During the holidays, I find that there is an emphasis on joy, cheerfulness, and merriness. However, what happens when you have tried to find happiness and failed? Sometimes, individuals think they are entitled to it. The fact of the matter is that life can be difficult and can crush the spirit of happiness.

How do we find genuine contentment and happiness through all the challenges that life puts in our way?

• Entitlement Thought Process – The entitlement thought process puts our happiness in the hands of others. Not only do we let other people’s moods and actions put a damper on our own moods and emotions, but we also expect them to behave in a certain way. When their actions fail us, it directly affects our moods. This type of thinking can make us more bitter and resentful of others. We can only control our actions and responses to others.
• Take responsibility – Taking responsibility for your actions enables you to work on your problems and acknowledge when you failed at something. Ultimately taking responsibility puts you in control in order to make changes in your life.
• Belief – Life may not go as planned. However, find the pockets of sunshine that keep you hopeful and bring joy to your life. Believing that you are worthy of love and happiness will help to change your outlook on life.

The pursuit of happiness is an endeavor that many people take on everyday. However, they try to find it in the wrong places and do not look at themselves to experience peace and joy.

Accepting all of ourselves, failures and imperfections included, is part of loving ourselves and ultimately provides a sense of happiness.

Chelsey Beauchamp, MS
cbeauchamp@growcounseling.com