The Dolce Vita Lifestyle

Time after time I hear people chant: “I just want to be happy!”  But it never dawns on them to define what happiness looks like to them, nor to plot out how to attain it as they would any other personal goal. Well happiness too, can become a reality, if given a straight-forward plan  and a willingness to invest the effort it takes to achieve it. 

Think about how  it: Whenever you’ve purchased a big-ticket item, you planned out how much money you would need to put aside,  how long it would take for you to save that much,  where you would go to comparison-shop to get the best deal, and so forth.   Even if you never actually wrote out a detailed  plan, on some level the process was created and reviewed in your mind.  Same thing if you wanted to lose weight to get in better  physical shape, or  find someone to date, or go on vacation. We plan almost everything major thing we want to have, do, or achieve in life , except for what we say we want most—happiness.  

A happiness plan serves as a commitment, an official declaration, a promise to yourself, to make your life rich and full  by design. The plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  It doesn’t have to be a master’s degree thesis; in fact, it doesn’t even have to be written out, although I would recommend that you do so.   Just start simple. List the things that make you feel good: Walking the dog through the woods on a fall afternoon. Going on a date night with your sweetheart. Having a few laughs with your best friend.  A picnic at the park with your grandchildren. Listening to your favorite music. A  special bakery confection with your afternoon cup of tea. 

Your list could be endless. You don’t have to write it out all at once; just add a new item to it whenever you catch yourself feeling happy. 

A formal happiness plan-in addition to helping you live “with purpose”– also serves as a symbol that you have made happiness your priority.  No nonsense; that is what it takes to change the thoughts and behaviors that you want to change, in order be more content with each day you are gifted.

All you have to do is think of the many happy moments you have enjoyed throughout the years.  Think of all things past and present that brought (or bring) you satisfaction, joy, contentment, or pleasure. It’s not rocket science. When we revisit or reenact the circumstances that we know have made us happy, we enjoy more happiness. Think about how your life would change if you purposely re-engage with one or two of these happy thoughts , experiences, or actions each day. You will be surprised to discover how much  control you can have over your own mood and emotions.