Connections Are Key

Do you want to know one of the best secrets to true happiness? It’s probably not what you think. One of the greatest ways to have a happy life is to create connections with others.

Does this sound too easy? Too hard? The truth is, relationships can be challenging, but they also bring the greatest rewards we can imagine.

Connections with People

Think about the people in your life with whom you have connections. You look forward to seeing them. They give your life some unpredictability. Something to look forward to. You never know exactly what they’ll say or do.

A chat with a friend or peer can provide an opportunity to celebrate your successes or share a disappointment and gain some perspective and get some advice.

“A joy that’s shared is a joy made double” – Proverb

Connections with Nature

In addition to connecting with people, forging a connection with the world gives us the opportunity to step away from the chaos and appreciate the greatness around us. Spend time outside, listening to the sounds of nature. You’ll find just doing this alleviates some feelings of anxiety and stress.

Take a walk and enjoy the trees, flowers, and birds around you. Allow yourself a few moments to marvel at how intricate and beautiful nature really is. Focus on that feeling of gratitude.

Feel happier? Great!

Take Happiness with You

Take that positive experience with you through the rest of your day. Smile when you greet other people. Ask other people how they’re doing, and mean it. Giving your attention forges connections with people and spreads happiness. They’ll feel happier, and so will you.

This kind of connected life will take the focus away from your complaints. Instead of noticing all the things that don’t go the way you want, you’ll begin to notice the things that you’re grateful for. People want to spend more time with someone who makes them feel good. When you are a person full of gratitude and positive energy, that makes people want to spend more time with you.

Create Authentic Connections

This doesn’t mean you can’t vent to or confide in others. You don’t have to pretend to be happy when you aren’t. People feel close to someone who shares an authentic self. If you’re unhappy, and need to talk about something, seek out a trusted friend and open up to them.

It may prove to be an opportunity for you both to bond and explore solutions and paves the way for new, happier experiences to come.

In my book, 21 Days to Happiness, I talk about how important connections to others are for happiness and how to nurture those relationships. Find out more in Day 19 of my book, Relationships: Better than Money in the Bank.

About the Author: Ingrid KELADA, Monthly Mentor, is an experienced psychologist, speaker and happiness expert. As a speaker, she has facilitated over 1000 workshops around the world. People find her to be pragmatic, inspiring and funny! With over 25 years experience, Ingrid offers her expertise to a wide range of clients. She is bilingual and a member of the professional association of Psychologists of Quebec, Canada. Ingrid is also the Author of 21 Days to Happiness. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated or just want to increase your happiness, Ingrid teaches you how to be happier in just 10 minutes per day. Read More…

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