Overcoming Obstacles to Happiness

Having high and often unrealistic expectations of yourself is a common human experience, and is something that can be difficult to overcome. Placing this level of expectation upon yourself is especially easily done when you are seeking genuine happiness and positivity.

Many of us know that there are certain things that are individual to each of us that help to keep our minds focused and our mood positive. This could be some type of exercise, a relaxing activity, treating yourself to your favourite food, listening to your favourite music, or simply taking some time alone. However, that doesn’t mean that every time that you engage in these acts that your mood is automatically going to improve or become more consistent.

The Journey to Happiness

It is important to remember that the journey to genuine happiness is a journey that you have to pay attention to often. It isn’t the kind of journey that has a final destination, but it is a journey that will inevitably have obstacles!

When you experience a moment of stress or other kind of negativity during your day, it can be easy to slip into a bad mood, and to forget any of the positivity that you were feeling beforehand. This disruption can be hard to overcome, especially if it is due to an ongoing and unresolved problem. It can also then become easy to feel guilt or anger towards yourself for letting one incident affect your mindset so much.

So, how can you work to keep the effects of negativity to a minimum whilst also not placing unrealistic expectations on yourself?

The key here is patience and forgiveness.

These are two things that we often find it easier to extend to others then we do to ourselves. But being patient with yourself, and showing yourself forgiveness, are both important steps on your personal journey to happiness.

Patience

Practicing patience is a a powerful way to overcome frustration and to preserve positivity. It is also a simple way to be kind to yourself.

Breathing through moments of stress, and giving yourself ample time to deal with any problems that arise during the day, can truly help you to understand the importance of being patient with yourself. When you start to put this into practice, you’ll soon notice how much better you feel during and after negative moments!

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is important because it helps you to let go of fears, worries, and anxieties related to your perceived past mistakes. Holding onto negativity of this kind serves no helpful purpose, but it can build up and become overwhelming over time.

Let Go of Expectations

When you invite patience and forgiveness to be a consistent part of your life, then you will naturally feel your inclination towards expectation fall away. You will begin to understand how doing your best in all situations is all that you can ask of yourself, and in turn you can spend more of your time and energy on things that serve you well.

Wellness for 2018

However you wish to move into the New Year, I believe it is super important to do so with kindness for yourself and those around you. Be sure to express gratitude to the people that you appreciate, and extend forgiveness to those who you believe to be in need of it. The New Year is a chance for a new start – both for you and everyone around you!

If you have seen my new wellness for women membership site – Truly Julie – then you will know that I am on a mission to inspire and motivate women to become healthier and happier – and I would love it if you would join me on this journey as we move into the New Year!