There are plenty of things to worry us, just turn on the TV or radio news. During times of uncertainly or stressful work conditions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget who you are as a spiritual being. You may be asking, ‘OK, how do I feel happiness when I have deadlines in front of me or we are buried in work?’ I suggest you look at what you are bringing to the table. Look at how you are demonstrating happiness at work. When you bring your Light to work, you light up the workplace around you.
Think of three things you can do this week to bring your Light to work. Maybe it’s something small like smiling when you see a co-worker who’s stressed, maybe it’s offering to help someone on a project they are working on. Maybe you need to stretch yourself somehow to show you care about someone at work. Look around your workplace and be intentional this week to do some small act of kindness. You’ll feel better by doing it. Then when you catch yourself upset about something, choose happiness. Ask yourself, how can I choose happiness (joy, love, peace) over this? Caroline Myss reminds us, “Happiness is an inside job”.
Next time you go into a meeting, pay attention to whether you are worried or looking for good things to happen. You solicit more ideas and information when you believe someone has something positive to contribute. The Self-fulfilling Prophecy is powerful- what you expect is usually what you receive.
Think of a time recently when you responded to someone’s questions and ideas- was it with a sense of caring and understanding or was it with a sense of tension and fear? I’m guessing you are more open to hearing people’s ideas and seeing new possibilities when you are in a positive frame of mind than when you are worried, grumpy, or frustrated. You’re far more likely to get someone to help you out or focus on your needs when you are open and supportive of them.
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits, and positive institutions. Martin Seligman, considered the founder of Positive Psychology, has written extensively on Authentic Happiness as a way to feel more satisfied, to be more engaged with life, find more meaning, have higher hopes, and probably even laugh and smile more, regardless of one’s circumstances. What helps you be authentically happy?
I’ll end with this quote “ Happiness is best kept when given away”. When do you give away your happiness? Let us know what happens when you do. Enjoy the journey!
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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.
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Linda is an author, speaker, coach, and consultant. Go to her website www.lindajferguson.com to read more about her work, view video clips of her talks, and find out more about her book “Path for Greatness: Spirituality at Work” available on Amazon.