This may be an unpopular opinion but I believe happiness is a choice.  When I heard Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy,” I had to take a minute and let that sink in.  You can either look to external sources to find your joy or you can be the source of your own happiness.  I’m not saying that it’s easy, but when you learn how to find that contentment, you will find a long lasting joy.

Many of us are harder on ourselves than we’d ever be on a friend. We replay mistakes, focus on flaws, and let self-doubt take the lead. But what if you flipped the script? Positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing words that empower and uplift you rather than tear you down. 

Become immersed in all the good that Summer offers and do things that make you happy and feel alive. If you need any ideas, here are some great things to do that are good for your mind, body, and soul:

We are wired to think negatively.  It goes back to the beginning of mankind.  Everyone was fighting for their life and they were literally watching their back to defend themselves.  Survival is still important today but now it is your negative thoughts and limiting beliefs that can totally stop you in your tracks.  Instead of going into a complete downward spiral, you can do the opposite and ask "What if it all works out?" Instead of imagining all the things that could go wrong, envision how it would look if you could live the life of your dreams.

Spring brings a sense of renewal and it may be the perfect tine to evaluate how things are going. Are you clear about what matters most to you and are you living your life with purpose? We are one third the way through the year. Are you working toward a goal or have you been coasting? Do you think you need to wait for the perfect time to start? I have news for you. If you keep waiting, you won’t move forward. Sometimes, you just need to start.

Make a commitment to taking care of yourself, just like you do for others.  Recognize that by taking care of your well-being, you are well equipped to care for those around you without compromising what’s important to you.  You’re creating a ripple effect of positivity in the lives of those around you by taking time for yourself.  When you feel grounded and fulfilled, you have more to give—whether it’s love, attention, or support. It’s time to change your tune because you show up better for others when you put yourself first.  It’s win-win for everyone!

Gratitude has been shown to boost happiness, improve mental health, and strengthen relationships. It’s a simple but powerful self-care practice that helps you focus on what’s going right instead of what’s going wrong.

Consistency is the key to making affirmations effective. Repeat them daily and often — you can set the tone for your day in the morning, during moments of doubt to regain focus, or at night to seal your day with positivity. You can say them aloud and write them in a journal.  Or both. It is especially helpful to put your affirmations where you can see them often, like on your mirror or as a screensaver. This will reinforce them when you are not saying them as part of your daily routines.

Written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, the Serenity Prayer is more relevant than ever.  Whether you’re familiar with it or hearing it for the first time, its simplicity and depth have the ability to bring comfort and clarity, especially during times of uncertainty or stress.

If you take a long hard look at the various areas of your life, are there some areas that definitely need improvement?  How much better would you feel if you made a commitment to yourself and prioritized what matters to you?  The first step is to recognize where you are now.  You can’t determine where to go if you don’t know where you are right now.  Starting a new routine or setting a goal is a form of self care.  What if you started now?

Starting a daily journaling practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by setting aside just five to ten minutes each day. Find a quiet place, grab a notebook, and take some time for yourself.  You can use it to get organized or to journal about something that is on your mind. Don’t worry about grammar or structure—just write it down or type it out.

Contentment helps us build inner peace, and when we feel at peace, we are better able to create positive change in our lives. One of my favorite affirmations is “All is well and just getting better.” It is a great expression to repeat in your efforts to become or remain content, or even when things are not going well. You can be encouraged in difficult times with this expression.

Self-care is more than just bubble baths and spa days—it’s about making choices that nurture your well-being, both in the short- and long-term. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to put ourselves first. We often get caught up in the daily grind—taking care of others, fulfilling obligations, and trying to meet expectations. But the truth is, self-care is essential. It’s not a luxury; it's a necessity. 

Gratitude is a mindset, but it's also a practice. Each time you pause to notice what’s going well in your life—no matter how small it seems—you’re noticing what is going well in the moment. I believe that happiness is a choice.  Frank Sinatra understood this concept when he sang “Smile and the world smiles with you.”  Your challenge this week:  Be the first person to smile when you see someone and watch what happens.

When you are super busy, and you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list and stressed out by taking care of work, family, and all of your commitments, you can reset yourself.  Just stop and focus on your breath for a few minutes.  Breathing is something we do all the time, and intentional breathing has the power to calm the mind, relax the body, and get you back on track. 

When you set out to achieve a goal, the most important first step is to get crystal clear about your "why." Why are you setting this goal? When you understand the real motivation behind your goals your why will serve as your compass when challenges arise and your enthusiasm starts to wane.  Post your goal and your why statement on your desk, your bathroom mirror, or add it to your screensaver. Seeing this reminder every day can help keep you going when progress feels slow.  Studies show that people who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. 

Now that the holidays are behind us and you’ve settled into 2025, it’s time to set your goals. Begin by reflecting on what you really want. Ask yourself: What areas of my life do I want to improve? It’s important to dream big, but also to be realistic. Choose goals that excite and challenge you, while remaining achievable within your current circumstances. Setting a goal gives you a chance to focus on one area and sets you up to stretch yourself a little further the next time.

But I can tell you from experience that it is your responsibility to take some time just for yourself or it will lead to burnout. You can shift your thinking to prioritize yourself so you can finally do the things you’ve wanted to do for years and get more out of life. Don’t be like me and wait 20 years before you pursue your passion.  You can prioritize yourself while you take care of others without feeling guilty.

Saying “no” is one of the most empowering acts of self-care. Yet, it’s something many of us struggle with, especially when demands from work, family, and social obligations seem endless. Remember: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your well-being. Sometimes, “no” is the kindest word you can say.

Do you have a gratitude practice? There are at least 3 times you might consider giving thanks in the course of the day.