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It is easy to fall into a slump in life. Unfortunate things happen, and sometimes it can feel like the bad outweighs the good. But I can assure you that this is not so. Sometimes people get so mad at little things, and waste energy and anger for nothing. Just take it easy, it's all going to be okay friend.
For example, while writing this article, the system failed and deleted almost half of my article. Instead of becoming frustrated and wasting energy, I just laughed. There's nothing I could have done to stop this, and maybe it was for a good reason. Maybe it was just fate that I was supposed to rewrite almost 500 words of my article. And quite honestly, I think my article turned out better the second time. I just looked at my laptop and said, "Goooood" and laughed.
People ask me all the time how I'm always so happy. I have always been very optimistic, and that's just the way I am. For some people it can be very hard to be optimistic, and stay positive. After really thinking about this question for a while, I concluded that being grateful is the biggest thing that most grouchy people have a hard time doing. So, I've come up with seven simple things to try that will make your life happier.
1) Expect Nothing, Appreciate Everything
This is probably one of the biggest factors in happiness. The world owes you absolutely nothing. Not a single person owes you anything. You have to work hard for everything that you want, and you don't get anything out of pity. Some people have a very entitled outlook on the world. These people end up very disappointed, and think it's okay to throw themselves a pity party. The planet does not owe you anything, so when you do get something you should value it greatly. If anything, you owe the planet something. Now, I'm not saying to have low or no expectations. But, I am saying to not expect anything that you didn't earn. You do not deserve anything that you didn't earn. This way, when you do achieve greatness, it feels even more amazing.
2) Stop Making Mountains Out Of Mole Hills.
This is probably one of the hardest things to remember, but helps a great deal. Stop overreacting to situations in life that aren't that serious. When sucky things happen, do not dwell on them, but instead flourish from them. Try to ask yourself, "Is this going to have a large impact on me five years down the road?" If the problem isn't going to kill you or someone you love, then chill.
Sometimes when we are too close to a situation we let it consume us. You have to be able to take a step back from it, and reassess things. I like to tell myself this: Readjust, Reassess, and Relax.
The first part is to readjust your perspective on something, and look for the silver lining. Being too caught up in a situation only makes things more confusing. Next, try to reassess. From your new perspective, think about the impact of your problem. Then, just relax. You have to be able to let go of the small things in life. The problems that seem monumental to you now, will look like nothing when you make it to where you're going.
3) Value Everything
This one goes hand-in-hand with number one. Each and every single thing around you is a blessing. Make sure to recognize all that it is you are blessed with. Be grateful for everything. When you wash your face in the morning, give thanks to God that you have running water. When you want to complain about putting away groceries, give thanks to God that you have food. When you go to school, give thanks for the luxury education that you have access to. Slow down, each day be thankful for the good things in life, big and small. Appreciate the fact that you can hear, see, learn, smell, feel, grow, create, and breathe. When you recognize how much it is that you do have, it is hard to complain about what you don't have.
4) Laugh and Smile When You Don't Want To.
When I wake up in the morning I always smile before I start my day. I smile because I got another chance to make the world better. Start each task of your day with a smile, and it makes things a little more bearable. Smile at your mom, dad, cat, dog, or plants. Smile at the Sun. Even if your smile is not completely real, it makes you feel a heck of a lot better. Laughing is one of my favorite activities, and for good reason. It is easy to be angry at things when they don't go how you planned, but instead I laugh. To me, if I'm laughing more than I'm crying, then it's all okay. When the plans you make all fall through, laugh. When you are overwhelmed with stress from school or work, just laugh at yourself and how silly this whole scheme of life is.
5) Listen More, Learn More. Give More, Take Less.
Listening to people is so important to me. But, it is still something I strive to become better at. Forget about yourself for a little while each day, and focus on someone else. In today's world, everyone is obsessed with themselves.
And, yes, you should be obsessed with yourself, and be confident. But, just don't forget about everyone else. Take time to ask your mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, friends, or neighbors about their day. Ask your grandma to tell you the story of her latest trip, or most favorite memory. But do not just listen impatiently, listen with interest and care. Ask questions, and get to know each person around you on a new level. You will learn from other people, things that you couldn't find on your own. Our world is filled with cool people, go find them!
The final piece of advice I have is to give more than you take. Start asking yourself what you could contribute, instead of what you could take. And, it doesn't just have to be monetary things. Do your mom's makeup, instead of asking her to buy you more makeup. Make your family dinner, instead of expecting someone else to do it. Give your time to someone who looks up to you, and help them along their journey to success. Always stay humble, and recognize that you have something to offer.
6) Spread Positivity, and Embrace Diversity.
This is so essential to being happy. Spread positivity, help others, encourage your friends. Be the light to everyone's day. Be someone that inspires others to reach their full potential. Keep you chain of happiness going, and share it with others. Building confidence in other people makes you feel good. Show love for the diversity around you, and find the beauty in people. Do not attack people for their opinions, and don't let people attack you for yours. You can not be happy if you are constantly being negative about other people. Do not bash other people. Instead, bring others up with you and your bubble of positivity.
7) Surround Yourself With Happy People.
Take all the negativity out of your life. Each person in your life should make you feel your best. Make friends that truly care for you, and your well being. Be a good friend, and be there when your friends need you. Create healthy relationships that only make you thrive even more. There's no time for negativity here. Why be anything besides deeply, truly, blissfully happy? After all, happy people tend to live much longer lives than pessimists.
These are just a few things that are big factors to happiness. But, the most essential key to being happy, is making it for yourself. Nobody can force you to be happy. Happiness is something each person has to create for themselves. Yes, other people can be part of your recipe for happiness. But, never let anyone become your happiness.
Remember to give thanks that you have a glass to be half full.
Choose to be grateful, choose to be happy.
