When Being Happy is Hard - Insights with Danielle LaPorte

I'm currently re-writing my "Make It Happen" chapter on Positivity.  You know I LOVE this conversation and that happiness is one of my FAVORITE things to talk about.I was listening to a radio interview I had with Danielle LaPorte about her insightful book, "The Desire Map".  I am loving what she said and just did a little quick transcription.She shared how feelings really are the start and “the heart of the matter”.She went on to say something incredibly powerful, “You being happy and in a state of joy is the best way you can be of service to the rest of us.  When you vibrate in that way, when your frequency is about joy, you are kinder, your brain is firing ‘mo better’, you’re more fun to be around, you’re infinitely more productive and you’re going to be more helpful and generous.  So get happy and you will serve humanity.”Powerful.   THAT to me sounds like rising above whatever challenges that have been holding you back from being happy.  THAT sounds like peak performance.In that same interview, I asked Danielle, “What would you say to those people who say, ‘I can’t possibly be happy right now, you have no idea what I’m going through’?”Her response was poignant and deep. Danielle said, “I feel for you.  I get it.  Maybe you can’t be happy right now, but the thing you can do right now is that you can start to believe that your happiness is worth it and valuable.  That it’s actually a priority. That you deserve it.  Then you can start to consider how you want to feel.  You may be feeling taxed and overburdened and there are rough things happening and finances, parents, kids, illness... How would you rather feel? Don’t worry about getting out of your circumstances, don’t worry about solving it.  Just get in the state where you can say, “I would prefer to feel energetic.” “I would prefer to feel calm.” And then what is one thing you can do tomorrow to feel that way?”I love it.  Don't like your current happiness level? Change it.  Think about how you would rather feel, and do something that will help you feel that way.If you're still struggling, can I recommend one other tool?  Gratitude journaling really does work.  Before I retire at night, I write down (physically - can be digital or good old fashioned pen and paper) at least five things that I'm grateful for.  In one of my darkest times, I was introduced to this practice.  I can't believe the difference that it made in my life, and would like to invite you try the practice and see if it makes a difference in yours.Make It Happen!(If you missed this show and want to hear the other nuggets Danielle shared about motherhood, business & happiness, you can download it here: http://bit.ly/MIHDanielleLaPorte)(If you haven't read, Danielle LaPorte's Desire Map, you really really should.  Get it here.)To see a list of all of our episodes go to: http://www.speakmichelle.com/podcast