“Always be mindful of what feels good. Never return the gift of the moment you are in.”
It is true that life is downright sad at times. It is also true that some people suffer “major depression” or “clinical depression,” a medical condition for which medical professionals offer treatments. PerfectCoaches cannot change these facts.
On the other hand, for most people most of the time it is possible to “Do Happy,” that is, it is possible to understand what makes us feel happy and do those things more often.
In the PerfectCoaches model, the self consists of the roles you play; specific habits, things you do that others can see; and inner experiences known only to you. Inner experiences may, in fact, be the key to thanking life. They are also behaviors—thoughts or emotions we do in the process of adjusting to our environment.
Instead of saying “I am happy” or “I am sad” or “I am angry,” you could say “I am doing happy,” “I am doing sad,” “I am doing angry.” One way to learn the Do Happy habit is this: Do at least one thing each day just for the purpose of experiencing the positive feeling you get. This can be anything. Take time for a friend and feel the sense of belonging. Make a new friend. Take time to feel the beauty of nature around you.
Although "doing happy" can have benefits like increased levels of serotonin and dopamine (a hormone and neurotransmitter associate with positive feelings) in your body, the test is whether doing that thing gives you the inner experience of feeling happy.
Talking to your coach. Once a day or throughout the day tell your coach why you have—or have not—taken time to DO Happy. Your coach will ask questions to help you understand how to increase your success.
While “mindful living” has become somewhat of a catch-all phrase, there are specific ways to apply this principle for major improvements in happiness and well-being.
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