Think about the last time you were really happy; was it with friends or family, were you sitting around laughing from the gut or fishing with your father? When seeking happiness in life, many times we over think how to get there or put too much pressure on ourselves and/or the people around us. True long-lasting happiness begins with a happy soul.

Developing a life which nurtures happiness begins with a realistic view of ourselves and our deepest wants and desires. Think about how hard it is shopping for a friend you don’t really know that well. Its hard knowing exactly what will make them happy, so in the end we end up guessing. Now think about yourself and whether or not you truly know what makes you happy. When asking yourself how to find happiness, think about the last time you were carefree without a worry in the world. More than likely one key element in that moment was the absence of expectations. You weren’t thinking about tomorrow or things you regret, you were just enjoying the moment for what it was.

Finding what creates inner happiness for your soul is a great beginning at creating the life you dream of inside. Everyone wants happiness, but few realize it begins inside of our soul and can be manifested within. Start by determining what makes you happy in its simplest; is it spending time with friends or family, helping others, or striving to be the best you can be. The important part of this journey is making sure the things that make you happy come from within yourself. External things can only make us happy temporarily, whereas a happy soul will manifest happiness for an eternity. Thus the common saying, you can’t buy happiness. Begin with finding what makes your soul happy, and a happy life will find you.