Happiness Can Only Be Found Within

"Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitudes." - Dale Carnegie

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx

Freedom may be the only worthy goal in life, and it is won by not paying attention to things that lie beyond your control. You can't have a joyful heart if your mind is full of fear and insecurity. 

Your happiness depends on three things, and all of them are within your power: your will, your ideas concerning events in which you're involved, and the use you make of these ideas. 

Genuine happiness is always independent of external conditions. This is why you need to practice being indifferent to them. What's happening is not worth mulling over if it's not desirable in your eyes. Disregard negative evidence and cling to your inner reality, no matter what. This is the only way you will find the authentic happiness you're seeking.

It's easy to be mislead by appearances. Job titles, degrees, honours, fame, fancy possessions, designer clothes and good looks can be deceiving. Don't make the mistake of assuming that celebrities, public figures, political leaders, the wealthy, or people with great intellectual or artistic gifts are necessarily happy! To do so is to allow yourself to be manipulated by appearances. It will do nothing for your confidence and self-esteem; it will only make you doubt yourself. Never make any assumptions about others, even if they seem very successful. 

Real satisfaction only comes from things that are under your own control. Keep this in mind, and you'll never find yourself envious of other people, or feeling sorry for yourself. You won't blame others or your circumstances for your problems, but you will begin to take responsibility for the way you feel. You won't compare yourself and your accomplishments to others any more. 

Stop wanting to be anyone other than your own best self: this is something that's within your control, something you can achieve, today and every day... This is your path to freedom and a happiness greater than anything you've experienced so far!

With much love and best wishes,

Bella

Photo by Bella Tindale