Most people who know me would say I am a happy person. In fact, I call myself a happy person. I have stress and problems just like everyone else. The only difference is I just choose to look at things in a positive way.
I truly believe everyone can be happy on a regular basis. It does take work, but trust me… it is worth it.
How to make happiness a habit
1. Be happy with what you have: I am putting this first since this is the most important factor in your happiness. It is also the toughest one to conquer. I have found the main reason people aren’t happy is that they are waiting for the big happiness moment! This can be a number of things.
“I won’t be happy until I get married.”
“I won’t be happy until I buy a big house.”
“I won’t be happy until I get a new job.”
“I won’t be happy until I lose 20 pounds.”
You need to stop waiting for the big happiness moment, whatever it may be. You know what I am talking about. We ALL have ideas in our head that we truly believe would make us happier if we had them. (I do, too!) Maybe whatever you are dreaming of will make you happier, heck… it probably would. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be happy RIGHT NOW.
2. Treat Yourself Kindly: It is hard to be happy when you feel like crap. So take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods. Get enough sleep. Drink lots of water. You know, all the stuff you know you SHOULD be doing but don’t. It is important to make yourself a priority and that means putting your personal health much higher on the totem pole.
3. Stop Negative Talk: I believe that thoughts become things… so the words you are putting out there becomes your truth. If you are constantly complaining and focusing on the negative, you will always feel down. Bad stuff happens, I get it. But try not to wallow in it. When you catch yourself being negative, be aware of it. If you can, shift the focus to something positive. Gossip counts as negative talk as well. Mom was right when she said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all!” This also pertains to your friends. If you look around and realize you are surrounded by a group of negative nellies, it may be time to change the people around you. (or at least stop engaging in constant bitch-fests with them)
4. Highlight the Happy: Constantly remind yourself to be happy. I am always reading some sort of self-help or self-improvement book to learn new ways to cultivate my happiness. I meditate. I write down goals, intentions and affirmations constantly. I have a thankful journal I write in often, if not every day. Write down 10 things each day that you are thankful for, either when you wake up or before bed. It makes a big difference! The fastest way to become a happier person is to be a grateful one. There is always something to be thankful for, so focus on those things as much as possible and you will notice a positive shift in your life.
5. Share the Happy: If you aren’t feeling great, try making someone else happy. It is the fastest way to turn your day around. Give out compliments, volunteer, donate to charity, bring a co-worker coffee for no reason… you get it. The tiniest gesture can make someone’s day, and just know that you had a hand in that will make you happy as well.
I am constantly working on ways to improve my happy. I think it is something attainable for everyone, no matter what your situation might be. It does take work. You need to be mindful of your thoughts and what you allow to have power over you. If it is material things and negative energy (like gossip and self-loathing) then there is a very good chance you will be unhappy. Don’t wait for others to make you happy, rely on yourself and you will be amazed how much happier you will be.
If you want to dive deeper into the world of happiness… here is some suggested reading: (affiliate links)
Yes to all of those! I completely agree!! It’s easy to get in a rut, but thinking positively can change everything!!
These are so wonderful! You know what has really helped me as well -similar to what you said- bullet journaling! it has changed my life for the better in that it helps me feel organized and a bit more like I have my crap together. lol Also— a lot of it is about sitting down and finding the positives and keeping track of your habits, memories, etc. it just really helps me. Thanks for the inspiration to go write down gratitudes in there tonight!
I completely agree with you. Number 1 is definitely the starting off point, if you can’t be happy where you are, you’ll never learn. As Paul says in Acts 26:2a, I think myself happy, King Agrippa,… and yet he was being held a prisonor at the time. Such great advice! Thanks for sharing.
I really needed to read this. I have been struggling with negativity lately and I don’t know where it came from. Thank you for this simple reminder.
This is really going to help a lot of people. I know some people who can be so harsh on themselves.
What a great reminder that we have the power to choose our own level of happiness! Joy and happiness is a mind-set. It comes from within. What we focus our thoughts on becomes our reality.
These are great tips! My favorite is “Be happy with what you have,” it’s so easy to just be focused on the future, but we should be grateful for everything we already have too! Thanks for sharing!
I really needed to read this! Thank you for sharing these, they’re so helpful!
Love this! Sharing it!!
I loved this post. One thing that helps me feel happy is starting the day with a good book and then handwriting a card to someone just because. Sometimes it’s a friend or a family member. Sometimes I send cards to people I just found in the phone book, leave a happy thought and sign it anonymous. Knowing that I could bring a smile to someone, usually makes me smile.