Self love expert and wellness guru Ange Simson of The Gratitude Project shares the 9 habits she’s abided by over the years that have had a huge impact on her day to day happiness.
By Ange Simson
Did you know that you can teach yourself to be happy and positive?
Yep.
My life is not that much different to what it was, the only major change is that I’m more aware of my thoughts and how they shape my perception of the world.
Through this awareness and action, I’ve built a business I loved, improved my relationships all around me and learnt to love every single part of myself, inside and out!
But on the outside, life LOOKS pretty much the same. It just feels so much better!
I wanted to share with you nine habits that I’ve cultivated over the last few years which has had a HUGE impact on my day to day happiness.
The best part, they’re so easy to bring into your own life and make such a massive difference to how you feel.
“WHEN YOU’RE KIND TO OTHER PEOPLE, YOUR BRAIN PRODUCES HORMONES THAT ACTUALLY MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD.”
1. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT AND KINDNESS
This doesn’t just make you feel good, but the ripple effect spreads more than you’ll know. When you’re kind to other people, your brain produces hormones that actually make you feel good. Even if you don’t feel each and every person deserves your kindness and attention, they do. Remember that.
2. FORGIVE FORGIVE FORGIVE
Even when you feel it’s not warranted, forgiveness is something that will release you from hurt and anger. Holding onto a grudge makes you feel lousy, not the other person. Don’t drink the poison and expect the other person to die, free yourself with forgiveness.
3. EXPRESS GRATITUDE
This goes without saying, if you’re on this page, you know my love for gratitude. But don’t keep it in, express it all through the day. To yourself, to other people, use social media to share your happiness with others. Make it an unbreakable habit to be grateful all the time.
4. HAVE DREAMS AND WORK TOWARDS THEM
My friend Revie Jane has a great work moto: Dream Big, Chase Hard. I have personally found that having my business and having a dream to work towards makes me a happier person. My dream is huge, I want worldwide impact, but I chase that hard and I don’t let the gravity of the size bring me down, it lifts me up. Find your dream, chase it!
5. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
If someone said something that’s bothering you, you have two choices. You can address it and move on or you can dwell, water that plant in your mind and let it grow into something bigger than it is. Look at things in the grand scheme of life and don’t let little irritants ruin your day.
6. COMPLIMENT PEOPLE
But never compare yourself. It’s so easy to compliment someone and end it with a dig at yourself, but where does that leave you? In Jealousy Land hanging out on Loser Lane. Just because someone is smart, kind, gorgeous or blessed doesn’t mean you are any less of those things. Compliment people as often as possible and do the same for yourself.
7. BE AROUND HAPPY PEOPLE
We all have people in our lives that we see and feel instantly uplifted. Spend more time with them, let them know you appreciate them, give them your energy. Just as misery loves company, positivity grows from it also.
8. ONLY SEEK APPROVAL FROM YOURSELF
If you’re worried about judgement from someone, take a step back and ask yourself why you’re so worried? Is the person someone that you aspire to be more like? Do they eat well, live a positive life and care for others? Or are you afraid to let your friend know you’re going gluten free because she might laugh at you and force feed you pizza? Only seek approval from YOU and worry about being judged from the perspective of someone you admire. Not people who are living a life you don’t want to live.
9. LISTEN
When we’re in a deep conversation with someone, the thought isn’t usually towards what the person is saying, it’s about what we’re going to say next. Listening is an art that has been lost. If you’re with someone who needs to talk, listen. Don’t give your opinion unless it’s asked for and just be there for them.
So if you’re struggling with your relationships, feeling fulfilled or simply being happy – try the above and turn them into habits. Become aware of the way you’re acting towards others but most importantly – yourself!
Sign up to our newsletter for weekly mama goodness delivered straight to your inbox, like the VIP that you are.
