Weekly: Your power is here

Here's a question that I love to ask myself:

What does Future-Me wish that Current-Me would do today?

The answers are always instructive: Stretch. Slow down. Eat something delicious. Call a friend. Step a little outside Current-Me's comfort zone. Notice how lucky Current-Me is.

What's your answer? Hit reply and let me know.

With love,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy

This Week

Old Happy: I am not strong enough to face my fear.
New Happy: I've faced my fear many times before; I can do it again.

Avoiding it is easier in the short-term, but creates pain in the long-term. Facing it is harder in the short-term, but creates ease in the long-term.

We all would prefer to avoid the upsetting or painful things in life. But in trying to protect ourselves through avoidance, we often end up paradoxically increasing our suffering.

The next time this you're avoiding something that needs to be faced, try this: think about how facing it will help you to be the person you aspire to be.

For example:

If you're avoiding setting a boundary, tell yourself: “I’m a person with self-respect, and this is a moment to demonstrate that.”
If you're avoiding a difficult conversation with a loved one, tell yourself: “I’m a person who shows up to work on my relationships, even when it’s hard.”
If you’re avoiding a chore or responsibility, tell yourself: “I’m a person who follows through on my commitments.”

This shift in focus — from the present pain to the future gain — can help you tap into your deep well of courage. Even when it seems scary, please remember: you can face this thing.

Tips and Tools

1. Not one thing — This week's animation.

2. Try anyway — Just do it.

3. Be true to yourself — Show the way.

4. Healing takes time — Be gentle.

5. Reconsider your walls — Are you isolating yourself?

More from TNH

Book — Preorder New Happy today and discover the real secrets of happiness.

Podcast — Get a daily morning pep talk — in five minutes or less

Speaking — Book us to speak to your team about well-being, resilience, and productivity.

Articles — Read more articles on our website.

Community

What is something that you're worrying about?

"Not living in the present and regretting the things I didn’t verbalize with the people I love before it’s too late. Telling them how much I love and admire them."

"My sister's mental health."

"I’m worried I won’t be able to provide for my baby boy if I decide to leave my job."

"It’s not a constant worry, but it comes up every now and then…finances. My worry is struggling to find freedom in a society that values income over time."

“Finding the right job opportunity.”

“Why I don’t do the things that are important to me.”

Read more