Happiness is defined as “a state of well-being and contentment”. How do we reach such a frame of mind that we can consider ourselves content and well? How do we reach true happiness?
I know I don't have all the answers and I don't claim to be, seeing that I am an eighteen year old freshman in college, but I do know a few things that you can do yourself that will create happiness beyond measure.
1. Be thankful
When we focus on being thankful for what we have, instead of worrying or wishing for more, we become content with our state. Being thankful is something we can all improve on because so many times we are greedy. In order to focus on being thankful each day, we should make it a priority to list at least three things that we can be grateful for, so we focus on what we can be HAPPY about!
2. Be Positive
We have all been around that one negative person who brings everyone in the room down because their attitude is unfavorable. My high school cross country coach always said running is 99 percent mental and so is the other 1 percent, meaning a negative attitude can ruin your race no matter how hard you train. This is also true about life. If we are constantly focused on the negative, we will never see the glass half full.
3. Be OK with who you are
When we constantly compare ourselves to other people who we deem prettier or smarter than us, then we are setting ourselves up to be unhappy. By constantly checking social media to see how many likes we get, we are relying on what other people think in order justify our happiness—whether we realize it or not. Just be happy with you because God doesn't make junk.
4. Be considerate
So many times we think only of ourselves instead of thinking how our actions could effect other people. By considering how others may feel before we speak we let them know that their happiness matters to us, which boost our positivity. Being considerate improves how we perceive others, which could in turn improve how we think of ourselves.
5. Be nonmaterialistic
Things are just that—things. Things will be destroyed but our Christian relationships will go on with us for an eternity. By being nonmaterialistic we become non-reliant on our possessions and things that will let us down if we put all of our effort and being into those. Focus on happiness, joy, and contentment.
6. Be an early riser
By waking up earlier we give ourselves more time to realize the beauty in the day that God has given us. Waking up early allows us more time to plan our day so that we are not more stressed, leaving us more time for HAPPINESS; in addition, early rising allows us more time in God’s word before our day because busy. Remember the early bird gets the worm.
7. Be active
Being active actually gives you more energy throughout the day and makes you feel better about yourself. When I do not run I feel sluggish and as if I have not accomplished anything that day. Being active allows you to feel good about what you have done for the day as well as helps you have a positive self image.
8. Be forgiving
Holding grudges and holding in hatred makes it harder to obtain happiness. Allowing yourself to forgive those who have hurt us allows us to let go and move on with our lives for the good of ourselves. Forgiveness is an important aspect because if we don't forgive others, God won’t forgive our trespasses against Him.
9. Be observant
Observing our feelings after certain treatment helps determine what drains our happiness. Observe people that take away your joy and choose to be around other people who build you up. Jesus observed Hs surroundings so He could help others; seek out opportunities to help others.
10. Be prayerful
Prayer is a powerful, life-changing thing. Simply taking five minutes and giving it all to God lifts a burden off you that cannot be adequately explained and one that is the key to true happiness. Because in all reality if we do not have a relationship with our Heavenly Father we can never find true joy.
Choose Joy.
