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I'm Deb, and I'm excited to share, learn and grow together.
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Happiness. What does it really mean to you?
For many of us, it’s all too easy to feel the lack of it.
We say things like:
“If my life was like hers, I’d be happy too.”
“When I lose 10 pounds, I’ll be happy.”
“When I finally land that dream client…”
Sound familiar?
We tend to place our happiness just out of reach, tying it to future events or outside circumstances. But here’s what I’ve learned: we often have more control over our happiness than we think.
A recent journal prompt asked me to write down the top four values I hold most dear. That exercise got me thinking deeply about one in particular: happiness and contentment.
Why was this so high on my list?
Because for most of my life, I was always chasing “the thing.” Maybe it was health, wealth, validation, a particular feeling, or even a number on the scale. But whatever it was, it always seemed to be just around the corner.
And I know I’m not alone in that.
We’re constantly striving. But at what cost?
My mindset has shifted. I still have goals and dreams, but I’m now mindful of what I might be sacrificing to achieve them. As I mentioned in my blog post about health and wellness, I used to separate my work and personal life, as if they were two entirely different lanes. Spoiler alert: they’re not.
That disconnection came at a cost—my health, my time, my joy.
No one forced those expectations on me. I put them there myself, like so many of us do. I’m a hard driver, a perfectionist. But over the years, I’ve learned something valuable: you can’t pour from an empty cup, and sometimes “good enough” is more than enough.
Today, happiness and contentment are at the top of my priority list.
I’ve realized I don’t need the best of everything to be happy. What matters more is living in a way that feels aligned with who I am—spending time with people I love, having the freedom to take a mid-day gym class, or simply sitting on my deck on a summer day.
That’s my version of happiness. Yours might be totally different—and that’s the whole point.
There’s no one-size-fits-all version of happiness. We each need to define it for ourselves. Stop playing the comparison game—it’s not only unhelpful, it’s based on someone else’s version of a dream.
Let’s break it down for a second:
See how it’s kind of a circle?
You have to define these feelings for yourself. What brings peace and joy to you might not make sense to someone else—and that’s okay. Your version is enough.
Here are a few practices I’ve found helpful for discovering happiness on your own terms:
1. Define what happiness means to you.
Try journaling over a few days or weeks. What patterns or recurring desires do you see?
2. Focus on the present.
Happiness isn’t in the past or future—it’s right here, right now. Mindfulness or meditation can help you stay present.
3. Build positive relationships.
Strong, supportive relationships matter more than we sometimes admit. Nurture them intentionally.
4. Pursue your passions.
Whether it’s painting, baking, traveling, or building a business—make time for what lights you up.
5. Practice gratitude.
Gratitude shifts perspective. Try writing down three things you’re grateful for each day—you’ll start noticing them everywhere.
6. Take care of yourself.
Physical, mental, and emotional health all matter. Prioritize rest, movement, and nourishment.
7. Set meaningful goals.
Goals give us purpose. Make them realistic, track your progress, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
Happiness and contentment aren’t something you arrive at—they’re something you build, step by step.
It takes intention. It takes practice. But the power is in your hands.
So if you’re waiting for someone or something else to “make you happy,” this is your reminder: you’ve had the power all along.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to comment below or reach out directly.
And if this resonated with you, I invite you to stick around. My mission is to help you build a business and a life that feels just as good as it looks!
Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
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