By Bronwyn Ison

This is the time of year to express gratitude and happiness. Did you know your attitude is germane to your happiness? I am perplexed and cannot seem to shake how very happy I am in my own life. Therefore, I want to continue to share this ebullient feeling and free gift with you.

The holidays can be daunting for many. Memories of the past that may not be fond, agitate within and render you sad, depressed or angry. Negative memories can be debilitating. If you recognized a negative pattern in your behavior during the holidays it may be time to make a change. I understand change is intimidating. Remember change is constant. You need change for growth. Vacate your mundane rut. You control the reigns of your own greatness and happiness.

Did you know choosing to be happy is one the smartest choices you can make? Happiness is a catalyst to your health, relationships and business to flourish. Yes, I am telling you that all you have to do is be happy to live happy. Everyday you have a choice when you get out of bed. You can choose to be happy or display a sour attitude. It seems rather comical to me that someone would choose to commence the day negatively. Ouch, this sounds painful! This is a recipe for self-sabotage and I would not want to cross paths with you.

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I recall as a child my mother would say, “It’s another happy day.” I will admit there were days I did not want to hear those words. My thought, “How does she know is it’s another happy day?” I am fortunate she instilled this happy mindset each day. My daughters gain the pleasure of hearing me each and everyday… “It’s another happy day!” I love that I can share my joy with them.

In the month of December, I challenge you to create a gratitude list. Write down one to two words a day pertaining to something or someone that makes you feel happy. Remember you are in complete control of your feelings. Do you rejoice when you are with a certain person? Does a certain activity make you feel good? Here are a few ideas. Be thankful and happy for your health, spouse, significant other, children, siblings and friends. This may barely scratch the surface of your long list. Commit to doing this for yourself. Invite your spouse or friend to share the challenge with you. Exchange your happy thoughts with each other. This will ensure a smile.

Above all… LOVE! Love is powerful. Genuinely loving those around you will reap you great joy and happiness. It is important to invest in yourself and others. When you are able to do accomplish such goals, you will receive the ultimate gift… a life of true happiness and love.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is to great a burden to bear.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.

Bronwyn Ison is the Owner of Evolve Yoga. www.e-volveyoga.com or (760)564-YOGA
50-991 Washington Street, La Quinta 92253