Happiness Is a State of Mind No Matter What

Happiness is a state of mind not a set of circumstances. It is the natural feeling that is present in a healthy psychologically functioning person. Inner happiness is something inside every one of us and we have access to it 24/7. The implications of this are rather profound because it means that you can be happy no matter what.

Did you know that there is actually a book of that title? "You Can Be Happy No Matter What" by Richard Carlson, is one of my favorite reads. (Carlson also wrote the best seller "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.") He says that when you let your mind relax and focus on the present moment, you have the opportunity of experiencing your own innate inner happiness.

That means not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. What makes us dwell on the past or worry about the future? Mostly it's because the mind has a tendency to not stay put. It goes all over the place. Sometimes you have to deliberately slow it down so it can focus on the present.

When we think about something in the past that upset or hurt us, we can slip into the unhappiness state almost unconsciously. We try to figure out what happened, or why it happened and that usually doesn't serve us. It may be OK to go over it once and discover what can be learned, but then you have to move on. The past is over and there's nothing you can do to change it.

The same goes for the future. It's one thing to excitedly plan and anticipate an event, or even to spend a little time going over what could go wrong so you are prepared with "Plan B." But to spend time thinking of elaborate scenarios and how to overcome them is just a waste of time. Your time is valuable and you could (and should) be spending it enjoying your life.

You really can be happy no matter what is happening in your world. This concept is exactly what the teachers and coaches of the Law of Attraction are suggesting. By spending your time enjoying your inner happiness, you will actually attract more things that make you happy. While thinking about things that make you unhappy attracts more of the same.

So instead of lamenting the past or dreading the future, spend your time enjoying your life right now as it is.