Even in the darkest of times, the only thing capable of motivating us to keep going is hope and the joy we can radiate from within when we are at peace with ourselves.
Let’s take 2020, for example, a year we will all remember as tragic and full of loss. Still, now the uncertainty lingers. More than ever, now, it is vital to create sunshine for yourself and those around you. It is important to create sunshine because it shows on the outside when you feel good from within. It affects your health, relationships, and creativity in your work environment.
Creating happiness is a choice that starts with your thoughts and develops into your actions. It doesn’t just happen overnight; you need to continually work at it by reprograming your brain, getting rid of bad habits, and replacing them with good habits. It takes 30 days for a new pattern to sync in, so having a routine is necessary.
Here are 3-things you can start doing now to create sunshine:
When I learned I could create my own sunshine; I realized my opportunities were limitless. I had the power to control how I reacted to events in my everyday life, and I could attract and manifest the life I wanted. You, too, can start creating your own sunshine!
a) Don’t sweat the small stuff; learn to let things go.
There’s a darkness that comes with holding on to grudges, ill feelings, and regrets. You can create your own sunshine by dealing with and acknowledging them. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Work through your feelings instead of suppressing them and forgive those that have wronged you, but most importantly, ask for forgiveness from those you have wronged.
You can forgive and let things go by contacting and making peace with them; this could be as easy as face timing, calling, or writing an email. If reaching out is impossible, you can use meditation to release and let go of whatever emotional attachment is holding you back. It might take a few meditation sessions, so be patient and remember, it’s just as important to forgive yourself to forgive others. All the shadows that once surrounded, you will start to disappear and turn into sunshine!
b) Live in the “Present Now.”
It’s easy to get carried away with overwhelming emotion and regrets of things we didn’t do, things we said or didn’t say, and risks we were too afraid to take. It’s easy to daydream about what we don’t have and want, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” These everyday invalidations create a longing, making us restless as if we were not living life to it’s fullest. By leaving your past behind, your future ahead, and focusing on what’s in front of you now, you can be more grateful and appreciate the little things in life, creating your own sunshine.
I always start my day by being thankful for what I have; It keeps me grounded and happy– I realize how lucky I am to be alive.
You can start practicing being in the moment by focusing on your breath, how you’re feeling, and acknowledging what’s in front of you. When your mind starts to wander, go back to stillness, and focus on your breath, keeping your eyes open.
c) Set goals and hold yourself accountable for meeting them.
Having a purpose is vital for feeling fulfilled; that’s why it is imperative to set goals and meet them. It is also crucial that you integrate your values with your goals. What do you value? What do you care about? Sit and honestly think of this– ask yourself what matters to you. Integrating your values with your goals will give you a personal mission statement, and every time you need a little push or pick-me-up, remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. That will keep you going.
I hold myself responsible for reaching my goals by using a daily planner and or journaling.
Please don’t be too tough on yourself; we all have setbacks. The key is not giving up on yourself; to get up and try again. Learn from your mistakes and become a little better one day at a time.
I can also tell you to smile more, laugh like no one watching, and always think of happy thoughts. Although, yes, those are vital elements of creating your own sunshine, the truth is the first step to make this shift within you genuinely starts with you. The way you treat yourself with love, kindness, and compassion will reflect how you treat others. Having a positive outlook on daily life, creating mindful moments throughout the day, and reminding yourself that you are love. Sounds a little cheesy, I know– but trust me, it works!
And remember, even in the darkest of nights, there’s a moon shining a gentle light of hope.
