“Happiness is the new rich. Inner peace is the new success. Health is the new wealth. Kindness is the new cool.” Unknown
What a wonderful reminder that life is full of richness, success, wealth, and coolness if we cultivate happiness, inner peace, health, and kindness. Life is not about obtaining things or accomplishing tasks but about making connections with self, others, and the environment.
Happiness is the presence of joy in one’s heart. It is difficult to feel less than even in the face of adversity if you have a character with its foundation of understanding of what is important. Inner peace is brought about by self-assuredness in your ability to be who you are in any situation. Health is the ability to return to balance once you have become unsettled. And, kindness is encouraging a person, place, or situation to become better by your having encountered it.
These traits are not easy to cultivate but can be fostered by having loving and honest exchanges with the world.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
1. What does happiness, inner peace, health, and kindness look like in you?
2. How do you access these traits in yourself?
3. How do you participate in helping those you love to cultivate these things in themselves?
GUIDANCE
If you are not sure what happiness, inner peace, health, and kindness are to you write about the last time you have felt these things in your heart. If you are unsure of what you do to help others cultivate these things think about what you have done that has contributed to another’s improvement. If you are finding yourself having difficulties after trying these tips review some of your reflections on this journey and look at what you have written. I know usually I have suggested you ask for advice if you are having difficulties. I did not do that here to encourage you to get centered within yourself. If resistance persists set this reflection aside returning to it in a week or so. Stepping back is not defeat it is a sign of needing more room to grow and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!