13 Jul Do you rob yourself of happiness with these 8 (bad) habits?
by Hannah Sentenac from MindBodyGreen
Humans are largely habitual creatures, and, unfortunately, this hard-wired ability can be used for good or ill. While we may earnestly avow that we're desperate for a peaceful and happy life, our habits often simultaneously sabotage us.
We want a healthier lifestyle, but we binge watch TV and eat cookies on the weekends. We want a soul mate, but we reject every dude we meet. We want a positive outlook on life but we constantly complain. We want something different out of life, but we keep doing the same. Damn. Things.
Breaking habits isn't easy — just ask anyone ever. But ditching the negative patterns we've been carrying around for eons is often the missing puzzle piece in our pursuit of happiness.
Here are eight habits that may be getting in your way:
1. Comparing yourself to others.
This is a losing battle that humans have been fighting for all eternity. Your dog doesn't agonize over the fact that the pup next door has a rhinestone collar and a memory foam bed. He's stoked to be alive no matter what the circumstances. Comparing yourself negates all sense of appreciation for the amazing aspects of your life. You're not here to be like someone else; you're here to be like you.
2. Obsessing about how you look.
Your body is just a shell for the real you — a temporary vessel carrying precious cargo. It deserves your love, care and respect — not your constant criticism. It's impossible to be happy while hating your physical appearance, because hate and happiness can't coexist. Plus, putting all your attention on the outside is a distraction from all the things that actually matter.
3. Being judgey.
The judgments we inflict on others are often an outward extension of how we feel about ourselves. The best bet is trying to meet every circumstance and situation with a fresh mind and an open heart. Judging yourself or anyone else is self-defeating and entirely pointless. Taking things for what they are, along with offering acceptance, compassion and a neutral attitude, totally changes the way we see the world….
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