#274 – What makes you restrict happiness?

When we decide what makes us happy, we're restricting happiness to a limited set of conditions. Anything else won't work for us and we'll be unhappy.

Is that what you want?

No. That's what your Ego and the Ghosts want, because they want to have leverage over you. To dangle a Damocles Sword above your head –– either you're with us or against us.

They threaten you with discontentment and despondency if you don't abide by their rules and take their commands.

But you want –– I assume –– liberation from these self-proclaimed protectors that live in your mind, by the way, rent-free.

So, what can you do?

You smile! You don't need a reason to smile, and you don't need to "understand" how this works. You don't even have to believe it works.

Because it does.

When the Ghost of Undervaluing whispers in your ear that you can't apply to that high-paying job because, you? Making that much money? Ridiculous!, you just smile and hit send. After all, it's not your job to decide whom to hire.

When the Ghost of Isolation makes you aware of all the people you consider friends who agree with political leaders and views opposite to you, you smile and keep engaging. After all, connection and not consensus is what defines friendship.

When the Ghost of Need to Prove points at the red numbers in your brokerage account and your Ego shouts that you won't be able to pay for the house in Portugal, you smile and close the finance app. After all, the house in Portugal isn't a requirement for your happiness –– or is it?

This is how I'm living these days, and with each smile, I reclaim a bit of the power these ghosts want to steal from me.

Which conditions to happiness will you blow up to set yourself free?

Love,

Carolina