“When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” -Lao Tzu

Somewhere along the lines, we’ve gotten it into our heads that a full life involves abundance. We’re told to visualize it, fixate on it, and open up to receiving it because we deserve it and we can have it.

The missing part of that equation is whether or not excess will actually make us happy. The answer is no–not if you weren’t already happy–because happiness is an inside job.

Research actually shows the human brain becomes conditioned to positive experiences, meaning once the initial high of receiving wears off, your mood will return to its baseline–even if you won the lottery.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting. If the world was free from desire, there would be no positive change. What’s important is to realize you can experience peace and joy without attaching to the things you want. That there is nothing lacking in this moment that makes it unworthy of happiness.

What can you do to enjoy this moment, in all its fullness?

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“It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.” -Daisaku Ikeda

We are all flawed. From the weakest person you know to the strongest, everyone has some area where they can improve. You can focus on people’s weaknesses, finding reasons to pull them down; or highlight their strengths, motivating them to rise up. Odds are the choice you make says a lot about how you treat yourself.

When you believe in someone you bring out the best in them. You remind them it’s OK to be imperfect; that they can still make a difference in the world even if they struggle sometimes. You motivate them to focus on what they have to offer, instead of dwelling on all the ways they may fail. Deep down, we all want that for ourselves.

We’re all a little scared and a little unsure. We’re also all powerful beyond belief. You decide where to put your focus. You decide whether to show people support and appreciation or disappointment and judgment. You decide what to inspire in people.

Whose strengths will you see today?

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“Genuine sincerity opens people’s hearts, while manipulation causes them to close.” -Daisaku Ikeda

Sincerity can make you feel dangerously vulnerable. When you open your heart you can’t be certain other people will treat it with care. When you keep it closed to avoid being hurt you don’t give them the chance.

People don’t always respond to sincerity in kind, but more would than you likely realize. We really aren’t that different. We all want to feel connected, understood, appreciated, and loved. We all want to know it’s safe to ask for it.

Risk being sincere today. Be who you are and say what you feel. Open yourself to authentic, loving interactions, and focus on the positive it creates.

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“I cannot make my days longer so I strive to make them better.” -Henry David Thoreau

People say life is short. It’s not. Not if you figure out what you want to do and then do it. There’s no right or wrong answer. However you decide to spend your time, it won’t be better or worse than another person’s choice. There’s only what’s right for you.

The people who spend their time well are the ones who know what matters to them, and do it with all their heart. You might not know what matters to you. Your days may pass by leaving you wondering when they’ll feel more meaningful. There’s a really simple answer to that question: when you decide to give your days meaning.

You decide how to use your time wisely. You decide what’s important, what gets your blood pumping, and how you can do it often and well. How can you make today better than yesterday?

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“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” -Buddha

Feelings themselves are neither good nor bad. What gives them power is our compulsion to either dwell on them or act on them.

Perhaps you know the feeling. Someone hurts you, or you find yourself in a difficult situation, and in a way you feel justified. Almost as if it feels good to stay angry. That maybe you should be angry; and furthermore, you should do something about it. Confront someone, challenge someone, maybe even hurt someone.

Anger magnified or directed rarely feels as good as we imagine it will. What does feel good is accepting that all feelings pass; fighting the instinct to do something you may regret; and then realizing your anger has faded. It always does with time.

Today if something ruffles you, ask yourself this question: am I willing to torture myself because I feel justified, or do I choose peace instead?

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“Joy comes from using your potential.” –Will Schultz

Remember that you have all that potential and greatness in you right in this moment. You have the capacity to feel passionate, motivated, challenged, inspired and impressed with your abilities. You have the power to feel alive.

It’s easy to forget how powerful you are when you get caught up in your struggles and mistakes. When you start stressing about what’s been or what might be coming and let your thoughts become shackles.

Make the conscious choice not to anchor yourself. Let go of whatever is holding you back and make the choice to fly. The only difference between you and someone who lives out loud is choice.

Where will you soar today?

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