Happiness is uncovering what you already have

Post written by Leo Babauta.

When I set out to convert my unhappiness with my life into happiness, about 7 years ago, I had some ideas about how to do it.

I was going to get out of debt and lose weight and get a better job and declutter my house and get into shape and become productive and write a book.

And I actually did all those things and much more. It was great. They changed my life, and I’m very happy now.

Those things, however, didn’t get me happiness.

What I learned is that I already had all I needed for happiness, but it was buried beneath my insecurities, my discontent with my life, my loathing of my body and myself. I already had it, but it was all covered up.

Happiness is the uncovering of what you already have.

You have all you need for happiness, right now. You don’t need to change anything about yourself, or your life. You just need to see what’s already there.

Let me show you what I found out about myself, and how I became happy.

Changing My Life

When I set out to become happy, I wanted to change my life. I had an ideal life that I wanted to create, and I thought if I created that life, I would be happy.

It’s all a fantasy. We all do it: we fantasize all the time about the ideal partner, the ideal kids, the ideal job, home, car, computer, clothes, travel, furniture, TV, and of course, body. If we have these ideal things, this perfect fantasy, we’ll be happy, right?

Well, no. Because first, the fantasy can’t ever come true. We can believe we’re making it come true, but the reality will never match up with the fantasy.

For example, I learned this because while I decluttered and created a minimalist home, it didn’t automatically give me a feeling of contentedness. I needed to learn that separately.

Decluttering, however, did teach me a lot: I learned about why I was holding on to things (fear), and learned that the fears were unfounded. I learned that I could do well even without all that false security, and that I was already strong enough to live life without a lot of unnecessary things.

I still recommend simplifying your life, not because of the fantasy life you think you’ll create, but because you learn about yourself.

When I lost weight, I was still unhappy with my body. It still wasn’t perfect. And let’s be honest: it will never be perfect, in the sense of matching the fantasy of the cover models you see on men’s magazines. I’ll never match up to that fantasy.

But losing weight taught me that I could enjoy eating healthier and exercising. I learned that these weren’t as scary as I thought, and that food is not needed as a crutch for stress, fears, loneliness, boredom and the like.

This was true in every area of my fantasy: I learned that striving for the fantasy didn’t ever work, that I could never get there, that even if I got close, I wouldn’t be happy. But I learned along the way that I didn’t need my old baggage, and that everything I needed for happiness was already in my possession.

What You Need for Happiness

So what does make you happy? What do you need for happiness?

You can strive for happiness in external things all you like: house, job, car, a loving partner, food, drugs, shopping. But these don’t make you happy, at least not for long, and when they don’t give you continual happiness then you have to keep striving for more, and your happiness is always subject to the whim of these external things and people.

You can also find happiness within. You can learn that you have some amazing things inside you, that they are beautiful if you learn to accept them for what they are — and not try to meet up with any fantasy. You can learn that life is always amazing, as it is, without the fantasies. And because the happiness is within, you aren’t subject to losing it because people aren’t in the right mood, or because of external events changing your source of happiness.

This means stripping away the fantasies, one by one. It means looking within, and learning to be OK with what you find.

It’s not an overnight process, but the amazingness is already within you. It’s all around you (and actually within and without are not different things). No fantasies needed.

Note: To learn more about uncovering all you need for happiness, and why this is the root issue that causes (and solves) problems like the inability to change habits, weight problems, debt, procrastination and more, please read more about my new course, Uncover Your Awesomeness.

The course is part of the Zen Habits Sea Change Program.

Fit American: John Drury

 

 

 

My name is John Drury and I am a forty two year old father and husband from Cincinnati Ohio and this is my weight loss story. On February the fifth two thousand and eleven I entered a local radio stations biggest loser contest and was chosen to be a contestant. It was a ninety day contest and I came in a close second place losing fifty four pounds. I started the contest weighing three hundred and eighty six pounds and ending the contest at three hundred and thirty four pounds. I am a over the road truck driver and the contest really gave me the push I was searching for. I was provided a personal trainer and a nutritionist was provided.

I always loved dancing going back to my teenage years and when I lost the weight I found zumba at the gym I was working out at. I attended zumba classes three to five times a week along with tread mill and stationary bike. The weight just kept falling off week after week. Going into the new year of two thousand and twelve I was down eighty pounds and heading to Akron Ohio to be certified in teaching zumba classes and becoming a instructor. I started teaching my own class the first of the year with many people attending and really loving the class. I continued driving over the road working seventy hours a week and teaching zumba classes on the weekends. My motto for continuing to lose the weight well after the contest was no excuses.

I am now down one hundred pounds down and it's the one year anniversary of the contest. I am feeling more and more confidant as a dance fitness instructor and wanting to branch out on my own. I love hip hop music and that's what I prefer to dance too. Well it turns out a lot of my students prefer to dance to that type of music as well. So right around the time of my one year anniversary for the contest, I decided to create Big Johns Dance Fitness. Easy to do dance fitness moves to really fun familiar music. I am now paying it forward and inspiring and motivating people to lose weight and live happier healthier lives.

The old me is dead and gone and I am eating right, drinking water and feeling like a million bucks. I am preparing my meals both on the road and at home. Counting and keeping track of my calorie intake day in and day out. I am pushing myself harder than I have ever pushed myself before. I am starting to learn that feeling uncomfortable is ok when it comes to pushing myself. I am now starting to feel comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. This is my breakthrough in weight loss. I am learning day by day on this journey exactly how my body works. How my metabolism works and burns fat, and how to feed that metabolism multiple times through out the day. I am learning not to eat past a certain time in the evening. I try not to eat past eight o'clock. I am learning that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, making sure I start the day with plenty of protein.

