Did you know that there are over 23,000 books with happiness in the title? It’s a popular theme because everyone wants it. But, everyone’s definition of it is different. And, happiness changes over time.
Happiness for you as a child is distinct from happiness as a college student or as a retired individual. However, there are similarities in how we obtain happiness. That’s why I’d like to share with you a recipe for happiness that has worked for me for over the last ten years.
Recipe for Happiness – Look Up Mantra + This Ingredient
In order to explain this simple, yet effective recipe, we need to agree on the definition of happiness. So, let’s compromise on something like this,
Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment.
If you work better backwards, let’s say that happiness is the opposite of sadness. Now, we are getting somewhere.
The first ingredient in the recipe for happiness is the Look Up Mantra. You can find the Look Up Mantra anywhere, it costs nothing, and you can use it anywhere. It’s a great life tool to have in your purse, backpack, or pocket at all times. Look Up encourages us to:
- Be in the moment.
- Find the upside.
You may be at a good place or a rather low point in life when you use the Look Up Mantra, but it definitely ups your chances for shifting your perspective and finding a little or a lot of happiness. Believe me, I created this simple mantra after hitting rock bottom. Read more about this When All Balls Drop moment.
If you are looking to complement the effects of the Look Up Mantra and get more happiness for your buck, well, I’ve got the next ingredient for you.
Complement Look Up with Adventure
The two reminders of Look Up are powerful. Stopping to appreciate the beauty around you as well as hazards, forces you to be in the moment. Likewise, turning your hiccups, wounds, and obstacles into lessons is finding the upside. In essence, you can harness the power of perspective. However, if you complement the Look Up Mantra with adventure, you have the blue ribbon winner recipe for happiness.
Just like happiness, let’s agree on what adventure is.
Adventure: Any new activity that is all-consuming, perhaps fearful, that puts you in the zone. It can be physical, mental, emotional, and/or a combination of all three.
You don’t have to bungee jump to add adventure to your life. Nor are you ever too old to embrace adventure. Plus, there are three proven benefits to adding adventure to your life.
Examples of Adventure
- Learn a new sport: karate, SUP, or pickleball
- See your hometown via another type of transportation
- Get outdoors
- Travel to a new part of your state or country
- Make a new recipe
- Start online dating
- Write your first blog post or book
- Launch your own podcast
Don’t Wait – Add Adventure NOW and Frequently
As far as when to start your adventure, NOW is the time to start. You don’t have to wait until a certain holiday, age, or until your bank account says it is time. You can plan adventures close to home and at little cost. Granted, you can also do the opposite. Perhaps 2021 and 2022 are years for multiple, BIG adventures.
What’s Your Next Adventure?
I’ve asked this question many times before on this blog, my TEDx Talk, and my books. However, after the last year, our answers will have evolved. Mine certainly has changed. Instead of traveling around the world leading adventures, I’m staying more in one place, my new home, Maui. However, I’m putting my tourism and marketing expertise to good use by becoming an Airbnb host. So, the world is coming to me, instead of me traveling to it.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts about this recipe for happiness. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Let me know how it goes!
As always, here’s to looking up and many adventures ahead.
Psst…There will be some special announcements about NEW Look Up stuff coming soon. Stayed tuned!
