Project Happiness: How to find your purpose in life?

There are many aspects to a happy and healthy life than just exercising and eating vegetables. Relationships, career, and spirituality are just as important to your health as the food you eat. I really believe in this and take a holistic approach to living a  healthy lifestyle.

After a summer of serious soul searching, I found myself questioning what I really wanted out of my life and what it was that I truly enjoy. Do I just wanna get a "job" and drag myself out of bed every morning and look forward to 5pm to go home? Everyday, for the rest of my life? Have you ever felt that way? So, it turns out there's actually a very popular phenomena called quarter life crisis, the 20 something version of a midlife crisis.

Are you having a Quarter life crisis? 
"If you’re somewhere between your mid twenties and thirties, you might be experiencing a serious low point in your life. A period of confused identity, misguided purpose, and hopeless transition. You feel lost, anxious, and panicked."

So, I'm here to say you are not out of your mind! What you're going through is very normal. And you are certainly NOT alone. Millions of successful and happy people go through this phase every year. Good news is there are plenty of ways to go through this trial and just make it a little easier to cope with.

Do the work that comes from your heart.
I was just thinking about this, and wanted to share a quote I find helpful in easing my mind: "Don’t be scared to switch paths or pave a new one. Do the work that comes from your heart! Remember, it’s always better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than the top of the one you don’t." 

Reading this was just so empowering and I felt like I wasn't alone in this, you know. Maybe I wasn't crazy and my feelings were real and valid! 

I've compiled these helpful resources if you're looking to find a way to put your mind and soul at ease:

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Book Suggestions:
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The Happiness Animal by Will Jelbert

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Pathfinder by Nicholas Lore

The Dip by Seth Godin

• The Pathfinder: This book really helped me during my very lows and cleared some of my doubts about my life purpose. The book is presented with this intro:" DO YOU JUMP OUT OF BED EVERY MORNING AND RUSH TO A JOB YOU LOVE? Or is the work you once enjoyed now just a way to pay the bills? Perhaps you're even doubting your career choice altogether. Let The Pathfinder guide you to a more engaging, fulfilling work life." I'd highly recommend this to anyone thinking of a career change or a job change.
• The Happiness Animal: This is a very fun and easy book to read. Very original ideas in there.  The author claims that happiness can be exercised just like a muscle. Happiness expert Will Jelbert reveals how to hone five muscles as the foundation of happiness health. He presents five simple exercises for each muscle - from developing patience, offering a stranger a tissue, to being radically honest - ultimately leading to sustained happiness. Backed by research from the world's leading psychologists and happiness experts, and full of entertaining yet poignant anecdotes, The Happiness Animal provides a candid road map to a better life. 
• The Happiness Project: This one I've been wanting to read, heard so much about it. According to reviews this is a very amusing and practical book packed with fascinating facts about the science of happiness and rich examples of how Rubin, the author, improves her life through changes small and big. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference! Can't wait to get my hands on this one. 

Online Articles:

• How to Overcome Your Quarter-Life Crisis by LifeHacker.com.
• 11 Cures For Your Quarter-Life Crisis by BuzzFeed.com. 
• How to Get Over Your Quarter-Life Crisis by Huffington Post. 

On YouTube

• The Truth About Your Calling With Seth Godin & Marie Forleo: In this short YouTube video, the legendary Seth Godin and Marie Forleo talk about handling failure in life, overcoming writer’s block, self-doubt and starting something that matters right here and now. ​Click here to go to this video. Also check out Marie Forleo's other videos, she's so inspiring, smart, and fun!

Hope this was helpful to you, please let me know what you think in the comments below!
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