A person is only unhappy as long as they want to be. Overthinking, overanalysing and then complaining about the status quo is precisely what makes a person miserable. And then it makes the people around you miserable too.
A decent conversation is a rarity nowadays. Conversation today translates to either gossip or complaints. Sometimes it feels like you have the patience for neither. Try explaining that to the colleague who wants to take a quick break with you. But coming back, why this need to constantly complain?
Most of the problems that exist in your life today, exist in your head. If you break the mental shackles, you’ll realise how easy it is. And from that point on all energy should be directed to thinking about solutions, fixes and progress. Because, in the end, that’s all that our life will add up to.
1. Stop complaining
If there’s something that’s troubling you to the point you’ve lost a good night’s sleep, then work every day on changing that. Complaining will keep you locked in the status quo. Planning and taking action will help you break the cycle.
2. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the all about being the now and experiencing the present moment to the fullest. Mindfulness also means the absence of judgement because you’re aware of every thought that passes your mind. If mindlessness means switching to auto pilot, mindfulness means taking the wheel.
3. Travel
All the other bullsh*t aside, travel is the best therapy for the soul. It’s the only thing money can buy and you’ll still come out richer. You come home a different person with a fresh perspective. It takes your mind off all the other nonsensical things in daily life.
4. Forgive
One very important step in moving on is forgiving those who let you down – friends, family or a parent… You won’t get closure by waiting for someone to come around. You have to make it happen for yourself. And anyway there’s no point to the unnecessary emotional baggage that’s only holding you back.
5. Apologise
Don’t give your ego first dibs on your soul. If you’ve hurt someone and know deep down they deserve an apology, make it happen. Apologise. It’s true what they say about words being sharper than a sword. Not apologising isn’t even fair to you. Lighten up and let go of the bad energy because it has no place in your life.
6. Finish what you started
Finish: learning that language you gave mid-way in college; reading or writing that book; and even booking that trip and finally taking it. The point is to be able to eventually scratch off all the things that made it to your to-do list. The sense of accomplishment that follows once you finish something is the sweet reward that makes it all worth it.
7. Learn, learn and continue to learn
Be open to learning new things – that’s what keeps us young. Learning anything new enriches the soul and only makes you wiser and smarter. Pick up a new hobby and dive right in.
8. Be open to change. Always
When they change is the only constant in life, don’t roll your eyes. It’s not a cliche. Change can come in many forms. And turning that change in to an opportunity to do something better is up to you. Don’t skip that chance, take it.
9. A few selfless acts
You haven’t served humanity if you haven’t done things a little selflessly. Whether it’s volunteering at an old age home or a shelter for animals, make sure you take a little time out from the daily grind. You’ll soon realise that in giving to others, you’ve got so much back yourself. It’s also the best balm to heal the soul.