Happiness can be learned. It does not come primarily from what we have, what we do, or how others see us. It is built from within, through the way we think, speak to ourselves, and treat ourselves.
In the Affective Autonomy approach, happiness grows from a mind that is more loving, more truthful, and more responsible. It is a way of learning to recognize ourselves, listen to our inner dialogue, and develop a healthier relationship with ourselves.
We need to work, create, love, contribute, and pursue meaningful projects. But we are not our profession, our achievements, our possessions, or the image others have of us. What we have and what we do should serve who we are, not the other way around.
We also need rest, laughter, movement, nourishing relationships, silence, relaxation, presence, and sometimes simply doing nothing. When these deeper needs are ignored for too long, our inner balance can become more fragile.
Stress, exhaustion, anxiety, irritability, or certain excesses in doing, having, or appearing can invite us to look more closely at our inner dialogue, our needs, and the way we are treating ourselves.
We all need to learn to recognize ourselves, respect ourselves, and treat ourselves with greater kindness. Our worth does not come from what we achieve. It does not depend on other people’s approval. We have value because we exist.
Affective Autonomy invites us to reclaim our inner power. It teaches us to observe our inner dialogue, recognize the beliefs that contribute to our suffering, and then choose thoughts that are more truthful, helpful, and loving.
This path takes knowledge, practice, and patience. Just as we learn a language, a profession, a sport, or an instrument, we can also learn to understand ourselves better, guide ourselves more wisely, and build a more lasting form of happiness.
Learning to love ourselves through our actions means learning to become a more supportive inner presence for ourselves. It means moving away from judging ourselves, neglecting ourselves, or defining ourselves by our wounds, and learning instead to treat ourselves as valuable human beings worthy of attention and respect.
Would you like support in developing a kinder relationship with yourself and learning how to create your own happiness?
I offer helping-relationship sessions using an Affective Autonomy approach, online or in Longueuil, Quebec.
View my Google profile and reviews
Renée Marc-Aurèle
Helping-Relationship Therapist – Affective Autonomy
Vivre le bonheur
vivrelebonheur@videotron.ca
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