Happiness Archives - Daryl Watson

In a dark place?

March 9, 2023

Sometimes, we can find ourselves in some dark places in our life.

It can be debilitating.

It’s been my experience, that everyone has low mood days.

And I mean everyone.

When they come (and they will), what can you do about it?

There has been lots written in recent years about positive thinking, mindset, mindfulness, sleeping patterns etc.

Personally, for years, I have maintained a daily habit of journaling.

Unquestionably, it has helped to maintain my mental well-being.

However, one of the most frequently recommended practices by psychologists, counsellors and coaches to help those with dark moods, anxiety or stress, is to keep a 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥.

What is a gratitude journal anyway?

Simply, a gratitude journal helps you appreciate life more.

Its easy to begin.

Find a small notebook, some quiet “me” time to reflect, maybe 15 minutes at the end of the day and write down three things that you are grateful for.

Let the gratitude flow…

Here are some ideas to get you started…

• Someone you’re happy to have in your life.

• Your favourite part of the day

• Someone who gave you good advice.

• Good news or something that made you smile.

• Something beautiful you saw today.

• Someone who inspired you.

• Something you love about your work.

The outcomes?

It’ll reduce stress, lower anxiety, release tension, provides clarity, it’ll make you happier and will help you gain a better understanding of yourself.

The more practice you get, the easier it becomes, and you’ll more easily feel the sensations that come into your thoughts as you focus on gratitude.

Go on, give it a go, and start today.

4 Ingredients for Success

March 6, 2023

As a child, I enjoyed baking scones, cakes and biscuits under the watchful eye of my mother.

It was fun, and a great way to spend Saturday afternoons together.

Licking the wooden spoon at the end of the baking was always the best part!

As I grew older, I recognised that in order to bake a delicious banana loaf, the best way to ensure great results was to follow a good recipe with exactness.

Over many years, my banana loaf has now become somewhat of a Daryl Watson classic in our family!

The result, a happy family, especially my wife, with her gluten free version – (that is a fine art in itself!)

Following a simple recipe, oftentimes leads to great success.

And so, it is in our home, family and business life.

For me, there are 4 simple ingredients to ensure happiness throughout our journey in life.

1. Do something you love – Just like baking banana loaf, I love coaching!

2. Find your purpose – Why are you here? Determine that & follow it!

3. Serve Others – That will help you find joy in your journey.

4. Act – Do not be acted upon – take ownership of your own journey.

Mix them all together and the result will be scrumptious.

Enjoy!

What is included in your simple recipe for success?

A treasured delicacy

January 22, 2023

A new fresh nut stall has appeared outside our local supermarket.

For the last few weeks, after finishing the shopping, I visit the stall.

I’ve discovered my current favourite, the tropical mix.

Yesterday, knowing that I had a meeting to attend in Zwolle, I bought extra to take with me, so that others could enjoy my newfound discovery and admittedly, I could eat a few more too!

Prior to the start of the meeting, the nuts were dished up and placed on each of the tables.

The meeting went well, it was insightful, and we made some positive progress together.

However, over the passage of time, it was fascinating to watch how the bowls of nuts gravitated to certain individuals!

In addition, it was clear that there was one particular favourite for everyone – dried bananas!

Simply stated, the tropical mix didn’t contain enough.

Soon, the dried bananas were all gone.

Treasured Delicacy

For centuries dried fruit has been a treasured delicacy.

During His earthly ministry, the Saviour compared good fruit to things of eternal worth.

We read in Matthew 7:16, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” And in verse 17, “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit.” Then in John 4:36, He encouraged us to gather “fruit unto life eternal.”

In my lifetime, I’ve discovered that the fruits of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are real, for many they are a treasured delicacy.

I know when people live the gospel, no matter their age, they always enjoy the fruits.

In John 5:15 Jesus said, “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Unlike yesterday when we ran out of dried bananas, the fruit of the gospel is readily available, abundant and there is an endless supply.

The fruits of the gospel are what we become.

May I invite you today to examine the fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are a divers range of tasty discoveries to be made and countless waiting for you to enjoy.

#HearHim #fruits #ldsmissionary #lds

J-O-Y.

October 2, 2022

Do you feel 𝐣𝐨𝐲 in your life?

Are you searching for it?

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” – Russell M Nelson.

What are you focused on?

