Happiness cannot be found out there in the external world; it cannot be achieved as a result of obtaining some extravagant material thing, or possession, or position of higher status, or whatever.
Happiness comes from within; I truly believe that.
So what can we do feel happier? This is going to sound annoyingly obvious, but how about doing more of the things that we actually enjoy doing. It’s harder than it sounds, as we often do things we don’t want to, or that we don’t particularly enjoy, for various reasons.
If we are to do more of the things we love to do, the things that bring us the most fulfillment in life, how do we make room for them?
Well we’ve all heard that old chestnut – you are a product of your environment. It is so important to surround yourself with positive energy, but equally important to identify the negative sources of energy in your life, and remove yourself from them.
12 months ago I did just that; I decided to stop drinking.
It wasn’t something that was forced upon me, nor did I do it as some sort of social experiment. I simply grew tired of it, and didn’t see the benefit of continuing along that path. I had to remove that negative source of energy from my life.
I should mention that I feel very grateful that I was able to just stop, as I understand that some people tragically don’t have that luxury. I won’t talk about the huge problem we have with alcohol in Ireland, because everyone is aware of it. It’s common knowledge, all around the world, that the Irish are fond of the sauce. It’s part of our allure, oddly enough.
It’s not charming – it’s poisonous.
From the age of 16, up until 27, my entire social life revolved around the mostly heavy- consumption of alcohol. It was just how it was unfortunately, and still is for the majority I’m sure.
“Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life.” – George Bernard Shaw
By making room for more of the positive sources of energy in my life, I was able to hone in on what it is I actually like to do, the things I am passionate about, and pursue them. I no longer operate on a 6-day week, as I now have my Sundays back. I am more productive with my time, and I feel like I am always progressing.
More importantly, I have a greater handle on my mental health; instead of enduring ‘the fear’ until the middle of the week, and using a crutch to shy away from my problems and insecurities at the weekend, I can face them head on and deal with them accordingly, if they arise. I am more aware and in tune with my feelings and emotions, so if ever I feel down or under the weather, I can identify the root cause, and take action.
I’ve tried to take control of the things that I can control, and that is half the battle.
After seeing the many benefits of removing myself from that toxic lifestyle, I recently decided to look at ways to further improve my mental and physical health. For the last 4 weeks I have been working with Fionn McSwiney – a PhD researcher and lecturer at Waterford IT, and a specialist in the field of Exercise, Science and Nutrition. The positive changes I have experienced in that time have been nothing short of incredible.
Of course, there have been physical improvements; my jeans fit much better, the number on the scale is gentler, and I have shed a considerable percentage of body fat. As encouraging as this is, the most significant shift I’ve noticed has been between the ears.
“The part can never be well, unless the whole is well.” – Plato
My productivity and energy levels have gone through the roof, and I am finding myself squeezing more of the things that I enjoy into my day. I am more focused, and able to organise my time better. My mind is clearer, and I wake up every morning with a certain level of excitement to tackle the day ahead. I’m more positive, and generally happier.
It’s funny how when we make room for more of the positive sources of energy, and pursue the avenues that bring us the most joy and fulfillment, we find that we begin to attract more of that positive energy into our lives.
Mind, body and soul, it’s all connected, and we are in total control.
We just have to take the reigns.
Fionn McSwiney is a PhD researcher and lecturer at Waterford IT, and a specialist in the field of Exercise Science and Nutrition. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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