Choosing Happiness: How to Transform Anger into Happiness and Embrace a Beautiful Life
- whitefirespa
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Yesterday I was pushing my cart of Costco goods towards the exit. I was smiling for no reason in particular. I just felt good. I had found everything I came for and toilet paper was on sale so that was a nice little surprise. The conversation with the checkers was lighthearted and pleasant. The crowd was easy. I was looking forward to loading up my car and heading to teach a fitness class.
Almost out the door, I saw a familiar face standing in the return line. A woman I hadn't seen in close to a decade, but used to have a very friendly relationship with, made eye contact and recognized me right away. I was happy to stop and say hi.
After about two minutes of pleasantries and 'how's the family', I found myself and my cart pushed off to the side listening to a barrage of angry political rants. At one point she was so worked up that she was stuttering trying to express herself. In complete awe at what I was observing, with absolutely zero need to engage, I listened with a polite nod or easy comment like 'so wild' or 'wow'. Eventually I couldn't hold it in any longer and said 'You seem very angry'. "I AM angry!" was the reply from her.
In that moment, I could not relate. A flood of thoughts hit me all at once. I thought about living with anger, manifesting all that hatred every day. I thought about what kind of grief and loss it would take to get to that point of holding so much anger. I thought about the hatred I used to hold for a select few people and how it felt in my stomach. I thought about the feeling of helplessness, of importance, of ego, of humility, and of denial.
But then... I thought about White Fire Wellness. I thought about my journey through pain, anger, hate, grief, loss, and all the other things that fought to drag me into misery. I thought about how happy I felt that day, how beautiful and imperfect my life is, how far I have come in my own journey, how it was all BY CHOICE. Images of what I am creating flashed through my mind, the energy of peace, of calm, of internal happiness, and warmth in my soul.
To be honest, it was incredibly emotionally intense. But within seconds I had so much clarity. I told her I'm so sorry you're so angry. I cannot relate to this right now and am actually having a really great day, I'm really happy. I wish you all the best but I have to go. I walked away, I chose happiness. Moving into the second half of my life, I will continue to choose happiness, no matter the outside propaganda. I control my world and I refuse to get so caught up in the things I cannot control that I end up stuttering in anger to an old friend in Costco. I wish so deeply for our society to walk away from these horrible influences and step into inner peace.
So, thank you for coming to my TED Talk. If you are sick of the anger and hate being spread, read on for my more 'professional' take on choosing happiness. :)
The Impact of Negative Emotions on Our Health
Research shows that holding onto anger and resentment can harm our health significantly. A study published in the journal Health Psychology found that individuals with high levels of resentment had a 30% increased risk of developing cardiovascular issues. When we dwell on negative emotions, our bodies react by producing stress hormones, which can lead to inflammation and a compromised immune system.
Conversely, choosing love and happiness can dramatically improve our health. A 2019 study in the journal Psychomatic Medicine indicated that up to 60% of participants reported better overall health when they focused on positive emotions. By consciously shifting our mindset, we build a healthier environment for body and mind.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is a simple yet effective way to enhance happiness. When we appreciate the small joys in life, we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance. Think about it: the comfort of your couch, the warmth of a smile from a loved one, or the fresh air on a walk. These simple pleasures are constant reminders that life has much to offer.
You can cultivate gratitude daily. One practical approach is keeping a gratitude journal. Write down three things you are thankful for each day. Research shows that regular gratitude practice can increase overall well-being by 25%. This easy habit can help train your brain to focus on the positive, making happiness feel more attainable.
Shutting Out the Noise
In our current digital age, we often encounter messages that promote anger and negativity. From news stories to social media feeds, it is easy to become overwhelmed. It's essential to be aware of these influences and make conscious choices about what we consume.
Start by limiting your exposure to negative news cycles and unfollowing accounts that drain your energy. Seek out uplifting content that inspires you. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether through friends or community groups.
Embracing the Present Moment
Mindfulness is another powerful strategy for manifesting happiness. By practicing mindfulness, we can release past grievances and future worries. Techniques like meditation and deep-breathing exercises help ground us in the moment.
When feeling overwhelmed by negativity, pause for a moment. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your sensations and surroundings. This practice can help you reconnect with the positive aspects of life and foster a sense of peace. Studies show that just 10 minutes of mindfulness daily can lead to significant improvements in emotional balance and overall happiness.
The Ripple Effect of Happiness
Choosing happiness not only improves your life but also impacts those around you. Happiness is contagious. When you radiate joy, you inspire others to do the same, creating positive changes in your community.
Think about how your mood influences your interactions. A friendly smile or a few encouraging words can brighten someone’s day and motivate them to spread that positivity. By choosing love and happiness, we contribute to a kinder and more compassionate society.
Practical Steps to Manifest Happiness
Practice Gratitude: Write down three things you are thankful for each day in a gratitude journal.
Limit Negative Influences: Be intentional about the media you consume and the company you keep.
Engage in Mindfulness: Incorporate simple mindfulness practices into your daily life, such as focused breathing.
Focus on the Present: Make an effort to live fully in the moment and cherish your surroundings.
Spread Kindness: Look for ways to brighten others' days through small acts of kindness and words of support.
The Journey Toward Happiness
Manifesting happiness is a powerful choice that can alter your life profoundly. By releasing anger and hate, and embracing love and gratitude, you create a vibrant reality balanced with beauty and joy. Happiness is not simply a fleeting feeling; it is a choice we make daily.
As you move through life, take time to pause and appreciate the small things and the abundance around you. Shifting your mindset and focusing on the positive can lead to a life filled with purpose and joy. The power to transform your life is within you.
Comments