Happiness. You can make it happen.

 Lately it seems that nearly everyone I know is having major life challenges. So many people are depressed, anxious, unhappy. When I was in my twenties I went through a very painful time of deep depression….I know how hard it is to pull out of that. I was seeing a shrink and on antidepressant drugs. One night, while at a big party, watching everyone seemingly having a great time, I made a decision. I decided that I would study happy people and I would do whatever it takes to become a happy person. This was the beginning of my path of personal growth.

While it didn’t happen overnight, by reading books, attending workshops, working with a nutritionist (turns out I have hypoglycemia so eating regularly is really important for my stability) and asking happy people lots of questions, I finally found my way to happiness.

We can’t always control our circumstances but we do have a lot of control over how we respond to life. When life gets tough, it helps to remember that that bad times don’t last and often the worst stuff turns into the best stuff. Getting through a difficult day requires that we try to figure out the baby steps we can take to get through the next five minutes. And get through the five minutes after that. For me, sometimes just focusing on one little thing I am grateful for is all I need to do. You can call a friend. Or walk your dog. Or pet your cat. Do something to put you into a state of gratitude and grace.


I have what I call my “toolbox” of methods to shift me from upset to happiness. It includes EFT Tapping, the Institute of Heartmath’s “heart lock-in techniques,” and the Sedona Method. All of these are easy to learn and I have found them to be very effective. (And, if you are severely depressed, please reach out for professional help.) Also, Marci Shimoff’s book, Happy For No Reason is an excellent resource.

I use at least one of these methods on a daily basis and have discovered that it really is possible to choose happiness once you know how to do it. My ultimate goal is to reach Santushta. This is a Sanskrit word which means complete unshakeable contentment, imperturbable happiness.

Wishing you love, laughter & magical kisses,

Arielle