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- February 28th, 2014
Make It a Habit
In my twenties, I had horrible eating habits and was completely unhappy. Slightly overweight and unhealthy, I’d go three days without eating in hopes of losing a few pounds, subsisting only on cigarettes and ice pops. Other days, I’d eat until I was sick to my stomach. The unhealthy cycle continued until I made a conscious decision to change. I’ll admit: Initially, my reasons for adopting healthier habits were vain. I wanted to be skinny. But the experience forced me to learn how to exercise and build strength the right way.
By my early thirties, I was strong and healthy — and I felt great. I continued adopting new healthy habits and as I mastered each one, I found myself feeling happier, more confident and more fulfilled. By the time I reached my forties, I was transformed. I ate healthy foods all day long, roller bladed 60 miles a week and felt beautiful. I was truly happy.
But, of course, life doesn’t always work out the way we plan. In 2006, my marriage started to break down. My husband and I had been through many trials as a couple, and after many years, I made the decision to leave. This was the saddest I’d ever been in my life, yet I found the strength to wake up every morning. I had a strong core — the most central part of my being — from all the years I spent working on myself and creating habits that made me happy.
What I’ve learned is that happy people don’t have fewer problems, they have better skills to deal with them. In my book, “Happiness Is a Habit: Simple Daily Rituals That Increase Energy, Improve Well-Being and Add Joy to Every Day,” I share simple habits that helped me weather some of the most difficult times in my life. Here are 9 you can start today to help you deal with life’s unexpected turns — and ultimately, make you a happier person.
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