Happiness Happens

Living a life filled with happiness, faith, family, fun and purpose is a goal that we all should strive to accomplish.  The Bible says the following:

"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalms 33:11-12 (NIV)

Almost everyone have heard Bob Marley's 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' song. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message of being happy to everyone. Bob Marley's simple message surely made a lot of people happy by telling individuals not to worry.  Living a happy, resilient and purpose driven life is amazing. Living a happy life is also good for your health. Happiness actually protects you from the stresses of life. Stress is linked to top causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke.

One of the better things ever said is – 'The only thing in life that will always remain the same is change’.  In life we have the power to make the necessary changes to live happy. We sometimes find ourselves in an unbearable situation, but we can always find solace in the knowledge that it too will change.

The Bible says the following:  "So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." Ecclesiastes 11:10(NIV)

Essential to happiness are loving God, knowing Jesus, and social networks and/or relationships. People are different; if God wanted us to be the same, He would have created us so.  However, like the variety of plants and animals He created, He wisely created a wide variety of people--a balanced creation. Rather than wasting time trying to change others, accept people for who or what they are.  Enjoy them as God's creations.  The Bible also advises us to "live in peace, as you are able" with others.  Try to avoid clashes, constant arguments, and let go of all kinds of resentments. If arguments seem unavoidable, evaluate yourself first, then the validity of the relationship. Constant contention is toxic, and a waste of your resources. But relationships are another topic; simply consider the worth of a relationship that drains.

Abraham Lincoln observed that most people for most of the time can choose how happy or stressed, how relaxed or troubled, how bright or dull their outlook to be in their current situations.  Happiness is a way to make life more wonderful and also healthier.  To be happy is relatively easy: just decide to be a happy person. However, that doesn't mean just accepting the unacceptable.  Happiness is also created, so be sure to set goals and do the work that leads you to that which gives you happiness.  God creates each of us with a purpose and a plan.   

The Bible says the following:  "But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3 (NIV)

There are several ways to be joyful.

Find the good in everything that you do. Being grateful is a great attitude. We have so much to be thankful for in abundance. Thank the taxi driver for bringing you home safely, thank the cook for a wonderful dinner and thank the guy who cleans your windows. Also thank the mailman for bringing you your mails, thank the policeman for making your place safe and thank God for being alive.

News is stressful. Get less of it. Some people just can’t start their day without their daily dose of news. Try and think about it, 99% of the news we hear or read is bad news. Starting the day with bad news does not seem to be a sensible thing to do.  Instead, feed yourself emotionally and spiritually with positives and inspirations.  What makes your eyes light up with joy: keep yourself focused on that.

A spiritual connection is also recommended. Join a spiritual group that comforts and inspires.  Through song rituals, and various meditations, you will foster inner peace, joy and love.

Manage your time. Time is invaluable and too important to waste. Time management can be viewed as a list of rules that involves scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating lists of things to do and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop an efficient personal time management skill. These basic skills can be fine tuned further to include the finer points of each skill that can give you that extra reserve to make the results you desire.

Laugh and laugh heartily everyday. Heard a good joke? Tell your friends or family about it. As they also say –'Laughter is the best medicine'.  Express your feelings, affections, friendship and passion to people around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Try not to keep bottled up anger of frustrations, this is bad for your health. Avoid exposure to negative elements like loud noises, toxins, hazardous places and people.  Instead find ways of expressing them in a way that will not cause more injury or hurt to anyone.

Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives a feeling of being competent in finishing our tasks. Accomplishments are necessary for all of us, they give us a sense of value. Work on things that you feel worthy of your time.  Knowing you are spending your time in activities that will reach your goals is incredibly satisfying.

Besides the spiritual, don't overlook feeding the intellect and body.  Learning is a joyful exercise. Try and learn something new everyday. Learning also makes us expand and broaden our horizons and could also give us more opportunities in the future.Run, jog, walk and do other things that your body was made to do and accomplish. Feel alive. Look Alive. Speak Alive. Be Alive!  These are but a few simple things you can do everyday to be happy.

Make your mind up today to live a life of happiness, faith, family, fun and a purpose.

~~Debra Contreras