If you are not present in your life today, you will miss the joy as it happens.

I love this picture of Annalisa Reed, Sophia Reynolds, Hailey Hunt and Melanie Coates. It’s a cold January afternoon earlier this year, yet they’re on the beach, literally jumping for 𝐣𝐨𝐲.

In that moment they were alive, alert, present, vibrant, vigorous, and enjoying the reality of life together.

Nine months later, each of them has completed their missionary service and have returned home.

Yet 𝐣𝐨𝐲 connects them to each other.

It will for a lifetime and beyond, I know that for sure.

Joy is an attitude that defies circumstances.

It penetrates deeply into our hearts and is long-lasting.

It helps each of us make peace with who we are.

I recently heard this quote about joy.

“Happiness is an inch deep and a mile wide. Joy is a mile deep and a mile wide.”

What is the connection that these young missionaries and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have in common, that helps them to find real joy?

It’s found in those three simple letters 𝐉-𝐎-𝐘. Joy.

𝐉 = Jesus Christ

“When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives” – Russell M Nelson.

Choose to Look Upward.

𝐎 = Others

When we love God and Jesus Christ with all of our hearts, we naturally want to share our love by losing ourselves in the service of others. It is there that we will find joy and purpose in our own lives. Our service is motivated by the pure love of Christ.

Choose to Look Outward.

𝐘 = Yourself

Along time ago I learned that I am a child of God. “If we really understood that we are literal sons and daughters of Heavenly Father, I don’t think we would ever question our value.” – Bonnie Oscarson

Choose to look Inward.

Lasting joy is found in focusing on our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and living the gospel as demonstrated and taught by Him.

The path to joy starts with faith in God and Jesus Christ.

You too can learn how following Jesus Christ’s example can help you to find lasting joy, by requesting a visit with our missionaries.

Message me to learn more.

Do you care?

September 21, 2022

Do you question your motives?

The crux of my personal philosophy in life, the nucleus of my personal motivation, is centred upon a core belief that “nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care” a phrase attributed to Theodore Roosevelt and crafted so purposely by him.

In thousands of coaching conversations, I have learned a little.

As you….

𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝

𝐀𝐬𝐤 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞.

Showing interest in others is about being yourself,

being genuine

and sincere in your interest in another person.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞?

Emotional Rollercoasters

July 8, 2022

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭?

Transfers week and riding the emotional rollercoaster began all over again.

Rollercoasters are thrilling though – aren’t they!?

Missionary arrivals on Tuesday and departures on Thursday mean that emotions are pulled in opposite directions over a very short period of time – again!

During our 3-year period of service, transfers happen 27 times.

This week was our 9th rotation.

Our emotional heartstrings have already been stretched in so many ways.

The thrill and excitement of welcoming our new arrivals.

Followed by the joyful and agonising feelings that accompany those departing for home.

For instance, highs and lows, laughing and crying in rapid succession (or even at the same time) are commonplace in the mission field.

𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒖𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.

Rather than let these emotions run my life, I am learning to deal with them in a much healthier way, by considering the bigger picture for each of those coming and going.

I am beginning to understand my emotions more as a barometer to measure my own sense of wellbeing and happiness, by mastering those feelings and listening to my heart.

The most challenging moment for me is the final hug at the airport with those departing missionaries.

Yesterday I did better!

I stopped for a moment and took a big conscious breath. It made a difference, at least until we started walking back to the car, and I had a wee tear (or two even!)

The best thing about the afternoon on departures day, is when I take a break and have a wee nap. It allows me to reconnect with my heart and is a golden opportunity to relax.

9 transfer weeks down, only another 18 to go.

Do you listen to your heart?

#joy

Be there!

May 31, 2022

𝐁𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!

Whilst on a video call last night with our three grown children, my mind drifted back to when they were all much smaller.

In my minds eye, I was holding hands with our youngest daughter, walking through our beautiful park in town.

It felt like only yesterday, but 10 years have swiftly passed by.

Those tender moments are one of the sweetest, most enjoyable parts of life.

Suddenly – growing older, there can come a sense of having been there – and yet knowingly perhaps, I should have enjoyed the journey much, much more.

I’m sure those old like me, or older even – will understand my sentiment.

Life is going on all of the time.

Sometimes we are so focused on the next big thing, that we miss much of the beautiful scenery along the way.

