How do you pursue a life of happiness?

First, you need to know what you deserve.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.”

Next week, on July 4, the United States celebrates Independence Day. We commemorate the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Our Founding Fathers wrote the famous words from the preamble at a time of great transition. They wrote of their vision of a better life. They wanted to help listeners overcome their current fears about their security, economic stability, and identity.

Many women I know reach a point of transition in their lives which requires them to make a significant change. No, they aren’t creating their own country. But the impending change also leaves them with fears about their security and identity.

Declarations aren’t only for our founding fathers. Creating your own declaration can be a powerful exercise at any time, especially at a pivot point.

You deserve to pursue happiness.

It never occurred to me to create my own declaration until I read a Declaration of Deserving by Danielle LaPorte in her book, The Desire Map. I share that powerful declaration to close a workshop or a coaching session after women have figured out their core desired feelings.

The declaration is a reminder to give ourselves permission for what we want. That we have a right to show up as our true selves and that we are worthy of our desires. You won’t be able to live a happier personal or professional life if you don’t believe this.

A DECLARATION OF DESERVING by Danielle LaPorte

You are worthy of your desires. Really wanting what you want gives you the power to get it. You were born free. (The more you try to earn your freedom, the more trapped you become.) You are worthy of love and respect. Lovable.

You deserve:

eye contact, smiles in the morning, food made with pure intention, clean drinking water, fresh air, Hello, Please, Thank you, time to think about it, a chance to show them what you’re made of, a second chance, an education, health care, including dental, multiple orgasms, weekends off, eight hours of sleep, play before work, to change your mind, to say no, to say yes, to have your deepest needs met, to be seen, to be loved for who you really are.

You deserve all of this — and more — just because you showed up to life.

(Page 146 in The Desire Map)

A DECLARATION OF DESERVING by Kelsey Cleveland

After reading Danielle’s declaration many times, I decided to write my own. I found the experience very powerful and am now going to do this with all my clients.

I am worthy of my desires. I am lovable as my perfectly imperfect self.

I deserve:

To feel free to live a life of love, laughter, and adventure

Hugs at least once a day

eight to nine hours of sleep every night

to have my basic needs of food and shelter met

time to stop and admire flowers, rainbows, sunrises and sunsets

to linger over a cup of tea and a sweet treat

to have an opinion and to listen respectfully to those of others

to eat meals with friends and family with our phones put away

to be seen and heard as my authentic self

to lose track of time while reading a novel

to travel and explore the world and my country

to celebrate the creativity of others and myself

never to have to wear high heels

frequent dates with my husband to deepen our connection

time to hang out with friends

regular doses of ping pong and dark chocolate

to follow my curiosity to continue learning

walks in the woods breathing in the fresh air

vacations where I can unplug and unwind

time to pause and reflect before answering

space between appointments to breathe

I deserve all this in my one precious life.

A DECLARATION OF DESERVING by You

What do you deserve? You deserve happiness in your personal and professional lives. Go grab a journal or a laptop and make your declarations known.

Still curious?

Read the text of the Declaration of Independence.

Are you ready to design a life that feels good?

Sign up for unlimited, personal access to the YOUniversity Library for FREE. WHAT AWAITS YOU IN THE LIBRARY:

Exercises for tuning into your inner desires
Clarity on how you feel and how you want to feel.
Visualization audios, worksheets, and videos
An introduction to The Desire Map, a tool for holistic living, and it’s creator, Danielle LaPorte

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