4 secrets for a happy life
Last week an old friend reached out to me on Instagram asking how I am always happy. As I tried to think of a response, I couldn’t help but laugh. Am I happier than the average person?! I guess when I think about it though, that is something that Peter has always said he loves about me, that I am a positive & happy gal.
4 secrets for a happy life
I have to start by saying, that I was given this gift of joy from God. I know that might seem like a heavy statement, but I think that along with my gifts like brains and creativity comes the gift of joy. I started thinking about it more this past summer, and I realized that my joyfulness isn’t just for me to bask in, but for me to share with others. I know that I am meant to be a light in this world, and that’s what I’m trying to do.
1. Check your glass
I have always been a person who sees the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. I think that it’s a powerful thing to be in the middle of destruction and see the light at the end of it all. Because let’s face it, we all know those people who let negativity drown out their lives, and nobody wants to be like that.
I think the best way to be positive is to care a little less. Now hear me out. There are probably 100 little things that go ‘wrong’ in the day; there’s more traffic than normal, your lunch isn’t as good as you hoped, you forgot deodorant, the garbage trucks are making your dog go crazy, your mile run is slower than ever, your hair just isn’t cooperating… I mean I could go on forever. But you know what did go ‘right’?! You made it to work, you are alive and healthy, you have food to eat and a place to shower, you have a dog that brings you joy and organs that pump blood throughout your living body… your life is GOOD. So, smile and be grateful for all the little good’s in life because you’re blessed more than you know.
2. Be Selfless
It is so easy to get caught up in your own world of stress and busyness, but how often do you stop and care for others? It doesn’t have to be a big bouquet of flowers delivered at their doorstep, but it does mean devoting some of your time and energy to others. So maybe pick up your phone and call your grandma to let her know you are thinking of her or text your sister you love her, I promise it will make their day.
On the same token, you should also be selfless to strangers. I find I do this the most when we are at a restaurant or checking out at a cash register. I always try to smile at our server, compliment them, ask them how they are doing, and give them grace in their job because they are actually the ones serving me and they deserve to feel valued. There are a million + one ways to care for others, you just need to open your heart and mind to them.
3. Surround yourself with love
This is huge. I love and hate social media. I will admit, there are days when I get so much inspiration from others online, and others when I pick my body apart for not looking like the people on my screen. How sad is that!? So I have started unfollowing anyone that makes me feel like my life is less than great, and let me tell you it is refreshing!
Taking this one step further, I have begun evaluating the people in my real life. It is definitely harder than clicking unfollow, but I can’t tell you how important it is to focus your energy on people who build you up, and dwindling out those who don’t. Especially now that I live across the country, I have learned to put my heart into a handful of solid relationships that make me feel so happy and the most like myself.
4. Be intentional with your day
Something that I like to do almost every morning is say a quick prayer asking the Lord to show me people that I can love on that day. Having this mindset of love and selflessness before I even get out of bed helps me to refocus on what matters most, sharing joy with others.
I love ending the day with a prayer of thanks for 3 things from the day that I am grateful for (something my mom taught us as kids). Then as a couple, Peter and I share our favorite part of the day before we go to bed. I’ve found that it doesn't matter how big or small of a thing we share, it is just healthy to end the day with positive thoughts.