5 Steps to Happiness

What is one thing that everyone wants out of life? If you take all the vain stuff and unnecessary emotions, all anybody wants is happiness. What technically is happiness or to be happy? Dictionary.Com defines it as being delighted, pleased, or glad over a particular thing or characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment or joy.

We all get in our ruts, have a bad day, feeling depressed, or as I like to call it in a transitioning phase. So I have scavenged the internet looking for 5 steps to happiness. There’s actually a plethora of websites that has steps, so I picked out the 5 that I would personally use and maybe one day I’ll post more.

1. 1.      Give back                                                                                                                                                                            Helping someone in need or knowing that you made a difference (short or long term) in someone’s life is one of the most fulfilling emotions one can receive. Knowing that you gave someone the only meal that they will have today, you clothed a family that doesn't have clothes to last a week, or you put a smile on a child that has been battling cancer, should make anyone feel like a hero.

1. 2.     Pamper Yourself

You are woman, hear you roar! Go out, get those toes done and tell them to take extra time massaging your foot. Get your nails, hair, eyebrows, makeup, everything that you get done (or afford) and if you have the money get massage or two. And if you don’t have the money, do your own toes, make you some face masks, and lounge in the tub. Just because you aren't feeling 100 percent doesn't mean you can’t look 100 percent. Some consider exercising as pampering themselves, if you are one of these people then work out until your body aches. If you’re looking in the mirror and saying ‘I could lose a few pounds’ or you don’t like your weight, then change it today. Start a workout regimen, eat healthier, but do it for self-gratification not others. God made you fearfully and wonderfully made, and that should spark some happiness back.

1. 3.      Talk about it

Call up your girls, your boo thang, or a close family member and just vent, let it all out. Relationships and feeling loved by those that love you the most is vital to happiness. You get comfort, support, laughs, remembrance of who you are, encouragement, motivation, strength, love and so much more. Talking to someone when you’re most vulnerable strengthens the bond that you both have. Actionforhappiness.org says “people with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier, and live longer.”

1. 4.      Accept and learn

I was always taught that there’s a lesson in everything. “Either it’s a lesson or blessin,” and in a way that’s true. There’s always a lesson to get out of a situation. For example I just got out of a 3 year relationship, so when it was over I had to take responsibility for what I did wrong and what I didn't like about myself and our relationship, then I learned what I could do better. So when the next guy comes around I’m not still dealing with the same things from the past relationship. Life is about progression. Love yourself. Accept yourself. Accept who you are now (flaws and all), and spend the rest of your life becoming the best version of you.

1. 5.      Soul search/Find your purpose/Do what you love

In this transitioning time find things that make you happy, do the things that you've been wanting to do but maybe couldn't because you didn't have the time. Try to figure out what you want out of life and what's your purpose. Take this time to grow and learn more about yourself.

I think one thing that we all need to remember is that we’re not in this alone, we’re not the only one dealing with unhappiness, and we’re not the only person that has cried their self to sleep, been heart broken, or low on money. There’s a tomorrow and then a next day, and one day you’re going to wake up and it’s going to be over, you just have to get going. Every day is a miracle because every day you wake up and start your day. You never know what the next person is going through, the person standing behind you in the target line could be one bad thing away from killing themselves. A compliment or just a smile can go a long way in someone’s in life. You could be the change.

You are loved. You are wanted. You are breathtaking. You are a blessing. 

DIY Honey and Oatmeal face mask

Need a little pick-me-up for your face? Have acne, acne scars, or just need some ‘me’ time? Well go in your pantry, get you some oatmeal and some honey and let’s make a face mask. Honey has been used for decades for its moisturizing, healing, and protecting abilities.  Honey helps cure acne, acne scars, and wounds because of its antibacterial properties. Oatmeal contains 18 different amino acids that’s delightful for your skin, the texture is miraculous for exfoliating, and helps retain moisture.

You’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons Old Fashioned oats (it can be cooked)
• 2 tablespoons of honey  
• Towel for the mess
• 1 egg white (optional you can add anything you like: lemon juice, baking soda, bananas, etc.)

So it’s very simple: blend your oats so it has a powdery consistency, mix the oats, honey, and egg white in a container, and apply to your face. Put the towel around your neck to catch any of the mask, Leave the mask on your face for about 30 minutes, lay down, and relax (i take selfies when I relax) 

When your time has elapsed wipe off in a circular motion and put your favorite moisturizer. Your skin should feel soft and your pores should be less noticeable.  

Thanks for reading today.

Drinking a GALLON of water a day

So I’ve heard about drinking a gallon of water a day but didn't understand the benefits until I had to do my own research for my face. I noticed my dark spots are beginning to darken on my face, I’m getting more pimples, and my glow is diminishing from when I was in school. The main reasons that my face is acting up; is bad dieting and not drinking enough water (Darn Vacation). When looking online, I saw that drinking a gallon of water every day can help revive my face but also aid to weight loss. When exercising one loses about 2 to 3 liters a day from sweat and urination, so one would be replacing the amount of water lost. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston, and many more that divulge in glasses of water a day.  If they can do it, we can too (Flips hair and snaps finger).

It’s also important to know when to drink the water, to reap the benefits. Studies show its best drink one glass of water after waking up, one glass 30 minutes before a meal, before/after a workout, before a bath, and before bed. That sounds a little too complicated for me, therefore I drink one liter by noon, (refill) drink the next liter by 3 pm, (refill), then at 6 pm, and the last liter by 9 pm (way easier). You can drink the water however you want or the time that suits you, long as it’s getting into your body it doesn't really matter. If you’re like me, you’re thinking ‘Geesh how am I going to get all that down’, I purchased a SmartWater bottle which is also a liter, so I’m getting the correct measurements, it’s easier to hold, and then I’m more comfortable taking it out of the house. You can also infuse lemon and lime to create detox water and give more flavor, if you don’t like the taste of plain water.

Other benefits of drinking water:

. Helps process fat and excrete it from your body                         . Helps maintain energy                                                         . Maintains muscle tone                                                         . Plumps skin cells                                                                             . Feel refreshed                                                                                   . Keeps you Hydrated                                                                . Clear pee when using the bathroom (and who doesn't want clear pee??)

So I’m challenging myself to drink a gallon of water every day for a month and ill post the results august 26. Let’s get to DRINKING! Thank you for reading today.

Into of Authentic Bliss

Hi, my name is Jae and I am the creator of Authentic Bliss. Just a little about me I attend Florida Gulf Coast University, I a major in Communications and Journalism. I’m from Ocala ,Florida (i'm a country girl), I’m the oldest of 5 siblings, a big foodie, flat fanatic, TV/movie specialist, and I will not leave my house nor dorm without mascara and eyeliner. I love helping others, making others smile, and being a blessing anyway I can. I made this blog because I’m in a transitioning period in my life and I know that when one’s life is in a standstill writing helps. But I have so much to say and trying new things in my life, so why not share?   I envision this blog as a lifestyle blog, so we’ll touch on a bit of everything including; beauty, fashion, food, DIY, fitness, spiritual devotions, relationships, college tips/stories, hair, gossip and discussion topics. I hope that you leave this blog with an authentic bliss and more informed than when you clicked on. I appreciate you taking the time to come to this blog, I hope you enjoy, and thank you for coming on this journey with me.