all been in a situation that seemed hopeless and appearing like it would never end, but it did. It's all about having the inner fortitude to carry on, and carry on with a smile. This approach could even make you an inspiration for others close to you! We're all examples for our loved ones when the chips are down. 

A powerful thing to remember in these overwhelming times is that whatever you can still do to improve the situation is still worth trying. It may not work but what if it does? And if it doesn’t work at least you may learn something which could help you do better in the future. 

     

     

Defeatist talk, body language and thoughts can be the worst enemy of your happiness. You can literally snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat by making the choice to control these factors and make them work for you rather than against you. Keeping your chin up, your shoulders back and a smile on your face can "trick" your subconscious into being happy. When you are feeling more positive you will have more mental and physical resources available to allow you to get out of the tough spot you find yourself in. 

This mindset is imperative in creating huge turnarounds when things are going against us. Without being able to control these thoughts and our actions we would not be able to snatch these miraculous victories when they appear impossible. These things happen regularly in sport when a team or individual play at 100% until the game is over, even when they are losing with little to no hope of victory. However shocking last minute victories have been seen again and again, only made possible by the mindset and positivity that that is brought on by ‘keeping your chin up’. 

Athletes know this secret. Now you do too!

     

     

On the flip side when things are going your way, make sure you enjoy it. Being in the "flow" is the time when many of us get our most productive work done in business and in our personal lives. Being in “flow” can most commonly be seen in sport as it is a physical flow. For example a professional football player in flow will be able to pull off unthinkable moves when carving through a defense and scoring a mind blowing goal. The player will not have thought much about what he was doing, he is just simply in flow. He is in such a positive state of mind that all his subconscious can see is opportunities to move forward towards his goal. His mind will no longer worry or dwell on obstacles such as defensive players closing in on him or the goalkeeper positioning himself to make the save. Instead, due to this super positive “flow” state, the player will almost effortlessly do the right things at the right time and without even thinking. This can also be seen in extreme sports such as freestyle skateboarding or skiing where the athlete is potentially putting themselves in very real danger while performing near impossible tricks that appear to defy the laws of gravity. 

This forward momentum can also help carry us through when things don't go quite so smoothly. So celebrate life's ups when they are on you - charge your happiness batteries for a rainy day!

     

     

Living is a verb, something you are doing. It is like playing music or dancing. If the point of the music was to get to the end of the song then a masterpiece would be one final crescendo and the music would last only seconds. Likewise, when dancing the point is not to end the dance at a certain place on the dance floor, it is a piece of art that is acted out and can move around and occupy a whole stage throughout the time it is being performed. The point of life is not to get somewhere or to be someone as fast as you can. I strongly believe that the point of life is to enjoy your journey, no matter what chapter you are in. Even if you are in a dark chapter of your life understand that it is not the end and your journey will continue. However, unlike a story within a book, your journey is not already written. Time does not stand still and you will keep moving on your journey, living your life, and you will affect it with your thoughts and actions. This is why it is so important to try and remain positive so you can make your journey as happy as you can.

Don't think you're stuck when things are down. You aren't. You always have the power to move things in the direction you need them if you keep a positive attitude and your head in the game. Don't be afraid to make plans for when things look up, or to be creative in your choices to try to get yourself out of the situation when things are down. Life is a journey NOT a destination.

     

Now you should be ready to maintain your drive towards happiness whether things are up or down. Get ready to put these ideas into action! 

Please take the time to look through the rest of the content on this site for more ideas which can help you in your journey to achieve greater happiness.

Alternatively you can get in touch with me and see how I can help you personally and get you results fast like I have done with all my other clients.

I wish you all the happiness you can possibly get! Take care of yourself!