I want to share some insights from a recent podcast episode that deeply resonated with me. I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Dravon James, a transformational specialist, author, inspirational speaker, coach, and fellow podcast host. Our conversation revolved around the importance of being true to oneself, the power of language, living in the present moment, and the transformative power of gratitude.
The Journey to Self-Truth
Growing up, my sister had a quote from Shakespeare in her bedroom, “To thy own self be true.” It took me years to understand the depth of this quote and start living my life on my own terms. I’ve realized that being true to oneself and making decisions for oneself is a crucial aspect of personal happiness.
The Unhappiness Epidemic
Studies show that only 19% of Americans consider themselves very happy, with women in their 50s being the most unhappy group. Because this statistic is alarming , it’s my desire to find solutions to this unhappiness. This is where Dr. Dravon James comes in, a transformational specialist who helps people create their dream lives.
The Happiness Muscle
Dr. James shared that happiness, like any other emotion, has its ups and downs. She emphasized the importance of exercising the “happiness muscle” and being able to bounce back from unhappiness quickly. She debunked the misconception that some people are born happier than others, explaining that anyone can increase their happiness quotient.
The Power of Language and Living in the Present
We delved into the power of language and the importance of living in the present moment. We often worry about things that may or may not happen, turning possibilities into certainties. Dr. James emphasized that worrying does not equal preparation. Instead, we should reframe our thoughts and ask ourselves feeling questions like, “Wouldn’t you be excited if your grades improved?” or “Wouldn’t you be happy if your relationship improved?” By shifting our mindset and focusing on positive possibilities, we can train our brains to think in terms of happiness and potential.
The Transformative Power of Gratitude
Dr. James shared her personal experience of going through a difficult time in her life. Despite losing her job, her marriage falling apart, and being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she developed a daily practice of writing gratitude cards. This practice helped her see the power of gratitude as a tool for facing difficult situations.
I, too, am a firm believer in the power of gratitude. I suggest that people write down ten things they are grateful for, starting with being grateful to be alive. Even in challenging times, we can find simple things to be grateful for, like being able to breathe and swallow on our own.
The Universe is Conspiring for Our Good
Dr. James believes that when we become aware of everything in the universe that is conspiring for our good, we can start to feel that everything is happening for our benefit. She asserts that suffering and unhappiness are not necessary. In conclusion, our conversation with Dr. James was a powerful reminder of the importance of being true to oneself, the power of language, living in the present moment, and the transformative power of gratitude. I hope these insights inspire you as much as they inspired me.