Many of us suffer from the “I’ll be happy when” syndrome and look constantly into the future waiting for the perfect mate, job or weight to bring us happiness. The state of constant striving focuses on lack and what we do not have.
We are unhappy where we are and believe that when we get “there”, wherever “there” is, we’ll be more satisfied, fulfilled and achieve that elusive state, happiness.
We are playing the waiting game!
Here are my top ten ways to win at playing the waiting game:
- Slow down: Slowing down provides the time and space to create awareness about what you want and need. Practice saying “no” to one demand on your time each day and either delegate the task or drop it all together. Focus on doing something to nurture your mind, body and spirit each day. And lastly, set some clear boundaries around the time you devote to email, your phone and social media.
- Be present: Live in the moment and be present to the activity you are engaged in at the time. Let go the past, it has passed and the future has not yet happened. Have fun and immerse yourself completely in the task at hand.
- Love what is and where you’re at: Accept things as they are now, including where you are and who you are. There is perfection in the imperfect and value in who you are, not just what you do. Love, accept and approve of yourself right now!
- Lighten up: We all have many responsibilities but don’t mistake your commitment to fulfilling your obligations as such serious business that you forget to enjoy life and have a sense of humour. You can still be responsible and have a good time. Upscale your emotions in every moment.
- Allow time for play: Play is not just for children. In fact, when we are having fun and engaged in an activity for it’s sake we are not goal oriented. We are curious and spontaneous and there is a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
- Say “yes, I’m in”: When you are invited to participate in a new adventure, face the fear and do it anyway. Feel the anticipation and excitement as you learn a new skill or activity. Getting out of our comfort zone is like a breath of fresh air and allows us to focus on possibility and develop new skills and friendships.
- I’m Ok and All is Well: Trust that you are ok and don’t engage in catastrophizing. Albert Einstein said the most important decision any of us make is whether we believe in a friendly or hostile universe. Our decision impacts our perspective and the perception of our circumstances. Be positive and focus on what is going “right” in your life.
- Have an attitude of gratitude: Pay attention to what you appreciate and are grateful for each day. When we are grateful we draw more circumstances to us to be grateful about. Kick this up a notch and choose to believe in “pronoia”, a term Rob Brezsny uses to describe a belief in the universe showering us with blessings. Notice and be grateful for what you have in your life presently.
- Ask, Allow and Receive: Use your imagination and dream big. What is it that you would like to have and that you believe would make you happy? Write it all down with as much detail as possible and then believe in it’s manifestation. Trust that it’s on it’s way to you and let go the doubt. Your doubt is the obstacle to your success so act as if and witness it appearing in your life.
And the big reveal. Drum roll please.
1. Be Happy Now: Focus on your life and choose to be happy now. Choose to feel good. According to Burton Hills, happiness is not a destination, it is a method of life. A favourite saying of mine comes from The Course in Miracles and it is, “Infinite patience produces immediate results”. When I choose to be happy now and am patient, trusting that what I want is on it’s way to me, I am never surprised at the speed by which it shows up.
Here’s to playing the waiting game. I am wishing you much happiness, now!
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