Instructive Takeaways from a short Masterclass of Happiness

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I hope this finds you well.

Welcome to another edition of The Matt Viera Newsletter.

The newsletter with the goal to inspire you to live the life you actually want to live.

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I'm on the right path to achieving happiness and getting happier.

Let me explain:

I took The Masterclass of Happiness on the Visit Finland website this past Sunday.

This Masterclass affirmed many of the actions I try to take as often as possible in my journey to live the life I actually want to live.

A life in which I no longer want to trade my time for money.

But, until I reach that point, I'm doing everything I can to live a life rich in life experiences.

I want to experience the richness of life before the day I retire.

And so should you.

Life's entirely too short.

Here are my instructive takeaways from the Masterclass and why I believe I am on the right path to getting happier.

My hope is that these takeaways help you on your path.

The Masterclass is relatively short.

It comprises five video modules ranging from ~10 to 15 minutes each.

The entire theme of the Masterclass appears to focus on three key points:

• Spending time in nature

• Being present in the moment

• Stepping away from the daily trappings of your life, especially regarding screen time

Experience Nature

Spending time in nature allows you to forget the stress imposed by your busy life and, most importantly, helps you stay away from and off of devices, such as your phone.

Even spending a small amount of time in nature can help reduce stress, calm your mind, and help you connect with yourself in various ways.

Do you have to get off-grid for a weekend to experience nature?

No.

Enjoy your morning cup of coffee in a park, go for a short hike, or prepare lunch and enjoy it in a natural setting.

Start small.

The goal is to distance yourself from your everyday life's trappings.

To awaken the adventure within yourself.

If and when you're ready to spend a bit more time in nature, rent a cabin for the weekend in the middle of nowhere.

Then, for a week.

One phrase mentioned several times in one of the modules is "Nature is perfect in its imperfection."

Nature allows you to be imperfect.

Nature allows you to be yourself.

Know Your "Enough"

"We live in a society in which 'more' is better. And it's making us miserable."

Think about it.

How many times have you said to yourself:

"I'll be happier when I have more money, a bigger house, or more…" (fill in the blank).

When you focus on "more," you will never be able to find what is "enough" for you.

But, when you know what is "enough" for you, you immediately begin to see abundance.

You'll find peace and balance when you know what is "enough" for you.

Unlock Everyday Joy Through Design

You must admit that most of our everyday lives are focused on a screen: our phones during our commute to and from work (for those who commute via subway), our computers while at work, and then binge-watching TV shows when we return home.

One way to step away from the screen is to build or design something with your hands.

Building or designing something with your hands directly connects to mindfulness and being present in the moment.

It's like meditating with actually meditating.

I'll be the first to admit that my focus on most days if I am not off-grid, is on a screen.

While I hate my phone and use it primarily to read, I am focused on a computer screen during work, and binge-watch entirely too much TV when I am home.

Heck, even one of my hobbies is screen-focused: video games.

As much as this point resonates, I am not a builder. I have no interest in building anything (except for my net worth). So, building is out (for now).

But the thought of exploring knitting crossed my mind recently.

The only other activity I can think of that will help me focus on the present is coloring in an adult coloring book, an activity I have done and immensely enjoyed a few years ago.

One habit I did start this past November, that may be helpful to you, is "stream of consciousness" journaling.

I've been keeping a digital journal for years.

But, when I started "stream of consciousness" journaling, by good old-fashioned handwriting, it kept me focused on the present and helped me with creativity and problem-solving.

It helps me to think about my everyday challenges, my shortcomings, my goals, and helps me brainstorm solutions.

And it's a daily habit I look forward to each day and rarely miss.

Finally, if knitting, coloring, or journaling doesn't work for you, one activity I'm confident may work for you is cooking.

Learning to cook with fresh, whole foods may be a game changer.

It's way too easy to order food online these days.

Heck, you can even grocery shop online and have it delivered.

I do both more often than I care to admit.

But learning how to cook is a lost art in today's hustle culture.

I'm proud to admit that not only do I know my way around the kitchen, but if you put me in a kitchen and tell me I have 3-4 hours to cook a meal for 8-10 people for a dinner party, not only will I cook up a damn fine meal, I'll cook up a damn fine meal with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

I'm not talking about something easy like a lasagna.

I'm talking about one of my signature dishes: jambalaya with shrimp or beef-barley stew.

Dishes that are put together in a particular way that take time, require attention, and took me years to master.

So, aside from cooking, why do I believe I am on the right track to becoming happier?

I looked through my past articles for this newsletter after taking the Masterclass and came across these two:

What Do I Need to Get Happier?

Excerpt:

One of the Best Investments You Can Make

Excerpt:

Invest an hour of your time and take The Masterclass on Happiness.

Find what resonates with you and implement one or two things you learn from the Masterclass into your life.

Remember:

Interesting reads:

The Masterclass of Happiness

You can find the collection of financial tools & resources that helped me grow from a 6-figure debt to a 6-figure net worth by clicking here.

Thanks for reading!

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