(Excerpt from Pain, Passion & Purpose )

We spend our lives indulging in a multitude of activities in search of it – happiness. Yet, it often seems elusive. They key to accessing happiness anytime you desire is to get your heart and mind in the right space. Here are seven steps for creating a source of happiness that you can access anytime desire.

Choose it! – Chart a course for happiness by knowing what you want and going after it. Do you like where you live, who you’re with, and what you do for a living? If not, then choose again. We live in a world of vast possibility and although you may have to get creative to make some changes, you can do it! A happy life has many pieces to the puzzle so start fitting them all into place one by one.

Put money in its place – Yes, having money is nice – but if your whole life has become consumed with the drudgery of getting it and keeping it – then remind yourself that it’s just another element in your life. Make whatever changes you need to regain your freedom – even if it means living on a smaller scale than you’re accustomed to. Find happiness in the other areas of your life until money is no longer an issue.

Examine your feelings – Be brave. Take the time to face feelings of anger, sadness or unworthiness head-on. Ask yourself, “What is this feeling trying to teach me?” Finding the answer can set you free. Don’t judge yourself harshly for having these feelings – it’s simply your body’s way of purging harmful memories, thought patterns and tendencies. Ignoring them makes them stronger – so shine a light in their direction.

Challenge your mood – After you’ve made an effort to decipher why you’re feeling down, then take back control of this moment by using the “happiness helpers” – listen to upbeat music, watch a comedy, or do something physical to get rid of negative energy. Find the balance between allowing your feeling to exist and taking charge of the now. You can do both – and find the lessons in your own time, in your own way, on your own terms.

Count your blessings – Repeatedly focus on everything that’s right in your life. Gratitude keeps your problems in perspective – and happiness at the forefront of your life. Say a silent “thank you” for each of the things you cherish. When you do, the Universe will bring you more of them!

Share the wealth – Once you’ve found your happiness – give it away! Happiness grows, multiplies and expands when it’s given to others. The world reflects our actions back to us. Make it a point to make someone else happy every day and you’re ensuring your own connection to joy. Also, it’s easier to be happy when those around you are happy – so set the wheels in motion!

Get out of the way – Don’t let old ideas and fears stand in the way of your ability to live the life you deserve. Take a chance on love. Show your enthusiasm. Speak your truth. It’s freeing and fun – and it chases all those old monsters out of the closet regarding other’s judgments. You are more than worthy of happiness – it’s simply the reward for your own special contributions to the world!

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Marci Wise is the author of Pain, Passion & Purpose. Copyright © 2013 marciwise.com. Material is copyrighted but free to repost as long as proper credit is listed, including our website address.