42. Do you control your happiness?

www.heididawson.com @theheididawson on Instagram !. Expectations can wreak havoc on our happiness because if they aren’t met we are upset. Not everything in life goes as planned. There are setbacks. Things happen, we mess up. Basing our happiness on specific outcomes that are out of our control is a sure way to be miserable. I take on the belief that if were meant to be, it would be. If not something better is coming along. Didn’t get the job? A job that is more suited is around the corner. Didn’t get the second date? Thank goodness because someone better is coming up. I seriously write in my journal every single day that I am grateful that Im exactly where Im supposed to be right now and things are always working out in my favor. And you know what? It’s true. And it’s true for you.  Always be looking for the light at the end of the tunnel or what you can learn from a situation that didn’t turn out the way you wanted it. 2. Never ever ever ever ever Compare yourself to others. Trust me. Its a dead end street. The next time you start to say well this person is doing this already or Im not as successful as her. Stop and think. That may be true but maybe you spend more time with your friends and family. You have more time with your dog (which is super awesome). Your version of success and happiness has to be defined by one person. Thats you. Whats meant for you will be yours. No-one else is going to get it. There is not a finite supply of success or happiness. It’s possible for everyone and it looks different for everyone.  It comes in all different shapes and sizes. Keep working on a better version of you. You’re unique and beautiful and are exactly where you are supposed to be. OH and guess what? We are human beings and once we reach a goal? We want more so you’ll always be growing. You’ll always want more that is the joy of the journey! 3. Do more of the things you love. Think about the times that you are or were the happiest. My guess is it involves family and friends, relaxing, being in nature of some sort. Are you doing enough of the things that make you happy? Do you spend enough time actually enjoying life? That is what we are put here to do. Many times we think work can’t wait. I have to be on call at all times. If you’re an emergency room dr maybe but most of us aren’t that. Can we carve out time each day, yep, each day to do something we love. Something that makes us happy. I know its a Monday but go out to dinner with friends! Turn your thoughts around a bit about fun. Start doing things out of the ordinary Mix it up a little. Go for a walk in nature without being distracted by your phone, Invite friends over on a Tuesday for dinner and cards, Pick a day where when you come home you don’t worry about your to do list, you simply enjoy time with your family, friends or simply being alone without the thought of having to DO.