Hello and welcome to the May issue.  This is such a beautiful time of year when nature reminds us what its like to be full of life.  Most of us are materially better off now than ever before, there are over three thousand people in London earning over £1 million a year and yet  depression has overtaken unemployment as the UK’s biggest problem with over six million sufferers. A good time to have a look at happiness.

In this issue:

What makes you happy
Truly inspiring quote
Over to you

What makes you happy

“Happiness is a direction, not a place.”  

George Bernard Shaw

I like this because it implies that we’re on a journey and happiness is a by product.  I used to think people, things, events would make me happy; being in a relationship, having a job, buying a house, a car, a diamond ring, they would make me happy. Does this sound familiar?

Imagine my disappointment and frustration when I had all those things (and more) and I still wasn’t happy.  Happiness became a fascinating puzzle to me.  I started looking and here are some observations I’ve pieced together:

• choose to be happy.  Neither money nor anyone else can make us happy (I have coached several wealthy clients who were not happy) it’s up to all of us to.
  
• know what matters to you, what your values are and how you want your life to be.  Do you want an elegant life?  A friendly, family-orientated happy life? Maybe you want an energetic, vibrant, stimulating life?  You really can choose how you live your life. 
  
• keep your word.  Make a commitment that will support you towards leading a fulfilling life & set a time limit eg for one month.
  
• ask for help and support in keeping your word. It could be a friend, partner or a coach It is not a sign of weakness, it’s a smart way of expressing your determination. Look on my website to find a coach or book a free consultation with me
  
• help others and get involved.  Use your talents and skills to help your family, your community.

Truly inspiring quote

When we are of service we connect with others, find meaning in our lives and experience happiness. 

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognised by yourself as a mighty one, the being a force of nature instead of a feverish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.

I rejoice in life for its own sake.  Life is no brief candle to me.  It is a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold up for the moment. I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

George Bernard Shaw

I love this quote, it really helps me to remember that I am bigger than I feel am sometimes.

Click on my website for more insightful and inspirational quotes about happiness www.creating-results.co.uk .

Over To You…

A key ingredient to happiness is to honour your values.  Some values are so intrinsic to who we are that we take them for granted: love, family, honesty, health:  what about love of nature, beauty, environmental harmony, independence, variety, adventure?

Self coaching:

• List your top ten values. 
• Rate your level of satisfaction (marks out of ten). 
• If any of your scores are lower than 8 ask yourself what can you do to take your score to 8. What action can you take now, today, this week to take you to an 8? 
• What will the benefits be?
• How will you feel?
• What will you do? 
• When will you do it?
• Tell someone, either a family member or a friend and ask them to support you.

You can go to my website to find out more about coaching, to find a coach or book a free consultation with me www.creating-results.co.uk

I’d love to hear what commitments you’re making, how you feel & the results you’re creating. 

Join the coaching gym!

If you’re ready to step into your magical life and you like the idea of flexible coaching email me for further details maria@creating-results.co.uk

Be magical and shine!