The Foundation of True Happiness
Happiness is often seen as something external—something to be found, achieved, or given to us. We grow up believing that if we check the right boxes, follow the right path, or meet the right people, happiness will naturally follow. But what if happiness isn’t something to be found at all? What if it is something we create for ourselves, from the inside out?
Creating happiness doesn’t come from ignoring life’s difficulties or forcing a false sense of positivity. Happiness is anchored in stepping into self-awareness, releasing old patterns, and making intentional choices that align with what truly matters. It requires us to redefine what fulfillment means, not by society’s standards, but by our own.
When we let go of what no longer serves us and embrace who we truly are, we open the door to a life that feels more joyful, connected, and meaningful. The question isn’t whether happiness is possible; the question is whether we’re willing to create it for ourselves.
Your Guide to Unstoppable Happiness
Christy Holt, better known as The Happiness Hussy, is on a mission to ignite joy and adventure in every corner of the world. As a mentor, international best-selling author, and host of Create Your Happy, Christy doesn’t just talk about happiness—she helps people live it.
With her signature CREATE method, Christy empowers heart-led individuals to break free from old stories, embrace self-discovery, and unlearn what no longer serves them. Her mentorship isn’t about quick fixes—it’s an adventure in self-awareness, transformation, and building the kind of life (and relationships) that bring deep, lasting happiness.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
The way we experience happiness is deeply influenced by the stories we tell ourselves. These narratives, often shaped by past experiences, beliefs, and societal expectations, can either support our well-being or keep us stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction.
Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs
Many of us carry outdated beliefs about what happiness should look like. We may have internalized messages that say we must always be productive, that success equals happiness, or that we must put others before ourselves at all costs. These beliefs can quietly dictate our choices, keeping us from fully experiencing joy in the present moment.
Letting go of these limiting narratives starts with awareness. When we pause to question where our ideas about happiness come from, we gain the power to rewrite them. This doesn’t mean disregarding everything we’ve been taught, but rather choosing what aligns with our true selves and letting go of the rest.
Rewriting Our Own Story
Once we recognize the stories that hold us back, we can begin crafting new ones. This is where self-awareness plays a crucial role. Instead of waiting for happiness to arrive, we can start shaping a life that feels fulfilling right now.
Shifting our internal narrative can be as simple as reframing our perspective. Instead of thinking, “I’ll be happy when…” we can ask, “How can I create joy in this moment?” Small mindset shifts lead to profound changes, allowing us to see possibilities where we once saw limitations.
Recognizing That We Are Not Our Past
Happiness becomes more accessible when we stop identifying with past versions of ourselves. We are not defined by our mistakes, disappointments, or even the happiness we once experienced but have lost. Life is fluid, and so are we.
When we embrace the idea that we can change, we open ourselves up to greater joy. We are no longer bound by the past or fearful of the future—we are simply here, shaping a life that reflects who we are today.
The Power of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the foundation of happiness. Without it, we risk living according to someone else’s vision of fulfillment rather than our own. Tuning into our emotions, values, and desires helps us create a life that feels genuinely aligned.
Understanding What Truly Brings Joy
It’s easy to assume we know what makes us happy, but how often do we stop to reflect on what actually brings us joy? Sometimes, what once made us happy no longer does, and that’s okay. Growth means allowing our desires to evolve.
One way to cultivate self-awareness is by noticing the moments when we feel most alive. What activities bring a sense of ease? Which relationships feel nourishing? What experiences leave us feeling fulfilled? By paying attention to these details, we can make choices that prioritize genuine happiness.
Aligning Our Actions with Our Values
When our actions align with our core values, happiness naturally follows. If we value connection, but our schedule is filled with obligations that keep us isolated, we’re likely to feel unfulfilled. If we value creativity but never make space for it, we may feel disconnected from ourselves.
Aligning our lives with what truly matters requires honesty. Are we making choices that reflect our deepest values? If not, what small changes can we make to move closer to alignment? Even the smallest shift in the right direction can make a profound difference in how we experience happiness.
Breaking Free from Auto-Pilot Living
Many of us move through life on autopilot, following routines and obligations without questioning whether they truly serve us. This can lead to a subtle but persistent feeling of emptiness.
