Several years ago I hit rock bottom. Since then, I’ve made tremendous strides to reach happiness – leaving my corporate job after burnout, overcoming depression, and ditching troubling addictions.  Through my experiences, I’ve come to realize that being and staying happy is no small feat.

Happiness is something we all want, but with life’s pressure and the demands of being an adult, it can be overwhelming at times. That’s why I created the play with the world mentality. Play With The World, is more than a website – it is a mindset and a refreshing approach to life intended to help each of us stay grounded and focused on living life fully and with our hearts wide open.

Here are my top 8 tips on keeping your heart open and free, everyday.

1. Don’t take it personally
Most of what others say and do is about them and their own perceptions, and has exactly nothing to do with you. Instead of reacting, simply go inward and align with your own true self. Being confident in your own skin is the best way to combat disapproval from others. When you are aligned with your own true self, others can’t mess with you.

2. Connect with your joy route
Finding what you are passionate about and doing it daily is the best way to live a happy life. My mantra is to stay close to EVEYTHING that makes me feel uber alive! I love baths, nature and collecting journals. When I am stressed out I get back to my joy route and find happiness in playing with what I love. What is your bliss? Tap into that daily.

 3. Compliment yourself
Most of us don’t give ourselves any credit for doing good deeds. We need to remember that little victories are important. On our journey to happiness and inner peace, it is essential to wrap ourselves up with love. Do this by complimenting yourself for a job well done.  Try looking in the mirror and saying, “I love you, you are beautiful.” The more compassionate you can be to yourself the happier your heart will be.

4. Drop from your head to your heart
Once I stopped over-thinking things, and dropped from my head to my heart, things began to shift. I lightened up, I felt more inner peace and my dreams came true faster. Be unapologetic about your desires and needs and allow your heart to guide you.

 5. Press the play button
Are you stuck? Try playing. Anytime I feel burdened or stressed out I press the play button on my life. Some of my greatest ideas have come from inspiration I gained while playing…including my next book title, Mental Makeover, and many of my article ideas. Albert Einstein said play is the highest form of research. You will be able to solve any problem, by taking a life recess and playing your way to happiness.

 6. Gratitude your attitude
Being thankful for what you have and where you are is the catalyst to everything. When you can appreciate what you have, happiness can happen. I wake up every morning and say thank you to the universe, and throughout the day I say thank you multiple times in appreciation of everything. From my morning coffee to my nature walks with my furry fella, to the work I do each day, I’ve found that feeling grateful can increase my abundance, happiness, and inner joy.

7. Express yourself
Part of living an adventurous and fun life is to express yourself authentically. I love headbands; I have over 150 of them and I wear them all the time. Things can become valuable when you use them as an extension of yourselves. My sister in law always has the coolest painted finger and toenails. She has glitter, school colors, designs and hip icons, which extend her sweet personality and are a visible expression of her outlook on life. Being a girl is fun, so play it up by using accessories to express your gorgeous self.
Do you love scarfs, headbands, nail art, or shoes?  Or do you prefer no makeup and walking around barefoot on the beach, what’s your thang? Discover it and express yourself to the fullest.

8. Enjoy the ride
Whatever your goal is…to lose weight, to travel more, to increase the romance in your life or even to find your purpose and passion…getting there can only happen when you accept where you are. Enjoying the journey is the sweet stuff of living a real rich life. Yes, we all have goals and dreams, but the journey to manifesting them is just as rich and juicy as the end result. Enjoy the process and have fun. Life is a dance, so shake your groove thing.

Shannon Kaiser has been labeled a modern thought leader on the rise by CafeTruth. She is the bestselling author of “Find Your Happy, an Inspirational Guide to Loving Life to Its Fullest,” and the founder of the website playwiththeworld.com, which was awarded Top 75 Best Personal Growth Websites and top 100 Self-Help Blogs on the internet by The Institute for the Psychology of Eating. 

Website: www.playwiththeworld.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannonKaiserWrites 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shannonLKaiser