fbpx

Power Phrase: Don’t Worry, Be Happy

“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.” Dale Carnegie

don't worry be happy title=

You could have hoped to see a sign that would signify the importance of December 21 2012 too. I certainly did myself. A few of my friends reportedly saw double rainbows and golden lights across the sky. Try as hard as I could to convince myself that the cluster of clouds formed to the image of a heart that day, I knew that it would be more a figment of my imagination.

Still, there was no denying that I spent a glorious time in the park for a good part of the day. My intention was to be in a positive vibrational state. In short, I just wanted to be happy. And I was. In the company of my children and husband, we had a lovely time on a picnic mat.

Love Paves the Path to Happiness

“Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.” Bertolt Brecht

Now, as I reflect on it, it seems that I could have missed the message that day. Even though the heavens did not roar out words of wisdom, surely the love and laughter in the air meant something. Yes, there are many things to be appreciative about for I am truly blessed.

It is easy to draw attention to what is not there, rather than what-is. I could have gone on about not seeing signs of rainbows…..or I could bring attention to the abundance that I am already enjoying.

Don’t get mistaken. It is not all sweet. Like any other families, we have our challenges. However, our desire is to build a foundation built on love, no matter how petty our quarrels can be at times. We believe that it is the best way to weather any difficulties that life throws at us. It is also nice that my husband and I are pretty much on the same page about the spiritual direction that we wish to take.

A life that is successful has to be a happy one. Anyone boasting about how money he makes but who leads a life of misery, is surely missing the point about what true success is. Money can buy lots of things but having loads of it cannot guarantee happiness. I had since realized that love is the answer to happiness. To be happy, I need to first love myself unconditionally. For anyone, the capacity to share love increases with a cup that overflows.

Telling Positive Stories

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle

My husband loves to go out for tea. And sometimes over tea, we would discuss about the work challenges we face. Admittedly, there will be times when the more we pore over our difficulties, the more emotionally challenged we feel. And so with conscious awareness, we would make attempts to steer the conversation away from negative stories.

However, what we first discovered is that it could take supreme effort to be positive. The mind has an ingrained habit of telling and recalling stories that are more negative. If we are not mindful enough, we find ourselves back to sharing our woes and complaints.

And so my intention from now is to tell more positive stories. Telling them throughout the day would keep vibrations high. Perhaps I will share them on my blog too. A touch of humor to the stories will surely brighten anyone’s day, including mine 🙂

Don’t worry, Be Happy

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

I used to be a worry wart. Fear was my primary driver to taking needed actions. Unfortunately, my anxiety levels got worse when I had children of my own. Suddenly, there were many more things to worry about. While I had reduced my baggage over the years, I believe that there is more to let go of.

Worry is fear about the future. We believe that something bad may happen even though we could just as easily imagine a more positive outcome. Without a doubt, excessive worrying creates unnecessary stress.

Everyone around warns me about stress levels hitting a high, with my elder girl taking the nation-wide Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) during the year. It is nothing like having a bunch of well-meaning mothers as well as the teachers in school, who are far too willing to let me know about the impending stress.

And so bracing myself, I intend to use the opportunity to release any parental anxiety and to manage overall expectations. Chances are a worried parent is only going to contribute to overall stress levels…..while a parent who has worked on freeing any attachment to outcomes is the best way to support his or her child. In other words, the power phrase or mantra for the year: Don’t worry, Be Happy.


Power Word: Happiness

So there I have it. My power word for the year is Happiness.

My intention is to be happy. I hope to do this by telling positive stories, infusing the energy of love and to be contented with what I already have. It will be nice to hum to the song “don’t worry, be happy” the whole year long.

To manifest a dream of fulfillment, happiness has to start with me.

Happiness is, after all, a choice.

To a joyful year,

evelyn lim signature
Author. Adventurer. Life Coach. More About Me.


Share Your Power Word for the Year

A power word or phrase sets the overall tone of your intention for the year. What is your power word or phrase for 2013?

P.S. For more ideas on how to create a power word or phrase for your vision and for intention setting, click over here: Life Vision Mastery.

Facebook Comments

Did you enjoy this post? Please share it with your friends. Thank you!

Evelyn

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below
Steve - January 15, 2013 Reply

I love your message here. I agree that someone who is earning a lot of money and still miserable is missing the point of what being successful is about. I’d rather earn less and be satisfied with where I am than be rich and miserable.

Oh, I used to be a worry wart too. I had anxiety on where I’d end up in the future and if my decisions were correct and what I’d do if they turned up wrong. I think I got a lot of that from my dad who is a huge worrier. I’ve been able to control it over the years and have even got to the point where anxiety isn’t much of a problem anymore.

My power word for the year is focus. I’m going to focus harder on getting things done. I have a lot of projects I want to do this year and I know that I need to just take the time to get them done. I need to focus harder and put the effort into making them happen.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Steve,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experiences and power word. It’s great that you are able to manage your anxiety to more acceptable levels.

Focus is a great word! I believe that once you are aligned with the vision you hope to build, focus is not difficult to achieve. I wish you every success in the new year!

Love and abundance always,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Cathy Taughinbaugh - January 15, 2013 Reply

Hi Evelyn,

Happiness is a great power word. It is something I strive for as well. I like your idea of steering the conversation in a more positive direction when things start to get negative. I am for the most part happy, but can sink into negativity when things feel stressful, so important reminder.

My power word for the new year is Change. I want to push myself to make some changes in my work this year. I would like to find ways to reach more people and to be of more service. Thanks for the wonderful post.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Cathy,

Change is a great word. Most of us like staying in the comfort zone. It can take a lot of effort for us to move off the chair. We tend to procrastinate. I have areas that need prompting too.

It is great that you are aligning with the higher purpose of reaching out. You do wonderful work! I believe that more people will benefit from what you have to share about addictions.

I wish you a great year! May it be filled with much love, happiness and success!

All the best,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Stacie - January 26, 2013 Reply

What a GREAT power word! It’s so true though, the more we focus on something the more of it we “SEE” in our lives. Not necessarily because there’s actually more of it there, but just because we’re conscious of it. It makes sense that the more you focus on negative the more negative your life will look and feel to you. The more you focus on positive, the better your life will look and feel to you.

A number of people have commented on how positive minded I am. I never really thought about it. I never realized how negative minded other people were. I guess it’s because I was always taught to be thankful for what I have since I was a kid. I’m definitely thankful that my parents instilled that way of thinking in me 🙂

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Stacie,

It is great that you have a wonderful positive attitude. I am glad that you validated about how practicing thankfulness helps. Your parents certainly taught you the right values. Bet you are also doing the same with your children too.

Thanks for coming by my blog 🙂

With love and abundance always,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Leave a Comment: