Here is How to Find Your Happiness in the New Year

Hint — it starts with a smile.

A smile says alot.

A new year is once again coming upon us, and it’s time for ‘new’ beginnings — and as marketing advertisments would have you believe — a ‘new’ more ‘happy’ you!

And with every new year — we try our darnest to convince ourselves — ‘a new me’ — is the reason to smile on our life long journey towards happiness.

We try to make ourselves believe that the start of a ‘new me’ is special because the happiness we seek means we start fresh and make the changes we know we are capable of achieving in this new year.

And so, like Bridget Jones, we outline our goals as part of our new year’s resolution in our diaries — and try to do with a smile.

What’s in a Smile?

Your first goal as part of your new year’s resolution should be to be happy, and smile more, right?

We smile at the beginning of January thinking of how often we will go to the gym, eat healthy, or quit-whatever.

But for most of us, when the end of January comes, it’s back to the realization that you spent way too much at the end of last year, and so back to work you go — and our smiles go away.

So what can keep us happy if the smiles of a ‘new you’ are out the window?

Now if you know the secret to what truely makes you smile, no matter the time of year, then you will get what I am about to say.

But, for all you others out there…

Your only new year’s resolution this year should be to see how smiles — and through them your happiness — connect to the meaning of the word ‘control’.

In finding your happiness, the most important thing you should understand is what you can and cannot control.

And it all begins by looking at who you are.

You are a person who wants protection from harm and from all its forms.

If you continually seek protection from harm, that can help bring you in control of the happiness you seek.

Choose Wisely and You Will Smile

We are only accountable for our own words, and our accountability starts with seeking to protect ourselves through the words we choose.

Our smiles are intimately connected to the words we choose in interacting with those around us.

I have found peace in realizing that my journey towards happiness in life is in only concerning myself with words I am happy to share with others.

I believe that in trying to keep myself happy with the words I choose, I can make those around me happy — if they choose to listen.

My intentions in choosing my words should only matter to me, and not in trying to appease those around me.

I cannot control how others view and judge me by my words. I can only judge myself and the words I choose.

Know How to Smile

So this new year, I continue my journey towards happiness by understanding the power of a smile.

I have come to the realization that I can’t control what others think of me, and that I can only control what I think of myself.

And by understanding what it means to ‘control what you think of yourself’ — it means I value myself enough to know HOW to respond to others.

And this has taught me how to smile.

When you truely know how to respond to others in such a way that you are not seeking power, control, or to hurt anyone with your words, but instead hope to bring a smile to your face thorugh your choose of good words — then will you truely be able to find the happpiness you seek.

And finally, as we look forward to 2024, I would like to wish you all a wonderful year to come, full of good health and happiness.

If you enjoyed this article, please consider reading my other articles on supporting mental health and personal growth on medium.