“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” Dalai Lama
Research has shown that human being are poor predictors of what will actually make them happy. We are motivated by the way we think a certain accomplishment, thing, or achievement will make us feel. We want a pair of new shoes because they will make us feel pretty, we want to lose weight because it will make us feel lighter and healthier, we want success because it will make us feel proud. We want and we want, because we want to feel good. However, those things only lead us temporarily feeling good, we have to do a little more work if we want to feel good all the time and it has nothing to do with anything on the outside. You are going to have to look at yourself, the way you think, and your chosen actions.
How can you start your own happiness project?
1. Decide today to choose to feel happier.
2. Take action with this choice by including one thing everyday that you like to do.
3. Let go of the excuses that get in the way of 1 and 2.
Plan for happiness. Include things in your day that make you happy. Focus on things each day that you can be happy about. It could be looking forward to curling up with a good book, the best cup of tea or coffee, a really good cocktail, a favorite meal, coming home to a loved one, a gift you can’t wait to give to a friend, or a really good hug. Make a list of all the things you really love, the things you really enjoy, and include them in your life. Do not put things off until tomorrow. Book your vacation, buy yourself fresh flowers (because YOU are worth it), make time for play, include things in your surroundings that make you smile.
Synonyms for happiness include pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, cheerfulness, merriment, gaiety, joy, glee, delight, lightheartedness, well-being, enjoyment, exuberance, ecstasy, jubilation, bliss, euphoria, and elation.
I know you want more of those things in your life. We all do.
Make yourself happy, and do it NOW.
Advice I Give Myself 
Andrea, This was important for me to read today. I realize I keep thinking that when my pregnancy is over things will be easier, when I get child support things will come together and when I’m in my old clothes things will be better. I didn’t realize how much I was jumping to the future in these thoughts. I went for a 15 minute walk this afternoon and just meditated on your words. I really appreciate you taking the time to write them. The good news……my thoughts weren’t if I have a man in my life than life will be easier:) that’s a first! Smile, Christa
Sent from my iPad