Here’s a New Year’s resolution for you: Just be happy. A decision that’s harder for some than others, especially as we age. It’s hard because happiness requires a mindset shift that puts you front and center in your life—and you’re not use to that.
Your life has never been all about you. It’s been about making others happy. It’s been about raising your children, nourishing your relationships, fulfilling your purpose, and giving back to your community. But hasn’t been about you for years. Now, it’s time to put yourself first. It’s not selfish. You’ve earned it!
Ask yourself: Do I allow myself to be happy? Do I know what will make me happy? Do I make choices to be happier? I’m certain these questions have never crossed your mind. You’ve been using society’s model for happiness. And you may not realize how many ways you make yourself unhappy.
But you’re in charge of your happiness. So, identify the things that make you unhappy and simply remove them from your life. Then, create a path to more happiness and a mindset that embraces it. It’s important to create your own happiness tailored to what makes you smile, fills you with joy, and allows you to be your own champion. So, it’s important to do what you love and not what you think you’re supposed to love.
Here are some starting tips for discovering your happiness:
- Visit your past and mine through the treasures you forgot you had. It’s called self-rediscovery.
- Find contentment in your own solitude. It’s okay to practice the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) and understand that you don’t have to be everywhere, just where you want to be.
- Take time for yourself as needed. Micro dosing self-care throughout the day may be all you need to put a smile on your face.
Make Happiness Your Resolution for 2025. That’s successful aging.
The Pat Landaker Show begins in January 2025. It will cover even more topics relevant to older adults and deliver more tips and tools for successful aging. More information is available at PatLandakerAgency.com.