Dare To Live Without Limits Week of 7/5/2021

What are the components of your individual happiness?

What constitutes happiness is a very individual matter. However, there are several identifiable components that contribute to an overall feeling of happiness. In essence, happiness can be thought of as satisfaction with one’s life. Your degree of stress, frustration, and anger will fall as your happiness increases.
Read through the following and consider the role they play in your happiness. Think of ways to maximize the positive effect of each factor.

Self
Your degree of satisfaction with yourself is the foundation of your happiness. It's not uncommon for a person to be lacking in this area and not even realize it. When this component is deficient, you won't be able to improve your feeling by compensating in other areas.
When you are happy with yourself, other aspects will respond much more readily to your efforts. When you are right, your world feels good. When you are off, your life can feel as if you are attempting to build a structure on quicksand.

Family
Next to yourself, your family has the strongest influence. They are the people you may be closest to. Some of your strongest emotions, good or bad, can be tied to family. Feelings about family tend to be intense. There are far too many instances of bitter feuds lasting for years. But when relationships are good, they are a source of immense joy. To be able to count on family is certainly invaluable.

Friends
Next to a supportive family, true friends are a genuine source of happiness. A true friend is one who likes you for who you are and is available in good times and bad. Realization that a friend isn't the person you thought, is one of life's greatest disappointments. If this happens, don't feel deficient, the problem is not you.

Career
More time is spent on your job than any other single activity. So it's no surprise that any dissatisfaction in this area spills over into your personal life. Conversely, a rewarding job enhances your overall happiness. If you spend an inordinate amount of time and effort career building, you risk undermining the other components.

Physical
Your physical condition influences your mood. It's difficult to be happy if your body doesn't feel right. Taking proper care of yourself enhances your overall health, reduces your susceptibility to illness, and boosts your overall quality of life. You don't have to go overboard. Consistently paying attention to diet and exercise will make a world of difference.

Recreation
Engaging in activities just for fun and entertainment is extremely beneficial. It's necessary to have fun often. Recreation is your opportunity to restore your energy level. Just like a battery, you will run out of power without recharging. This facet is much more significant than many people realize.

Community
Being part of a community is a tremendous source of joy and satisfaction. There are many groups you can participate in: town, religious, school, charitable, clubs, etc. Community involvement is an excellent method of giving. When you help others, your level of happiness rises.

Finances
Feeling financially secure certainly contributes to happiness. The amount of money required to feel secure can't be defined. Ironically, many who feel insecure have greater assets than those who are very comfortable and happy. Financial security is more of an attitude than a bank balance. You can always find examples of people that are more content with less than you have.
Happiness is not a destination; it's a way of life. Although living a happy life requires effort and energy, it is a lot less effort and energy than you will expend being miserable.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2021 Bryan Golden