The old me is dead and gone and I am finally after forty two years stepping out of the box and breaking all stereo types when it comes to dance fitness and especially teaching dance fitness. After forty two years I have found my purpose in life. I have found my calling in life. This is what I was meant to do. I was meant to pay it forward through dance fitness regardless of size age gender or appearance. My goal is to one day make a dance fitness DVD helping millions of obese men and women all over the world. I am here to tell anyone out there reading this that if I can do it anyone can do it. KEEP BELIEVING!

BIG JOHNS DANCE FITNESS information and contacts: drurydrury1150@aol.com ......YOUTUBE CHANNEL (thedrury1150).......The BIG JOHNS DANCE FITNESS RADIO SHOW (blog talk radio).......FACEBOOK (John Drury weight loss journey)

Inspiration and Motivation: April 2013

 

INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION

What drives some people to run in the rain while others look for an excuse not to run at all? What inspires you? This four week lecture is a series of awakening the spirit from within your soul.

Sign up now for this Free E-Course.

An Inspiration to Us All

 

As a USAF Service-Connected Disabled Gulf War Veteran with over 22 years experience working in the fitness industry, it was a natural progression of my journey to combine my passion for fitness along with my commitment to help veterans into this social-venture we call the Veterans Fitness Career College (VFCC).  With a loving wife, Gina, at my side and 7-month old son to provide for and set an example for, I’m charging forward to help my family and my community.

Myself and the VFCC Team are a group of caring veterans with extensive experience in the fitness industry working together with industry leaders to provide transitioning veterans the knowledge, skills, support, and confidence to get and stay healthy while establishing a rewarding and sustainable career helping others look and feel their best. The result is more jobs for our veterans and a healthier America.

What differentiates us in the market is that VFCC is the only academic institution with an all-veteran staff providing flexible online learning programs, specifically tailored to the needs of veterans along with paid apprenticeships and direct job placement at hundreds of health clubs across the globe within our partner Veteran Friendly Fitness Organizations.

My own commitment to help veterans is fueled not just by my own personal service, but it also comes from my extended family history of military veterans who have served in all branches of service dating back to the Civil War. In fact, my only brother and I both served, my Dad, several of my uncles, my grandfathers, my great grandfathers, and others have all served in the Armed Forces.  As an example, my brother, Dr. David Paschane, is a US Army Veteran who currently works as a Senior Analyst at the Department of Veteran Affairs; is an Associate Research Professor at UMBC; and is the founder of the non-profit Military Alumni Transition Career Headquarters (MATCH).

My own military experience began in the late 80’s when I joined the United States Air Force and served during Desert Storm, Panama Crisis, Somalia, and the Gulf War. However, during my service, I developed multiple debilitating back and joint problems as well as other health problems leading to complications with the health of my liver and spleen due to excessive exposure to toxic chemicals I was required to work around. Regardless of these health setbacks, rating at an 80% service-connected disability, I began an entirely new journey seeking the knowledge and doing the work to get and stay health. With this success of my own, I began a career helping others get fit.

Towards the end of my military service, I served as a United States Air Force (USAF) Diet Therapist, as well as a voluntary Wellness Committee Chairman for the 435th Supply Squadron at Norton AFB. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the USAF in 1994, I earned my first “Advanced Level: Personal Trainer Certification” and later went on to earn eight (8) other well-known and respected certifications in areas such as fitness, advanced nutrition, rehabilitation, sport conditioning, MMA conditioning, and more. Eventually, I earned an AA with an emphasis in Physical Education, BABC specializing in Entrepreneurship, and an MBA specializing in Entrepreneurship—all with Summa Cum Laude honors.

I worked hard and was able achieve a variety of successes in the fitness industry. As a Professional MMA Strength & Conditioning Coach, I trained several Strikeforce and UFC Fighters and as a Fitness Trainer, I’ve trained countless individuals of all types including many well-known celebrities (e.g. Randy Jackson, Dr. Dre, Paul Reiser, Tim Allen, Wyclef Jean, and many others).

Taking on greater challenges in my career, I worked as a Fitness Certification Instructor at Irvine Valley College and Riverside Community College; owned two well-known fitness studio franchises in California; was a top producing Regional Fitness Manager for Gold's Gym overseeing the Exercise & Nutrition departments for forty (40) gyms in the central US; and I was also the number one producer in the nation from 2000-2004 for Bowflex Strength Training Equipment. In the process of all this, I provided several hundred hours of public speaking at colleges, health clubs, hospitals, and corporations, as well as in the media where I’ve been featured on CNN, FOX, CBS, and more.

Today, as I lead the VFCC Community, we are working to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Focused on our motto: Healing the Health and Wealth of America’s Best”; we strive to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders as we continuously prove why veterans consider us their #1 solution for fitness education, certification, job placement, career guidance, and support. Learn more about Chris Paschane and the Veterans Fitness Career College at www.vfccollege.org.  Chris Paschane may also be contacted at: (714) 362-8618 X100

 

 

 

Yoga for Kids

How can yoga benefit children?

Research on the benefits of yoga for kids is limited. Anecdotal reports suggest that yoga can calm children, reduce obesity, enhance concentration and help children manage certain health conditions, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Studies suggest that yoga may also benefit children who have various mental and physical disabilities. Yoga may even help children who have eating disorders lessen their preoccupation with food. More studies, however, are needed to confirm the positive health effects of yoga for kids.

At the least, yoga can be a gentle method for your child to get more physical activity and enhance his or her well-being.