The Platinum Rules of Happiness

I’m not a huge fan of “gold”, but platinum on the other hand…I love. (And, platinum records outsold the gold).

I’m sure there are loads of posts out there about happiness, as there should be! It’s a hugely important aspect of life 🙂

Of course, we will always have our ups and downs but I wanted my first article of 2019 to focus on something incredibly positive; hence, happiness!

I’ve found that if I stick to certain “rules” concerning life, I am MUCH happier overall. But, YES, it can be difficult to stick with the “rules”, and going off-path is quite easy, (especially during tough times and set-backs).

Happiness is platinum – and here are some rules to work at to be happy 🙂

Stop playing the “Comparison Game”, you’ll never win.

I talk a lot about what I call “the comparison game.” It’s a game I’ve played and it can lead to such negative feelings! Pesky feelings of anger and envy can be a real bitch – seriously!

You’re life isn’t going to be like anyone else’s! We all live with advantages and disadvantages that others don’t. I attribute “the comparison game” enormously to social media. We see pictures of people “living their best life” – or, so it seems.

Once you put your FULL FOCUS on your own life and self – you’ll not only be happier, you’ll be a whole hell of a lot more productive!

Try your best to stop playing this game. As I said, you’ll never win.

Let go of any ideas of “perfection”

Sometimes we get this idealized picture in our minds about what the “perfect life” or even the “perfect day” look like. Nothing is perfect and it never will be. Striving for perfection will lead you to a lot of let downs and even more frustration.

You’re never going to have the “perfect” day. However, you CAN have the “perfect” day for YOU. Let go of others’ ideas of perfection and focus on your own ideas of “incredible.”

Self-Care is ESSENTIAL.

Taking care of ourselves is SO freaking important. It can be easy to get caught up in doing so much for others that we neglect ourselves. YES, it’s awesome to be able to do things for others but you must take care of yourself!

Keep “Leveling up”

Leveling up can mean different things to all of us. The point is to always keep bettering yourself. Consistently achieving goals, learning new things and hitting a successful milestone will bring you A LOT of happiness.

Focus on always improving yourself. 

Self-Acceptance

Okay, so this is a tough one but it’s very important when it comes to staying happy. Can all of us always get better and BE better? Absolutely. Yet, you have to accept that YOU ARE YOU. All of us have flaws and there are some flaws that simply can’t be “erased.” It’s part of what makes us individuals.

For instance, I’m pretty weird. I’ve accepted that. Even if I try, that “weirdness” will always basically be there and I’ve finally accepted that. You know what? I’m so much happier!

Self-acceptance goes hand-in-hand with self-love. BOTH are key to being happy.

Forgiving & Being Thankful

I used to have a really hard time with grudges and sometimes, I still do. Being hurt is often nearly impossible to forgive but it’s better for us. Forgive past transgressions and focus on what you’re grateful for in your life.

Often times, making gratitude lists will vastly improve your overall happiness. It will help you focus on what you DO have rather than obsessing on what you don’t.

Laugh often, even at yourself.

I do some pretty hilarious shit when I’m alone, (and sometimes in public too). When I was blow-drying my hair the other day, I heard something downstairs, (likely the postal worker putting a package between my screen and door), but it FREAKED me out! I ended up turning off the hair dryer and yelling, “If someone’s in here, I’ll mess you up!”

After I found the package when I opened the door – I laughed my ass off at myself. (I watch a lot of IDTV, so my first assumption was home invasion rather than the obvious). We all do some goofy shit from time to time and it’s better to just laugh it off rather than feel embarrassment about it.

Learn to laugh more, even when it’s at yourself.

Express Yourself.

We all need outlets to express our feelings. For me, that’s writing and sometimes it can be creating sub-par paintings. Expressing ourselves and our inner feelings, (even if we don’t show it to the world) is so healthy and in the end, it will greatly increase your happiness.

Find a creative outlet and express yourself. Some ideas: writing, journaling, painting, sketching, singing, learning to say how you really feel, comedy and virtually anything else you can think of.

Expressing yourself will get rid of all those nasty pent-up thoughts.

Find your “Tribe”

Ditch anyone who brings negative energy into your life, (even if they’re blood related). When I say “tribe”, I’m talking about the GOOD people in your life – your friends, your family – anyone who brings in good vibes!

Your “tribe” should consist of people who make you genuinely happy. They care about your ups and downs and in return, you care about theirs.

Have people you can laugh with, people who are motivating, people who inspire and most importantly, people who bring happiness into your life 🙂

Try to let go of the small annoyances. 

There was an entire month that I had trouble sleeping because I kept re-playing something that was said to me. Laying there in bed, I had come up with 1000+ “come-backs” concerning what was said to me. Ridiculous! Especially because the person who said it has zero impact on my actual life.

A good rule: If it’s not going to matter in 5 years – don’t waste more than 5 MINUTES worrying about it.

Let the little things go. Trust me – I know it can be super tough sometimes but we are a lot happier when we just let it go.

Help others out when you can.

Helping others is a great feeling, truly. Volunteer, help out a friend, lend a hand – it all feels great and will make you happy.

Even the “little things” you help others with can help you be happier. You never know how much of a positive impact you can make in another’s life! Seriously, help people out – when you’re able, of course.

Understand that there will always be things & and people you cannot change or control.

Stop obsessing over things you can’t change. Again, I know it’s hard.

There will always be people and circumstances in your life that will not be changed. Some people suck. Some experiences will be shitty. If you can’t change it or control it – let it go!

Find your Passion and keep fueling it.

You don’t have to limit yourself to a single passion, either. Having a passion and constantly fueling it will bring you more happiness than you know. Your passion is all about you and following it will make you happy.

Always remember, “this too, shall pass.”

We are going to have tough times. Some of us will have more than others. At your dark moments, remember that the sun will always rise. (Man, that sounds cliche).

Seriously though, bad times DON’T stay bad forever. You can always take steps to make it better. The bad times don’t last forever. Be strong.

Happiness; the key to everything.

There is no price you can put on “happiness.” It’s priceless. When you encounter something that makes you happy – hold onto it. Don’t EVER let anyone dull your happiness!

Will there be sadness? Of course. It’s life and there are always periods of highs and lows. But, it’s important to know that are in control of our own happiness. We can choose to drown in the sorrows that life throws in our faces, or we can throw a big ass handful of glitter back in its face! (I know that sounds cheesy, but it is what is it).

That person you see in the mirror – that’s your key to happiness.

Make the best out of everything, when you’re able. Be around people who make you happy! Surround yourself with good vibes and keep pushing to be better, happier and more fulfilled.

*Make a list of everything that makes you HAPPY. Follow the items on that list.

Those are my platinum rules for happiness! Do I fall off? Yes, often. I’ll keep trying though, as should we all.

What are your rules for happiness? Let me know in the comments! I wish you all the happiness and good vibes this New Year has to offer 🙂