No matter what is coming at you, no matter what is happening or not happening, do you know how to create a paradise within your mind? How to have hope when all seems lost, how to feel excited and passionate about life even when you have NO clue what you are doing with your business? How to have hope when you're frustrated you haven't lost that 15 lbs. you have been trying to lose, or deeply sad that you haven't found the love of your life yet?
These questions are meant to ignite something more in you. I am inviting you to dig a little bit deeper, to push past the point of resistance and breathe in an ounce more of hope.
Maybe you're thinking that you need more than what you already have. Or feeling that happiness and joy are in something that you must work hard for. I am here to tell you that you can have those feelings of happiness, passion and love right now. These are the experiences that you cannot buy, but thankfully have 24-hour access to.
In the words of India Arie, "So you act, so you feel, so you are." This is a powerful reminder that you hold the key to your own happiness.
Creating a paradise in your mind and ultimately in your reality takes faith. You must step into this space of living, feel it and act from it in order to experience more of it.
Power + Perception + Presence = Paradise
Power
You have the power to make your own choices and be your own person, and hope is a power that you possess. Hope is continuing to go forward, it is continuing to live through that moment when you feel that hope has disappeared. You get to make the decision that no matter where you are or what is happening, you can say, "I am doing my best and I believe I am destined for great joy in my life," and you know what? You will get through it.
Perception
Perception is everything. How you see the world and how you see yourself in the world makes all the difference. You can choose to see it as a dark, scarce place, or you can choose to see it as an ocean of abundance. Your perception will deeply reflect your actions, your thoughts and state of mind. The whole idea is to "keep shining your light" so that you may walk right into the experience of what you want.
Presence
Be in the present moment. You are not your past and your future has yet to happen -- you are forever expressions of now and the more present you stay, the calmer the mind, the quieter the soul. In the present you don't hear the past as it shouts, "This is what you should have done," or the future saying, "This is never going to happen." Hope lies in the present moment and the present moment is creative. Decide what your actions, thoughts and feelings will be in this moment and take a step forward. With presence also comes gratitude. And expressing gratitude for where you are right now is powerful. You enter a place where you can freely, beautifully and simply smile. Your life feels fuller, your heart feels better and with taking life one step at a time, all begins to feel lighter. So, keep a gracious centered heart and you will always be guided.
Believe in your power, broaden your perception and be present with it all. Paradise is in your mind. Start there and never stop having hope.
For more by Nitika Chopra, click here.
For more on happiness, click here.