Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Don’t Give up on Seeking Happiness

Happiness is a form of courage.  ~Holbrook Jackson 

Seriously consider for a moment what makes you happy.  Please don’t tell me that nothing makes you happy, because I refuse to believe that.  There are pursuits, hobbies, activities, people, and memories that bring those wonderful feelings of happiness to your mind and soul.  We are not in a race against other people to see who can make the most money or accumulate the most possessions.  If money and possessions could equal happiness, then the more stuff we owned the happier we would be.  However, we know this is not the case – not by a long shot.  My thoughts on this are confirmed when I reflect on all of the wealthy people I have known and read about who were bitterly unhappy.  Having more money and nicer belongings are by no means a guarantee of happiness.

Some people are blessed with a more positive outlook and are naturally happier than other people.  Still others have to work daily at being happy.  Sadly, there are also many people who go through life barely experiencing any happiness at all.  Instead, this latter group goes about in a bitter, resentful, pessimistic, and angry frame of mind most of the time.  Wherever you fall in these groups, some key principles are certain: happiness is available to those who make up their minds to obtain it, and we can re-orient our thinking and attitudes to facilitate happiness every day.  Consider these tips on being a happier and more peaceful person: 

  • Become solution oriented.  Rather than take a “woe is me” approach to the problems that come about, try instead to think in terms of how the problems will be handled.  Try not to despair that something negative has happened, but instead think in terms of “Okay, this is happened; how am I going to deal with it?” Such a proactive approach to problem solving moves us forward toward more positive thinking. 
  • Set goals that are s-m-a-r-t: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.  I am continually amazed at the people I meet who never set goals for themselves.  If you are such a person, then start small.  Begin to set short-term goals for yourself followed by more long-term.  The short term might be along the lines of reading more and watching TV less for the next month.  A more long-term goal could be returning to college and earning a degree. In either case these goals fit the “smart” criteria.   
  • Stop being so critical of yourself.  No matter how badly you may feel or what mistakes you have made, you are still a person of tremendous value; to God, to society, to your family, and to someone whom you may not even be aware.  I can assure you that you are an individual of immeasurable worth and potential. 
Make a conscious decision to be happy today, regardless of the problems you are facing.  Rise up, go forward, and claim the joy that is waiting.  Life is passing by even as you read this, so don’t waste another moment being sad and defeated.  

It’s going to be a great day!

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