Know what makes you happy – and do it!

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You might think this advice is ridiculously obvious – but you’d be amazed how many people don’t even know what makes them happy. Some, like my client Sam*, look at me blankly when I ask what brings them joy.

Sound familiar? If so, like Sam you might have lost touch with your core self – but I’ve got a couple of techniques to help you reconnect.

First, get still and quiet. Take a deep belly breath, allow gravity to relax your jaw and shoulders, and imagine a glow of energy radiating from you into the space in front, behind, above and around you. Feel better already?

Now, think of times and experiences in your life that made you feel similarly peaceful and relaxed. Were you gazing at the stars? Listening to a favorite song? Hugging a loved one? Eating apple crumble? Drinking jasmine tea? Getting lost in a book? Drawing? Having a bubble bath? Hiking in the African bush?

There was a time when I’d forgotten what made me happy, but now I’m able to rattle off this list of some of my favorite things in just a few seconds. Sam is doing judo twice a week, listening to books on tape during his morning commute and riding horses with his daughter on Saturdays, among other things. He’s more radiant every time I see him.

Figure out what brings you joy and then do a bit of it every day. Then do a bit more, and a bit more, until your core self and your happiness are the driving forces in your life.

* Not his real name