The Misconception of Finding "Happiness"

This week I started May Cause Miracles, a '6-week Kick-Start to Unlimited Happiness' by Gabrielle Bernstein, for the third time. I love this book and always commit to the six week course again when I feel that I am in need of an uplift.

I understand that the tools and practices Gabby provides in this book are not just something that you do for six weeks and then forget about. They're a kick-start to a happier life, and something, that when practiced regularly really do create incredible changes. However, when it comes to reading self-help books that claim to increase your happiness, health, wealth etc. many people think that it is something that will happen overnight. They think that they'll read the book and their life will magically be full of happiness, love, and abundance, and that'll be it.

But I've realized this really isn't the case.

All of these things require major commitment. A commitment to choosing love over fear. A commitment to ourselves. To be constantly wary of where our ego is showing up in our lives and acting accordingly. It requires a deep understanding and love for ourselves and others, and is a constant growth process.

We never really become masters at anything. There is always something to know, something or someone to learn from, and something to help us grow. Even the most enlightened beings on our earth will experience "off" days, and feelings of "disconnectedness" where their ego is running the show. It's okay.

As Gabrielle Bernstein says, it's all about going from a place of living in the darkness with fleeting
moments of light... to living in the light, with fleeting moments of darkness.

It really isn't about always being positive and always feeling great, never getting upset or angry. This perception of happiness is totally unrealistic and is, unfortunately something I feel that a lot of people are striving for.

True happiness and joy comes from within.

It simply cannot be found in anything external of our own being.

True happiness comes from making a commitment to ourselves to choose love on a daily basis. Even in the darkest of situations, to actively choose love over the ego's false perceptions, and to live in a state of pure joy. It really isn't as simple as picking up a self-help book one day, feeling different and happier, and then forgetting all the positive practices that you read about, and not maintaining or working to expand on the changes.

Find a sense of joy and peace in the present moment. Be at ease with yourself and where you are right now, and make positive, active choices for your future. Feel gratitude for all that you have, and for being alive. Take care of your mind, body and soul. Choose to do more things that make you happy. Laugh, travel, read, take bubble baths, make time for yoga, paint, listen to music, visit friends and family. Do more of whatever it is that you love, and don't waste any time doing anything that doesn't ignite feelings of passion, excitement and joy within you.

If you're wondering what exactly I mean when I mention the "ego", here is a link to a post that explains it in detail: http://www.pathwaytohappiness.com/happiness/2013/02/26/what-is-the-ego/ or you can simply research some of Gabrielle Bernstein or Wayne Dyer's work around it. 

What is it that makes you happiest? What do you do on a daily basis to keep yourself in a place of love rather than fear? I'd love to hear. Feel free to share in the comments below! 

Have a beautiful week. 

B xo