If only we stopped trying so hard to be happy...

“If only we stopped trying so hard to be happy, we could have a pretty good time”

    - Edith Wharton

I think that this quote speaks for itself. There are so many people, myself included, that spend so long searching for happiness that we miss the little things that happiness comprises of. 

We are taught through the media that we need a big house, nice car, and fancy clothes in order to be happy, therefore, we all try to get big, important jobs in order to pay for these things. 

But how many people are truly happy once they get there? If I had that much money and that many material things, I would be looking over my shoulder, worrying that someone was going to try to nick it!

How many of you stop to enjoy the sun on your face, or the feeling of gravel crunching beneath your shoes? 

Little things can build up to a lifetime of happiness. Appreciate life as it goes by, or you may miss it altogether. 

We were all meant to shine, as children do

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. You playing small does not serve the world, there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that others won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It is not just in you, it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

      - Marianne Williamson

This quote has been my favourite quote since I saw it in Coach Carter years ago. I put on the film one evening, not knowing that it would forever change my mindset. Shrinking so that others wouldn't feel insecure was my default, but no longer. 

As you go about your day, remember that outwardly being as bright and happy as you feel on the inside can inspire other people to do the same. Remember that a smile is more contagious that a frown; that a one second smile in a strangers direction can change their mood for hours afterwards. 

Playing big and reaching for the stars is just the kind of infection that we all need at this time of year!