Happiness is a choice. This is true, and I could probably stop writing there. But, the fact is that you can choose to let the circumstances and vicissitudes of life get you down or you can choose to be happy no matter what challenges life brings.
Happiness already exists within each of us and we are born to be naturally happy! For example, have you ever noticed how infectious a baby’s giggle is? So why is it that, as we get older, we forget where to find happiness within ourselves and, instead, allow any and all outside forces to determine our happiness?
Strategies to choosing happiness:
1. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Cliché, I know, however it is also true. You do not have to let the troubles and woes of life get you down. Yes, there will always be troubles because no one is perfect, and no matter what you may believe, no one’s life is perfect. But you can choose your reaction to situations. Look for the positive side of things and work hard to see the good in people and circumstances.
2. Find something you love to do and do it! Do you have a lifelong dream or desire? If so, start working toward it. Taking baby steps toward a dream or goal will help you feel like you are accomplishing something. You will find drive and determination to reach that goal when it is something you love to do. The reverse is also true. If you do not love it, you will find excuses for avoidance and procrastination.
3. Use a an untapped gift. Do you have a gift or talent you are not using? One reason so many people are unhappy is that they simply are not doing what they have been called to do with their God-given talents. Each and every one of us has a purpose in this life. You have natural gifts and talents to help you achieve your purpose, so use your gifts effectively!
4. When you’re feeling down, do not go it alone. Do not wallow in your sorrows, do something about it. Call a friend who you know is positive and cheerful. Talk about your feelings and listen to their advice. So often, people allow themselves to fall deeper and deeper into self-pity or depression because they think it has to be that way. The truth is, you do not have to stay sad. You can decide to be happy. You just have to make up your minds to do so. No, I am not making light of true depression. But each action we take and every reaction we give is a choice. And, if you feel you cannot clearly make those choices, do something about it.
5. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Think about all of the things you have to be thankful for. Often we get so caught up in what is going wrong with our lives that we forget to look at what has and is right and good. Take a step back, take a deep breath and reflect on your life. How far have you come in, say, six months ago?
- Do you have children or family to be thankful for? Granted, they may not be everything we might like them to be, but imagine life without them. Now, be thankful that you have them in your life. ?
- Do you have a job? Again, perhaps it is not your dream job, but in the current economic climate, those of us who have a job should be thankful for it.
5. Write it out. When you are feeling down, journal your thoughts and feelings. Often you will find that just getting your feelings down on paper will allow you to work through some of them, helping you to feel better about yourself and your beautiful life!
“Happiness is not something ready made.
It comes from your own actions.”
Dalai Lama XIV
If you feel that you are prone to look at life negatively, then you will have to put more effort into seeing and choosing happiness. But do not let that stop you from being happy! You, too, can learn to be happy.
Practice the steps above and retrain your mind to focus intensely on the positives.
When you feel a negative thought coming on, or your mind gravitates toward the negative, learn to recognize it, stop it in its tracks, and then start thinking happier thoughts.
Resolve from this moment onward to make the conscious choice to be happier!
To your continued success!!!