InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration
March 20, 2026
The Pathway to Integrated Living
— Daily reminders for a conscious, connected life —
There is no connection between an event and your reaction to the event. None whatsoever. We think death is sad, illness is terrible, divorce is tragic — but death is only death, illness is only illness, divorce is only divorce. The emotion we feel comes from our interpretation, not from the event itself. Take the volcanic ash that closed European airports in 2010. Was it a curse or a blessing? For some, a hassle. For others — a couple who got an extended vacation, a man who got five extra days at a 5-star hotel, a woman who got to be with her dying sister until the end — it was a gift. Same event. Different interpretations. Different emotions.
The focus for today is:
What is actually preventing you from being happy right this moment? What's standing in the way of the amazing bliss and joy of this very moment, of being you right here and right now?
Today's message is inspired by Barbara Berger, author of the book: Are You Happy Now? 10 Ways to Live a Happy Life
Barbara explains there are two kinds of happiness. The first depends on circumstances — success, health, good relationships. It's lovely, but fragile. The second is our true nature — the blissful state that arises when we simply step up and be present. It's not based on anything external, so nothing can take it away. As she writes: "The problem for most of us is that we're so busy projecting into the future or living in the past that we miss the blissful happiness which is right here right now." Today's invitation is radical: Stop. Right now. Breathe. Ask yourself: what thought is preventing me from being happy this very moment? Then drop that story, just for a second. How does it feel?
CONTINUE READING the complete article here:
Understanding the Nature of Emotions and Happiness
Author: Barbara Berger
A Reminder:
What is actually preventing you from being happy right this moment? What's standing in the way of the amazing bliss and joy of this very moment, of being you right here and right now?
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RELATED BOOK: Are You Happy Now? 10 Ways to Live a Happy Life
What is preventing you from being happy now? Is it your partner, your health, your job, your financial situation or your weight? Or is it all the things you think you "should" do? Barbara Berger takes a look at all the things we think and do that prevent us from living happy lives now. Barbara presents 10 practical ways to use this understanding in your daily life, your relationships, at work and for your health.
Important: Use the book purchase link from the InnerSelf article page — not a generic Amazon or publisher link — to ensure affiliate credit and proper tracking.
For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and Audiobook.
About the Author
Barbara Berger has written over 15 self-empowerment books, including her international bestsellers "The Road to Power / Fast Food for the Soul" (published in 30 languages) and "Are You Happy Now? 10 Ways to Live a Happy Life" (published in 21 languages). She is also the author of "The Awakening Human Being – A Guide to the Power of Mind" and "Find and Follow Your Inner Compass."
Author's website: [INSERT AUTHOR WEBSITE URL]
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