Happiness is the state of being happy and we all want to be happy, right? Well, at least that is what we all say. But if there were really true, then why do we keep doing things that lead us down the road of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and anger?

Will your life ever be perfect? Maybe. It just all depends on how you define the perfect life. Your happiness is your responsibility. Other people and things will not make you happy because happiness is a state of mind. So let’s get there!

The Secrets To Happiness and Peace of Mind

Let It Go

You have to learn to let stuff go. It happened and now it is done and over with and all the reliving of the incident, thinking about the words, or focusing on the slight or offense will not change what happened.

I am not saying that you have to forgive and forget, but what does help is to recognize that people are people. Some are good while others are not, and people make mistakes. Don’t let their bad moment or angry heart ruin your day or your life. Let it go and move on.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

You cannot sweat the small stuff. Ask yourself is this important to me or is it about control? Is this issue really a big deal? If it is not, then who cares. Do not agonize and stress over circumstances beyond your control.

I’m sure you think this is much easier said than done, but with practice, you can learn to accept that you cannot control anything but yourself and your reactions. Once you have that light bulb moment, it will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

Don’t Give It Your Energy

Do not give crappy people or crappy environments your energy. Being annoyed or angry, or even offended, can be exhausting. Holding on to feelings of hurt and resentment will completely drain all your energy and make you feel terrible.

So, have your feelings at the moment. Speak your peace to those who you need to and have a cry if inclined but after that, do not give it any more energy.

Remove Toxic People From Your Life

Toxic people need to go. You know that person who always manages to bring you down and make you feel terrible about yourself? Well, they need to be removed from your life. Sadly this toxic person may be a friend, a sibling, a partner, or even a parent. Whoever they are, you do not owe them your peace of mind.

Of course, this toxic person will not likely leave your life without some gaslighting or without placing all blame squarely at your feet, but that’s okay. They can be mad and they can be hurt but they still need to go.

Learn To Say No

It is okay to say no. You do not have to say yes just because they ask. Let disregarding your own feelings, needs, and choices for the sake of pleasing others be a thing of the past. And yes, I am saying it is okay to be selfish sometimes.

Stop living your life for other people. Making life choices, big or small, is a huge burden and will wear on you both mentally and physically. You have permission to say no, and say it without feeling the need to offer an excuse or explanation.

Notice how none of the secrets to happiness included others making you happy? That is because no one else can ever make you happy. Your happiness is your job and you should never delegate your happiness to another.

What are your thoughts on happiness? Do you agree with the list of secrets to true happiness? What do you believe is the secret to happiness? Please share your thoughts and experience!

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. - Epicetus