I have spent most of my life trying to do just that, and it wasn’t until the last few years that I stepped back, started living according to my values, established healthy boundaries and pursued what I love.
And that is where I found fulfilment AND happiness.
If you’re feeling a little lost or are struggling, here are 8 ways to help you to become happier and live a more fulfilling life!
With a positive mindset, you’ll be able to focus, breathe, enjoy life AND handle any challenges that come your way with relative ease.
1. Surround yourself with people who lift you up
Be it friends, family, colleagues, your local community or your online tribe, spend time with people who lift you and make your heart sing!
If that means ending a friendship, walking away from gossip or abandoning Facebook, then so be it!
2. Laugh often
With proven benefits to both physical and mental health, including lowering blood pressure, improving cardiac health and reducing stress hormones, laughter is the best medicine, especially those moments of hilarity shared with the people closest to you.
Make a vow to yourself to laugh often and to treasure each and every moment. It will make a difference in your life and the lives of others.
3. If you’re not in love with your life, change it
If you aren’t in LOVE with what you’re doing, if you aren’t feeling fulfilled, or if you aren’t enjoying life, then it’s time to make a change.
And if you’re thinking, ‘It’s too late’, think again!
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen once you set your mind to it. I’m all for baby steps, so start small and take it from there. After all, every change begins with a decision and a single step in a new direction.
4. Own your age
Whatever age you are turning this year, own it.
Okay, it could be a bit of a challenge, but it’s one you should accept! Rock whatever age you are, laugh off any niggling fears and accept my permission to act and dress ‘young for your age’ (not that you need it!).
This year I turn 42, which is sitting kinda uncomfortably with me at the moment, but I’m not going to let this prevent me from living life to the full this year and having one hell of a birthday party!
5. Learn to say no
Learning to say no is a lot harder than it sounds. But it can be empowering once you get past the fear of saying no! The more you do it, the easier it will become, so much so that you will eventually be able to say no without having to justify it – and not feel guilty about it!
Want some tips on learning to say no? Read this.
6. Allow yourself downtime – regularly
You can’t and should not be expected to always be ‘on’.
There is such a thing as ‘me-time’, and it’s nothing to feel selfish about. Me-time is one of the most important things you can do to live a happier, more fulfilling life. By setting aside time for yourself, you give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and do something nice that serves you.
7. Go easy on yourself
Be kind to yourself this year. Now is the time to talk yourself up, nurture your mind and body, and most importantly, love yourself.
So go easy on yourself, stop comparing yourself to others and stop trying to change yourself. It’s time you show yourself some compassion and learn to accept and love yourself just as you are.
Here’s a guide to using positive affirmations – they might just help!
8. Create your own rules
To live a more fulfilling life, create a set of rules to live by which are aligned with your values and priorities.
This could include saying no, leaving work on time, disconnecting after hours and on weekends, not immediately responding to things unless urgent, putting family before work, taking breaks, not gossiping, only surrounding yourself with people who lift you, and more.
What rules can you put in place?
I’d love to hear about what you will try to live a more fulfilling life this year. Perhaps you have something to add to the list?
