No one would knowingly block her happiness, and yet we do so frequently because we don’t realize the connection between some of our actions and our happiness.

There are three ways you may be blocking your happiness.

1. Looking outside of yourself for solutions

When you get a headache you probably seek out an aspirin or other pain reliever. Most of us do, and we are even advised to do so by doctors.

But solutions to our problems must be solved from within where they began. When we are experiencing problems they are most likely connected to our beliefs, which lead us to behave a certain way.

By taking responsibility for our problems we are able to solve them. When we blame others or outside circumstances for our problems, we are giving the power to fix them over to someone else.

2. Keeping too busy

Do you know someone who works two or three jobs, takes classes, has an active social life and attends church, all while chauffering their children to school and the children’s activities as well?

Keeping so busy that you allow no time for being quiet, reflecting, or meditating is guaranteed to lead you to overwhelm, a breakdown or definitely negligence of issues you need to confront.

Busyness can just cover up the fact that you may not be paying attention to deeper needs which can lead to stress.

Having an active life contributes to your happiness as long as you balance your activities with moments of quiet, allowing a chance for you to reflect and listen to your intuition.

3. Ignoring warning signs

When we took our children to Yosemite Park many years ago, we enjoyed the many wonders of nature on walks, boat rides and horseback rides. At one of the smaller waterfalls visitors could get close to enjoy the cool breeze and sprinkles made by the water crashing against the rocks. But there was a prominent sign warning visitors not to climb on the rocks under the fall.

You can guess it. Kids and young adults were gleefully splashing in the very area we were warned about, without any regard for the sign.

Fortunately, no tragedies occurred while we were there, but it reminded me of how often we ignore warning signs in life and are surprised at the unwanted outcomes.

Happiness grows from within and is fostered by taking responsibility for your beliefs and actions.