Christopher Paul Garner has such an exceptional life story that it was depicted in the tear-jerking 2006 adaptation, “The PURSUIT of happiness.”  A movie though well over 10 years old, is one of the most inspirational movies of all time! 

In it, Will Smith play’s Christopher and as he acts out his emotional true-life rags to riches story, he narrates the events that led to his happiness using the kind of motivational quotes that if you allow them, could change your life.  Something to be expected with a movie title that suggests that happiness requires that you pursue it. 

One such quote is,

If by now you haven’t grasped the concept behind IN10TIONALITY, in a nutshell, it’s about intentionally creating the kind of life you want to live. Happiness is a part of being IN10TIONAL about the health of your soul. Happiness is a state of being we CHOOSE for ourselves.

The sad brutal truth, however, is that a vast number of individuals aren’t happy because they waiting for an event like a birthday, a wedding, the perfect relationship, or the perfect setting to experience happiness. 

William Wallace a freedom fighter from Scotland said,

“Every Man Dies, Not Every Man Really Lives”

Allow that to sink in and when it does ask yourself whether you’re truly living.  One aspect of living is being happy no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in. 

So, what is happiness and how can we be happy in the peaks and valleys of our lives?

H – Healthy living is key

We are at our most optimum when we live a healthy life.  Developing a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean that we can finally fit into that old pair of jeans again nor look a certain way.  Healthy living is a combination of eating healthily, exercising, and thinking positively ensuring that your body and mind are in a healthy enough state to take you to the destiny you see ourselves in.

A – Appreciate the little things in life

Develop an attitude of gratitude and be IN10TIONAL about it.  When you wake up in the morning develop a routine that includes being grateful.  Be appreciative and make it a part of who you are, with the mindfulness. that there is always someone with less than you.  Write it down and vocalize how grateful you are. 

DON’T WAIT TO FEEL GRATEFUL, BE GRATEFUL!

P – Live a life of purpose

Find out the reason you’re alive and live that out with passion.  We are all apart of a bigger picture and we should see the part we play as an integral part that allows everything to function like a well-oiled machine.  There is a difference between a job and a purpose and a select few are blessed enough to earn an income off of their purpose.  For those who don’t, it’s possible with IN10TIONAL time-management to have a job while fulfilling your purpose.

P – Personal relationships matter – Invest in them 

Just like you value your financial future so much so that you’re willing to invest in it, you should be able to value your personal relationships enough to invest your time and energy into them.  The quality of your relationships will either deteriorate or improve based on the level of investment you’re willing to make towards them.  The investment would mean saying no to social media in order actually listen to them when they speak or taking them out for a meal and being present in the moment.

I – Be intentional with whom you spend time with and what you spend time on

In the article, Intent for your relationships there are guidelines set out for you so that you can choose the right kind of people to invest your time and energy into.  Time is the asset you can’t get more of.  Use it wisely and spend it with people who educate, believe in, and invest in you.  Do what brings you happiness and do less of what saps your positivity.

N – Never compromise on something that hurts your soul

I challenge you to become so self-aware that you’re able to identify what brings you peace, security, and happiness, but also what comes to alter your state of being in a negative way.  This would mean thinking about what you’re thinking about.  If you started your day off right with an attitude of gratitude but somewhere along the way something stole your happiness, consciously acknowledge it, and forcefully regain your control.  It takes a great amount of effort having a satisfied soul, doesn’t allow the trivialness of life and or others to cheapen your efforts.

E – Every moment counts, be expectant for wonderful things to happen

Seize the day and make each moment count!  There are 24 hours of each day and with a third spent sleeping and another third working. We have to be expectant for great and wonderful to happen.  Expectancy is a law of faith that causes what you expect to look for you.

S – Smile as much as you can

Smiling doesn’t only release dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin that make you feel good, but it is also contagious allowing you to share your happiness. So, smile on the outside, because there’s no such a thing as an inward smile. ?

S – Save! Save! Save!

Having a budget and being financially independent enough to save makes you responsible, in turn making you not only more confident, but happier too.  According to the 50/30/20 rule, a concept popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren, you should aim to save at least 20% of your salary. If that’s near impossible, then open a savings account and create a stop order that puts some money away for a rainy day.

So, before you’re tempted to allow life to dictate to you how your emotions should be, remember that happiness is a state of being we CHOOSE for ourselves. It is time to be in charge of your own happiness again!