Once you realize that happiness is a decision and you don’t have to grab for it, you realize that How to Find Happiness isn’t as hard as you once thought. Let me explain.
Happiness is not something you do. Happiness is something you decide. Really? Yes.
Right now make the decision that you want to be happy with your life as it is today — the nasty here and now — without a man or without a woman. Without lots of money or without a new house, new job, new car or whatever you “think” will make you happy.
Get happy with yourself first. When you are happy with yourself then you will prepared to become happy when you find whatever you “think” will make you happy later. You are the cake, and you’re looking for a little frosting in your life. Make yourself the best cake you can possibly become. Look for things to make you a new and improved you. Stop waiting and start this very moment.
Suggestions to find some “frosting” in your life. Please create a Happiness File. Yes, an actual file folder to add your ideas to every time you find one:
- Savor the good times
1) Savor the “now.” Ask yourself, “What would make me happy right now?” Then start moving toward doing just that — what? The right now. Don’t think of things you can’t have. Think of what is at your fingertips right now that you can have. Can you take yourself for a walk around a lake? Call a friend who needs to be cheered?
Develop simple pleasures — like reading a book with a warm cup of chamomile tea.
2) How to find happiness begins with learning how to diversify what you like to do. I like to dance but I also do other things – like ride my bike, find special people to enjoy fellowship with them or just savor being alone like popcorn and a movie for myself. Always be searching for new things to try so you can add to your new file. Like what? A reading club at the library? Remember – simple. Classes offered at a junior college. Art class, sculpture class? Put brochures in your Happiness file.
- Jesus
3) Focus on being God’s child and be thankful for the gift we call, “today.”
4) Make a “Happiness List” for your file and add to this list each time you find something that makes you happy. Maybe baking cookies with a friend? Simple things to do. Life is made up from the many things you do — most of those things are simple.
5) Practice the power of appreciation for things as they are right now. Look forward to tomorrow, but savor “now.”
6) Beware of negative self talk.
If you find yourself saying, “I never do anything right.” Immediately correct yourself, “I mean, I will do better next time. I’m still learning.” Every day ask yourself, “What’s the good news in my life right now?” Then, name things out loud or write them down on a piece of paper for your Happiness file. For example: I have a job. I have family that I love and they love me. I have friends. I can walk and move. I have my eye sight. I can read. I can talk. I can hear. I’m not in pain.
7) Plan for the worst and always do your best. Trust God’s sovereignty.
Today is God’s plan for your life. Even a tragedy can be turned around when God’s hand is upon it. Enjoy God’s closeness through the valley.
- Food as Medicine
All endings are also beginnings that have been planned by God for your future. He isn’t trying to hurt you, but mature you. He wants the best for you. You are His kid. Stop forgetting that. If you never had a problem, how would you learn what faith in God could do?
9) Remember that all people want to be happy and all of their actions are attempts by them to be happy. Forgive everyone.
10) Look for things to give others that are gifts of happiness. Buy someone a single rose, a favorite food, a visit, jot them a short note of encouragement. Happiness is a by product of serving others. Giving will make you happy.
11) Ask yourself, “Am I doing the thing that I am best qualified to do?” Find your God-given talent (hint: it’s something you like and something you are good at doing.) Then allow God to develop your talents.
- Learn to Dance
12) Wait for the end of the story – God isn’t finished working on you and your situation yet. God has never failed you before. Ask yourself, “Why would He start now?”
The hard part of what God did for you is done — purchasing a place for you in heaven by paying for any wrong you may have done in your life time! Today’s problems are a breeze for Him to help you work out. Live today as IF God had everything under control. Ha! Of course, God has everything under control — that’s why we call Him “God.“ One bad life experience is NOT a life sentence.
13) Change what you can. Accept what you cannot change because it’s all God’s will for your life. “This too shall pass.” a quote from King Solomon in the Bible.
14) Live your values on a daily basis. Be truthful to yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable doing or saying something, admit it. It’s better to say, “No” and lose a friendship than to sell yourself to be someone you are not. Remember, and do not forget: Today’s path creates tomorrow’s destiny. The things you do today, create who you become tomorrow — least you become what you dislike.
A Jewish Rabbi once told me some words of wisdom, “People who are conscious of and grateful for the little things they possess right now will never need to rely on the “big things” (like weddings, buying a house, graduation from college) in order to make their lives meaningful.” Please don’t try to apply all the things suggested on this list in a week end how to find happiness is a process. Enjoy that process It is impossible and would be very frustrating trying to push the happiness envelop. Instead, try to add one happiness addition to your Happiness file each week or each month.
- Jo
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you become happier? One thought at a time that leads to a new action. Each day you become a new you.
May God bless you on your journey to become a better and happier you to yourself and to others.
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