Having Happiness

By Pastor Di on 1/26/10

Happiness.  It’s something everyone wants and most people pursue in some way or other.  But how does one actually become a happy person? 
I thought I would share what I think are the keys to Having Happiness:

Having happiness in each day:
Choose happy.  We all know there are the glass half full and the glass half empty perspectives on life.  Instead of always being the “realist” and listing off all of the reasons why something WON’T work, choose to be positive.  Choose to laugh when you are late, stressed, rained on and when you spill your coffee.  Most people prefer a Pollyanna over an Eeyore.
Smile.  At strangers, friends and even people you don’t like.  Smile while you are driving and while working.  Smile like you just heard a funny joke or you have a hilarious secret. Smile at yourself in the mirror, even if you don’t LOVE what you see.  You’ll be amazed at the smiles you’ll get back.
Practice gratitude.  You woke up this morning.  You have breath in your lungs.  Likely you have food in your stomach and a place to lay your head to sleep.  And for many more reasons than just those, that makes you a very blessed person.  In spite of the hardships of life, you and I have much to be grateful for.  We should act like it.
Allow yourself rewards.  Sometimes, when facing difficulty, knowing a reward is on the other side will provide the incentive needed to push yourself through those difficulties.  It could be a cup of coffee or tea after a difficult day at work, a pedicure after a week’s worth of work outs, or a nap after negotiating your way through conflict.  Find ways to reward yourself for a job well done.  The little things make a big difference.

Building happiness into your life:
Try something new.  Learn a new skill, take a class, or go somewhere you’ve never been.  You’ll feel alive when you accomplish something new.
Practice generosity.  Give to others.  From hand-me-downs to your time, everyone has SOMETHING they can give to someone else.  Use your gifts, your talents, or your excess.  It feels good to bless someone else.
Invest in relationships.  If you are married, your spouse is a gift entrusted to your care.  Every marriage encounters trials, but those who weather the storms and stick together are happier in the long run.  If you have kids, friends, or a caring family, you have much to be happy about, those relationships are a place to give and receive joy.  Hard work is worth the happiness on the other side.
Enjoy life.  Live in the moment.  Ecclesiastes 3:12 says “there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves…”
And most important: Pursue Jesus.  Jesus in you is what brings you purpose and real happiness.

Happiness is contagious.  Feel good, make others feel good, and be someone that others want to be around.  Having happiness is a great way to live. 

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