Develop a Guiding Philosophy for Happiness

Groundedness is one of the most important components of a satisfied life. Being grounded means having a guiding philosophy - a foundation of personal integrity that outside influences cannot disturb.

Our philosophy contains our values, spiritual faith, personal boundaries, and the causes we support. It reflects our core beliefs about who we are and how we conduct our lives.

The media bombards us with promises of quick success and glamorous lives. People naturally want happier, more successful lives. Many tools are indeed helpful toward that end. Yet simply having certain "things" is not the reason that we achieve happiness and success.

Promises based on possessions and fads do not address one of the root causes of dissatisfaction; that is, lack of groundedness. Groundedness adds consistency to our lives - a mental compass to guide our actions and decisions.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote: "Build today, then strong and sure,
With a firm and ample base;
And ascending and secure,
Shall tomorrow find its place." Without Longfellow's "firm and ample base", we fly from promise to promise. We do not stay with one idea - regardless how helpful - long enough to realize the peace and love we actually seek. We keep changing channels, not following one story line to completion.

Many have said, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Our guiding philosophy defines what we stand for. It keeps us from tossing to and fro with every new situation and idea. Our guiding philosophy is the supporting foundation beneath an authentically happy life.

Ask yourself these five questions:

1. What are the major ideas, values, and causes that contribute to my philosophy of living?

2. What are the boundaries that shield me from influences that would throw me off course and disturb my peace of mind?

3. What is the faith that assures a solid foundation in my life?

4. How does my philosophy provide a sure footing along the path to my objectives?

5. How can I build a more ample base upon which to build my dreams for the future and realize peace, love, and happiness in the present?

After you have pondered your thoughts, write your answers in a journal. Return from time to time and add new insights that you receive.

Your happiness pursuit can be successful by living a grounded life. White Eagle wrote, "If you will be steadfast on the path to which your feet have been guided, you will find the treasure of life, a never-ending stream of help and healing and happiness."

Standing firmly grounded in your faith, values, and purpose, you can realize the consistency and authentic happiness that many spend a lifetime seeking.

© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

---

You...Your Emotions...Your Relations...Your Happiness and Your Life...

We are living in an era, where relations' management is... Read More

Follow Your Bliss

Gail was a quiet, shy, young lady. She has been... Read More

Happy Talk and 3 Simple Secrets to Happiness

What is the one thing you want more than anything... Read More

Maybe Money CAN Buy Happiness

Can money buy happiness? It's easy to say no, and... Read More

Ode to Chocolate

Chocolate delays reality. When I am eating chocolate, everything is... Read More

Keeping You Confident!

We can all be confident when we are sure of... Read More

Do You Still Have This Type of Dreams?

Jesus says in Matthew 13:25"But while men slept, his enemy... Read More

What is the Ultimate Lifestyle?

Since the mission of this newsletter is to help you... Read More

Laughter and Your Health

Did you know that according to research, children laugh about... Read More

Happiness Fleeting

"You cannot capture happiness no matter how hard you may... Read More

Letting Go of Anger and Awaken to Lifes Grand Aventures

Anger can make us feel good and enlivened for a... Read More

Mexican Living: What Makes You Happy?

Many ask me this question: "Did moving to Mexico make... Read More

A Bad Hairdresser Day

"Hey everybody!" Hairdresser Lady called out. "It's The Happy Guy.""Don't... Read More

The Golden Moments in Life

This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More

5 Keys to Understanding Why Your Life (probably) Sucks # 4

We are in constant competitionIf we take evolution seriously, then... Read More

Free Tips To Improve Self Confidence

1. DRUNK!At the age of sixteen I was invited out... Read More

OBSCURED (Angel)

Being raised in a household without a mother or a... Read More

Colors: How Do They Make You Feel?

One of the most important colors in advertising is the... Read More

How A Psychovirus May Be Destroying Your Life

A pervasive sense of low self-esteem, a feeling of unworthiness,... Read More

Divining Your Karmic Number

Your karmic number interpretation tells you what you need to... Read More

Making Peace With Sloth: The Value of Natural Pace

Though his racing speed is a maximum 6 feet per... Read More

You Can?t See Your Own Eyes

My friend called me this morning from her favorite coffee... Read More

Change 1 Thing Per Month - Making it Great One Step at a Time

So you're stuck in a rut, bored with how your... Read More

Emotional Baggage

We all have them. It has many faces. We carry... Read More

Can Existential Therapy Give You a Sense of Wellbeing?

My journey to becoming a therapist began with a desire... Read More