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Happiness! Most people say they want it. Many people chase it and hold it for short periods of time. Some few find lasting happiness. Do you have it? Would you like more of it?

Society often leads you to believe that happiness will arrive with the acquisition of a new car, new house, new job, or new relationship. The public relations industry is built on your believing that a product will be the final touch to making your life more complete, making you more popular, more content, happier. Most">All this may lead you to the illusion that something outside yourself will bring you the experience of happiness you seek.

Perhaps Dag Hammarskjold, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, was right when he said that we are great at exploring outer space but very poor at exploring inner space. The tidal wave of advertising that washes over you may have misled you. Perhaps, you haven't been able to cash in on the promotional
promises of happiness in any lasting way.

As a child, you received messages from the influential adults in your life through their behavior. You mostly learned by example, not by words. Behavior is always the strongest teacher, isn't it? You may have observed your parents worrying, so you may have learned to worry. Perhaps they argued about money, so you may
have concluded that money is essential to happiness in relationships.

You may have heard a parent say, "You (or it) makes me so sad (glad, happy, mad, etc.)" and you may have decided that circumstances and other people create your feelings for you. As an adult you know that your reaction to events, circumstances and other people is a choice you make. You can change your perception, perspective and response at any time.

What messages did you pick up in your childhood? Are they guiding your life well now?

It may be time to trust yourself to know what is best for you. Open your mind to new possibilities--new attitudes and behaviors which are more life and love affirming for yourself and others. These new possibilities can open the way for you to take a fresh look at your perceptions, thoughts, feelings and actions. Create
the space to change your life by changing your thoughts about yourself and your place in the world.

Happiness is within your reach, however, the key is to reach inward, not outward to find it. Happiness truly is an inside job!

Optimize Life Now!

By Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, San Diego, CA.
Founder Spiritual Living Network'
All rights reserved worldwide.