Find your happy.

This is the season of merriment and joy.  But unlike gifts under the tree, true happiness does not come with a neat bow wrapped around it. And no amount of money can buy it.

Now is a good time to consider what makes you truly happy.  What makes your heart sing and your soul feel content? What would it take to manifest more joy day to day, versus pinning your hopes on events or “things” to bring you happiness and delight?

For us to be truly fulfilled, we need to find our happy – understanding what we need in life to feel peace and inner joy, and then courageously stepping up to it. Through this self-awareness and commitment to be happy, we are better able to lead, support and love others.

For some of us, this may require a fundamental shift in perspective – from glass half empty to half full.  It may mean spending more time helping others or giving back to the community.  Maybe it’s about empowering ourselves to eat differently; releasing a grudge; spending more time in nature, or with loved ones; shutting down our technology earlier to get better sleep; or deciding to lighten up and laugh more.

For others of us, finding our happy may require deeper changes:  walking away from a toxic relationship; making a career change; confronting and reprogramming the beliefs that are holding us back; or taking big steps to simplify our lives.

Whatever it takes, finding your happy is the most significant gift you can give yourself and those around you.

The philosopher Lao Tzu said it best: “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the moment.” All you can control is the present moment, so give yourself the gift of a lifetime this holiday season, and find your happy!