Create Happier Feelings in 3 Easy Steps

Several years ago, my nephew, Kevin, paid me the greatest compliment.  "Aunt Anne," he said, "You're the biggest kid I know!"  Those of you who have been following me for some time know I'm a big believer in having fun and laughing as much as possible ... no matter what.
 
Why is this? 
 
Because being happy is one of the highest vibrations you can use to create the Divine life you so greatly desire.  Really. 
 
When you're happy, you're smiling at the world.  And the world smiles back.  (And when it doesn't, frankly, who cares?  You're feeling so good, it just doesn't matter if someone ignores your smile.)
 
This means, then, that when you're smiling at the world, you are creating from a very different vibrational place.  You are creating from a place of awareness of your connection to the Divine, of your connection to others, and your connection to yourself.
 
Think of what happens when you see a cute kitten or a playful puppy, or maybe a toddler who is just enjoying life so much. These sights make you smile. That's how affected you are by what you see.  Even a picture of a baby animal or happy child can give you joy.
 
Ok, sometimes, frankly, the world doesn't look so great.  Sometimes, life pretty much stinks.  It's then that it's hard to get up and smile, because you feel pretty fake doing it.  Right?  (Here's a hint: do it anyway, to the best of your ability.)
 
So, how DO you get from not-so-great to great?  How do you get from upset and despair to joy?
 
Hmmm, well, that might just be too big a leap.  How about getting from upset and despair to relief - or softness?  To compassion - for yourself, and for someone else?  How about getting from upset and despair to simply relaxing ... and then leaving the joy for another time?
 
This is a process.  This is how you do it.  Heck, I don't really know anyone who can go from upset and despair to joy in one fell swoop.  Not really.  (Maybe a little kid, but even that's pushing it.)
 
So, let's talk about breaking it down into three easy steps, shall we?
 
Step 1 - Look for a feeling of relief.  Not a feeling of joy - again, that's too much to ask of yourself.  Just relief.  What are you feeling right now?  What will make you feel better?  Can you do it?  Are you willing to take the risk of giving yourself that gift? 
 
If you cannot give yourself the gift of relief by doing what you really want to do (e.g., quit your job), is there a way you can you feel better about what is happening right now so that you get at least some relief?  Can you find a different way of looking at the situation so that you feel better ... more powerful?  Are you willing to?
 
Step 2 - Give yourself what you CAN give yourself.  This doesn't mean go out and buy a designer outfit (if you're into that), and, as a result, not have enough money to your mortgage or your rent.  No, this means give yourself some sort of self-loving treat - a hot bath, an early night in bed, a new journal or book, a cup of tea, a great movie that lifts your spirits, a talk with a loved one, a swing on a swingset, a walk ... something that will shift your energy and lift your spirits.  Take care of yourself in a loving, sacred way.
 
Step 3 - Look for the good in the situation.  If you dislike your job, maybe you really like your hours, or you like your pay, or you like your co-workers. Maybe you like your physical surroundings.  Maybe you like the freedom you have, or the challenges you have doing your work. Write these down.  Focus upon them as much as possible.  Re-presence what you can celebrate in your life. Be happy about what you do have while you are going about creating what you really want.
 
And here are some suggestions on how you can apply these steps:
 
1. Determine how you can find relief.  Then do it.  Just do it.  Give yourself the gift of relief.

2.  Write up a list of things you can do to give to yourself: things that take care of you; things that make you feel better as a result of doing them.  Then do one or more items on that list.  Keep it handy, because you will need it when you get the "crankies".  In those moments, we often forget how to feel better and that we can feel better by gifting ourselves with loving self-care. 
 
3. Write up a list of what you do like about the challenge you are facing.  Focus upon this list - and only this list - to the best of your abilities.  This may not be so easy, by the way, but do it anyway.  Abraham (of Abraham-Hicks) says we are "sloppy thinkers".  This is a very good example of just how sloppily we think.  The more you focus on what you like, the more what you don't like disappears.  More of what you don't like doesn't even show up in your experience!  And that is a very good reason to practice this way of thinking, let me tell you!
 
Now, figure out a way to play today and Have Fun!