Self-awareness invites us to pause and ask: Am I living in a way that aligns with what I want? Am I making choices that support my wellbeing? These moments of reflection allow us to break free from unconscious patterns and move toward a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.
The Energy of Happiness
Happiness is an energy that flows through our lives, influencing everything from our relationships to our health. When we learn to manage and protect our energy, we create space for more joy, fulfillment, and peace. Our happiness thrives when we are intentional about where we invest our time and emotional resources.
Recognizing Energy Drains
Not everything that demands our attention deserves our energy. Negative thought patterns, toxic relationships, overcommitment, and unaligned obligations can quietly drain us, leaving little room for happiness to flourish. The first step in protecting our energy is awareness—taking note of what lifts us up and what weighs us down. It’s important to regularly check in with ourselves. How do we feel after spending time in certain environments? Which activities leave us feeling exhausted rather than fulfilled? Awareness gives us the power to shift our focus, allowing us to redirect energy toward what truly nourishes us.
Cultivating an Energizing Environment
Our surroundings play a major role in shaping our emotional and mental state. Whether it’s the people we surround ourselves with, the spaces we spend time in, or the content we consume, everything contributes to the energy we carry. By making small but intentional adjustments—curating uplifting environments, spending time in nature, or engaging with inspiring communities—we create a foundation where happiness can thrive. Protecting our space also means setting clear boundaries. This might look like limiting interactions with negativity, saying no to obligations that don’t serve us, or prioritizing rest when needed. Boundaries are not about shutting the world out but about choosing what deserves access to our energy.
Recharging and Renewing
Just like any other resource, our energy requires replenishment. Happiness isn’t sustainable when we constantly give without taking time to recharge. Prioritizing rest, creativity, and play allows us to refill our cup so that we can continue showing up fully for ourselves and those we love. Daily rituals like movement, mindfulness, or simply engaging in activities that bring joy can serve as powerful energy resets. When we view happiness as an energetic state, we realize that it’s not about always feeling "on"—it’s about being in harmony with ourselves, flowing between action and rest, and honoring what we need to stay balanced.
The Strength Found in Vulnerability
Happiness can be seen as allowing ourselves to be fully human. When we embrace vulnerability, we open ourselves to deeper connections, richer experiences, and greater self-acceptance.
True happiness requires emotional honesty. Pretending we’re fine when we’re struggling or suppressing emotions to appear strong only creates distance between us and the life we want to live. By allowing ourselves to feel and express emotions authentically, we create space for joy to coexist with everything else.
There is strength in being real. When we stop fearing vulnerability, we start experiencing life more fully. We learn that happiness isn’t about avoiding difficulty but about showing up for ourselves in every moment—with compassion, resilience, and openness.
The Role of Rest in a Happy Life
Rest is often overlooked as a key ingredient in happiness, but without it, fulfillment becomes unsustainable. Pushing through exhaustion, constantly striving, or always being “on” drains our ability to experience joy.
Rest is paramount to happiness as it allows us to pause, to breathe, and to restore. Giving ourselves permission to step back when needed, to create boundaries, and to value stillness as much as action is more important than we may realize.
When we make space for rest, we reconnect with ourselves. Our minds become clearer, our energy returns, and our capacity for joy expands. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a foundation for a well-lived, deeply satisfying life.
The TAKEAWAY
Happiness is not something that happens to us—it is something we create. It begins when we take ownership of our stories, question limiting beliefs, and align our lives with what truly matters. It is built through self-awareness, vulnerability, and the courage to be honest about what we need to feel fulfilled. And it flourishes when we allow ourselves to experience joy without guilt and to rest without justification.
Creating happiness does not mean avoiding discomfort or bypassing pain. It means learning to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and choosing to seek meaning, connection, and joy even in imperfect circumstances. Happiness is not a fixed destination—it is a practice, an ongoing commitment to living in alignment with ourselves.
At the heart of it all, happiness is about presence. It’s about showing up fully in our own lives, making space for joy, and trusting that we are worthy of it. When we embrace this truth, we stop chasing happiness as something outside of ourselves and instead recognize that it has been within us all along...
... waiting to be cultivated, nurtured, and fully experienced.
