You can’t chase happiness because it’s already inside of you.

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude,” wrote American motivational speaker Denis Waitley.

How true do you find his statement to be?

Happiness is hard to define. It’s a sense of joy, laughter, contentment; and it can go away just as easily as it comes—but only if you are chasing for it, expecting someone to give it to you, or searching for it in other selfish ways. You would be wasting your time because real happiness is already inside of you, and it’s easy to find. Happiness is a choice. You make the decision to find it in yourself or you will get lost searching for it in other ways.

I think being more comfortable with your age and content with what you have is a good start. Appreciate the qualities you have about you and stop beating yourself up about things that don’t really matter.

Having a purpose in life always creates a sense of wellbeing. Keep your passion for what makes YOU happy. Also having a sense of purpose outside of yourself by having compassion for others and not dwelling on your own problems is the quickest way to feel joy.

Be grateful for the good things in your life and not material possessions. A pair of Louis Vuitton shoes might make the soles of your feet feel good but they will do nothing for your true soul.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

This Thanksgiving, be thankful for the people in your life, and what you have that truly matters.

Christy Stone Trala is a certified Feng Shui Consultant, Esthetician, Reflexologist and Make-Up Artist at Robin Walter Salon and Spa. She also is also the owner of Lucky Girl Bath and Beauty.