Happiness Increases Longevity...Where Do We Find This Gift of Life?

According to U.S. research, you can add seven and a half years to your life just by being happy!

Backing this claim up is Laurie Hayes, Life Strategy Coach from Ontario, Canada who also states that genuine happiness is the key ingredient being sought after by most people who come to her.

Ms. Hayes has been working with people who have recognized this missing element in their lives and want to take corrective action towards a more meaningful, balanced existence.

"The pursuit of authentic happiness is an ongoing quest for many," says Laurie. "Some people believe that by earning more money, working longer hours, and taking on more and more responsibility, they will somehow reap big benefits that will in the end guarantee happiness. Unfortunately that just isn't the case, and research has now proven that the more comfortable life becomes, the more discontented and unfulfilled we become."

Incredibly, professional men and women polled in a recent U.S. study were rated to be unhappiest of all. Most attributed work pressures, the need to achieve, family responsibilities, social pressures, busy lifestyles and the absence of personal and reflective time to feelings of discontentment, detachment, anxiety and even depression.

Ms. Hayes says people often wait so long to do anything about these feelings that by the time they come to her they are out of sync, overwhelmed, feeling heavy and isolated, and that it's only through supportive, strategic life coaching they are able to learn how to live, laugh, play, and dream again.

Coaching used to be reserved for top-level executives, movie stars and large corporations, but is now being sought after by average, everyday people seeking positive life change. Already mainstream in the U.S., it is still relatively new in Canada. Coaching identifies core values, personal strengths and obstacles blocking people's happiness and provides the forum for planning and carrying out a plan to create desired results. Unlike therapy, it focuses on co-creating a desired future based upon the person's natural abilities and skills.

Laurie explains she got involved in helping people find their happiness because she lost herself many years ago.

"I know personally what it's like to become so wrapped up in one thing that everything and everyone else in life seems to disappear. I experienced it years ago while building my first business. I was so caught up in success and achievement that everything else took second place, and I lost everything that really mattered to me - my home, my partner, etc. Back then there wasn't such a thing as a life coach. I took a break, got my act together and reconstructed a more authentic and happy life. I learned a valuable lesson and now I want to do my bit to help others realize that they too can find happiness by not denying themselves. A lot of people don't have anyone to support and listen to them, and that's where I come in."

Thankfully, real happiness is attainable and doesn't have to come at the expense of something else. As a matter of fact, the source might be so close to us that we can't even see it! The secret of extended life might be right under our noses, only waiting to be discovered!

Laurie Hayes is one of Canada's leading Life Strategy Coaches. For private life coaching sessions, she can be contacted at (705) 560-0788 or by visiting http://www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com

---

Can Money Buy You Happiness?

Well, doesn't that depend on what's causing you to be... Read More

Be Happy, Join The Wednesday Worry Club

Of all the people who know me, no one would... Read More

Happiness Versus Pleasure

We are a pleasure seeking society. Most of us spend... Read More

10 Survival Strategies to Overcoming Adversity and Being Happy

If one thing is for certain, each of us will... Read More

Got Play?

Passion Love Action You! Playing with your own divinity, spirit,... Read More

Follow Your Bliss

Gail was a quiet, shy, young lady. She has been... Read More

Clearing a Path for Happiness

In the United States, the pursuit of happiness is a... Read More

Choose To Be Happy - NOW!

The older I get, the more I realize that ninety... Read More

Acts of Kindness Benefit Everyone

Do you really want to be happy? Everyone says yes,... Read More

Quick Steps On Being Happier

Want to be happier?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author and... Read More

Uncover Emotional Secrets and Live a Happier Life

Can you remember a time when you became a little... Read More

Getting In Touch With Your Inner Feelings

Every disease or ailment, whether it be cancer, diabetes, arthritis,... Read More

You Need To Start To Like Yourself

If you have a very low self esteem or a... Read More

Flowers Truly Reach Your Soul

Flowers are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift... Read More

Love Yourself First ? Im Happy. Youre Happy. Were All Happy!

As a teenager growing up reading 'Blue Jeans' and 'Jackie',... Read More

Happiness Without Prescription

As life and lifestyles speed up, so does the growing... Read More

What NOT To Do To Feel Good About Yourself - 10 Tips

From the moment we wake in the morning our heads... Read More

Happiness And Health Are The Two Most Important Things In Life

The world is becoming obsessed with money and all things... Read More

7 Keys to a Happy Life

1. Do not act in order to receive a payoff.This... Read More

Norman Rockwell ? The Man Who Created His Own Reality

In preparation for a class I taught today, I spent... Read More

The Gift is in the Giving

I have to be honest. I made the woman cashier... Read More

There is a Cure for the Summertime Blues

I have never lived anywhere else where when you walk... Read More

SOLD! Again! Contrast Can Work FOR You

Have you ever had an experience where everything you wanted... Read More

The Year Of Happiness

I have decided to declare 2004 as the YEAR OF... Read More

Are You Hooked On Love?

When you're in love your eyes and your face light... Read More

But I Bought All The Books And Tapes, And Im Still Unhappy!

I love this quote by Zig Ziglar, and think it's... Read More

Are You Getting in the Way?

Getting out of our busy mode and into our heart... Read More

Forgive to Succeed - Im Talking to the You Behind Your Eyes

If your blood is still pumping through your veins, you... Read More

Have You Ever Tasted The Fruit Of Pure Happiness?

Have you ever been really happy? Have you ever tasted... Read More

Design Psychology: How to Create Happy Homes Using Scents

Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and trigger... Read More

Making Peace With Sloth: The Value of Natural Pace

Though his racing speed is a maximum 6 feet per... Read More

Your Perfect Partner

A woman we'll call "Jane" thought she was a great... Read More

Achievement and Happiness the 80/20 Way

If there was ever a principle that was responsible for... Read More