Time with loved ones, the holidays, the picnics, the walks, the challenges are all part of 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.

There is purpose and meaning to all that we experience and undergo in this life.

We should enjoy our children when we have them around us, as I know now, they won’t always be with us.

Back then when they were young, they not only needed us, they also wanted us too!

We live through each part of our life only once, we don’t go back, so it is vitally important that we 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆!

There are few sweeter memories than your child’s hand in yours, walking with you.

Wherever you are, 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, be present and enjoy the moment, our life after all, is only a nanosecond of time.

How can you focus better, be present and be engaged in the here and now?

Is love the answer?

May 22, 2022

𝐈𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫?

Celebrating my 57th birthday this week, I received several lovely cards and gifts from family and friends.

One particular gift came from the missionaries.

A folder of 60 pages, 109 letters, 30 photos and a few sketches too.

As I read through the album on Thursday evening, I must admit to being moved.

The letters and photos simply touched my heart.

I shed a few tears of joy.

Think of the last time you experienced joy.

Real joy – that deep enduring feeling that seems to warm your entire soul.

I felt of their love, one by one.

“God’s love is always there for you, whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.” – Thomas S. Monson.

Arriving in the Netherlands nearly a year ago now, in a few meetings Monic and I have frequently sung together (also with the help of missionaries too) “Love One another.” It is always a beautiful experience.

In the book of John, Jesus spoke to His Apostles about love “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you…. By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

“Love is the greatest of all the commandments—all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the living Christ. It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives.” Joseph B. Wirthlin

There are a number of ways you can feel the Saviour’s love.

Its different for everyone – but the missionaries can help you along the way.

“Love is the greatest power and will have the most powerful influence. – Elaine S. Dalton

May we love Him and love one another.

#HearHim

I’ll be happy when….

April 1, 2022

I often hear people say….

“I’ll be happy when….(fill in the blank)”

“I’ll be happy when we move home.”

“I’ll be happy when I get the new job.”

“I’ll be happy when the summer comes.”

“I’ll be happy when I graduate.”

“I’ll be happy when so and so leaves.”

“I’ll be happy when I get the new car.”

“I’ll be happy when we finally pay off the mortgage.”

“When I retire.”

But of course, when we finally reach the appointed milestone, something else just takes its place.

And so our entire life can pass away.

President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

Some people are constantly changing their circumstances and their focus in their quest for happiness.

The wise learn that happiness comes through finding contentment in the things that they simply love to do.

Elder Jeffrey R Holland says “Happiness is not easy to find running straight for it. It is usually too elusive, too ephemeral, too subtle. If you haven’t learned it already, you will learn in the years ahead that most times happiness comes to us when we least expect it, when we are busy doing something else. Happiness is almost always a by-product of some other endeavour.”

Stop and make a change.

Decide that you will be happy NOW!

Don’t miss out on the joys and the happiness you have right now – enjoy the present!

What is your reason to be happy now?

Feet that bring peace!

March 6, 2022

As our missionaries walked into the mission home for Mission Leadership Council on Friday, one by one, they took off their shoes.

Immediately my mind raced to some scriptures in the Old & New Testament along with the Book of Mormon.

Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

Romans 10:15 “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Mosiah 15:17 “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!”

Therefore what?

Elder Carlos E. Asay said “No one is more beautiful or more blessed than those who serve God by preaching and exemplifying the truth. It is the most sanctifying and beautifying labour of all…. The feet, the voices, the faces, and the whole being of those preachers who share saving truths will always be precious and beautiful…. In the eyes of those who have learned of Christ and of his power to save, there are few if any blemishes in the missionaries who walked long distances to bring the gospel message.”

Through all of their hard work and efforts, there may have been a few threadbare socks on show, nevertheless I know they will continue to publish peace as they move their feet onwards, forwards and upwards in their daily missionary efforts.

No matter the opposition or the terrain, o’er mountain or plain or sea, missionaries will share their testimonies and joy of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ – always and forever.

And no matter the season, through rain, wind, sun or snow, missionaries will publish glad tidings of peace every day, lifting, teaching, inspiring and bringing people to a knowledge of the truth.

I am so grateful for each and every one of them, for their tireless determination to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and preach His gospel of peace.

Do you want to have His peace in your life too?