One day I was roaming around Barnes & Noble when I came across a book that I knew I needed to purchase and read. Getting Back To Happy by Marc & Angel Chernoff has been a book that I have needed in my life for the past few months. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, insecurity, and trust issues for years. I’ve been in and out of treatment since high school. Two years ago, I went to an intense outpatient treatment program that got me back on track and has helped my life immensely.
Recently, I have noticed myself taking a few steps backwards. To prevent spiraling out of control, I decided that I needed to be proactive in my recovery and start taking steps to getting my happiness back. Throughout Getting Back To Happy, there are tips and suggestions to help get back on track. Getting Back To Happy is a journey. It will not happen overnight and as much as I would love to read the whole book and magically be happy again, I know that I have to do the hard work in order to obtain this happiness.
In this day and age, no matter where you go, we rush. We rush to get to work, we rush to get the actual work done, we rush to get home, and the list goes on and on. Getting Back To Happy talks about being mindful and slowing down. I am guilty of rushing. Rushing to get the day done and over with. Rushing to get my daily to do list done. I have forgotten how to be in the moment and appreciate this life that I have been blessed to live. Reading the chapter on mindfulness has helped give me the reminder that life is not all about working. Life is meant to be enjoyed and lived. I have stopped enjoying and living life. I tend to sit at home after a long day of work and shut myself off from the world. Part of that has to do with social anxiety and depression but what kind of life am I living if I am sitting at home? Changing even one little ritual throughout the day, Marc & Angel say can be the most useful and get you back into being mindful and ultimately being happy. (I’m a work in progress people)
Letting go has always been an aspect of life that I have struggled with. I hang onto every word, action, or behavior from others that has nothing to do with me. I sit in the questions and the anxiety of people not liking me. I struggle with letting go of the past. Marc & Angel say, “Letting go is about eliminating your attachments and expectations about how things “have to be” in order to be good enough right now, which clears space in your life to create an even better tomorrow.” Ultimately, the past is the past for a reason. Carrying what happened in the past creates road blocks for the present and obstacles for the future. It creates barriers in relationships and anxiety that doesn’t allow you to sleep or to live. I have been through many things in the past. I’ve lost my sister, my mom, and relationships within my family. These heartbreaking moments are out of my control. I carry that anxiety into my present relationship and it has ultimately affected many aspects of the relationship.
Where I am now in the book is a chapter on “getting unstuck.” These past few months, I have felt super stuck in my professional life. I’m so unhappy where I am at and it is creating issues in my personal life. I know all I need to do is take a leap of faith because my happiness is far more important than the little minuscule issues and thoughts that arise from day-to-day. It’s all about taking small steps in the right direction in order to get back to be happy.
Life is far too short to be anything but happy. As I dive more into this book and what I want to work on in my recovery, I know that happiness is not far from my reach. I have to be willing to change aspects of my life that are causing my unhappiness. As nerve wrecking as it is, my life will not change unless I am willing to change it and not allow fear to hold me back.
Having a support system throughout recovery and well after recovery is so extremely important. I am thankful that I have a wonderful support system in my life and I hope to be a support to anyone who is struggling. No one is alone! There is always support!
-Hills
About the Creator
Hills A
“Every day may not be good BUT there is something good in every day!”
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It Only Took One Minute.......
It only took a minute. I was sitting at the computer in my office when the phone rang. I picked up the receiver and then laid it down my desk as I went to find the student who the call was for. Within seconds I was back at my desk, ready to resume typing, when I heard the student yelling obscenities at me for listening in to his call through the handset that was still lying on the desk. Sick and tired of the lies he was spewing, I was up running down the hall, ready to kill him. By the time I reached him, I had calmed enough not to hurt him, but as I turned back towards my room, I knew that I couldn’t go on like this any longer. The decision was clear. I had to leave.
By Gail Wylie6 days ago in Motivation
Unveiling identity.
In a bustling city where skyscrapers kissed the clouds and dreams flourished amidst the concrete jungle, there lived a young woman named Maya. Maya's days were a whirlwind of obligations and expectations, leaving her feeling like a mere shadow of herself. Yet, beneath the surface, an ember of curiosity burned, yearning to uncover the essence of her identity.Maya's journey began on a crisp autumn morning, as she found herself standing at the threshold of a quaint bookstore nestled between towering buildings. Intrigued by the promise of knowledge within its walls, she stepped inside, the scent of aged paper and ink enveloping her senses.As she perused the shelves, her eyes landed on an ancient tome tucked away in a corner. Its weathered cover bore the title "The Quest for Identity." Intrigued, Maya pulled it from the shelf, feeling a faint tremor of excitement coursing through her veins.Settling into a cozy armchair, Maya delved into the pages, each word a beacon guiding her on a journey of self -discovery. The book spoke of courage, resilience, and the power of embr acing one's true self, igniting a spark within Maya's heart.With newfound determination, Maya embarked on a quest to unearth the layers of her identity, like an archaeologist delicately brushing away the sands of time. Along the way, she encountered challenges that tested her resolve, but she pressed on, fueled by the belief that her true essence lay waiting to be revealed.Her journey led her to unexpected places – from the bustling streets of the city to the serene solitude of nature's embrace. In each moment, Maya peeled back the facade she had constructed, shedding the expectations imposed upon her by society and those around her.As she delved deeper, Maya unearthed fragments of her past – forgotten dreams, buried passions, and untapped potential. With each revelation, she felt a sense of liberation wash over her, like a bird spreading its wings for the first time.Yet, the path to sel f- discovery was not without its obstacles. Maya faced moments of doubt and uncertainty, grappling with the fear of what lay beyond the familiar confines of her identity. But she refused to be deterred, drawing strength from the knowledge that true fulfillment awaited those brave enough to embrace their authenticity.Through introspection and introspection, Maya began to weave the threads of her true identity into the tapestry of her life. She discovered that she was not defined by external labels or societal expectations, but by the unique blend of experiences, passions, and values that made her who she was.With each step forward, Maya felt a sense of alignment with her true self, like a puzzle finally falling into place. She embraced her quirks and imperfections, recognizing them as integral parts of her identity rather than flaws to be hidden away.As Maya's journey drew to a close, she stood atop a windswept hill, the city skyline shimmering in the distance. With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ablaze with purpose, she whispered to the winds, "I am not who the world expects me to be. I am not defined by the roles I play or the masks I wear. I am simply, unapologetically, me."And in that moment, Maya realized that the true quest for identity was not about finding oneself, but about creating oneself – a journey of self- discovery that would continue to unfold with each passing day. For in the depths of her soul, Maya knew that her identity was not a destination, but a lifelong odyssey of growth, exploration, and self-expression. And with that realization, she stepped boldly into the unknown, ready to embrace whatever adventures lay ahead.
By Eric anexis 2 days ago in Motivation
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