5 Tips for a Happier Life

Happiness is what everyone wants.  You don't need to be a genius to see that in today's culture.  Humans long, desire, yearn for satisfaction and contentment.  Lasting happiness.

But feelings come and go.  Emotions are more unstable than radioactive atoms.  We're just not happy all the time.  So we search for new methods to attain what we want.
 
I don't know much, but there are a few things I've learned so far that might help us live happier lives. 

5 Tips for a Happier Life

1. Stop trying to be happy all the time.
It won't happen. Life is life. Instead of trying to be happy all the time, try being joyful all the time.  While similar to happiness, joy is the decision to have a certain contentment or attitude about life.  It is unaffected by the storms of the day-to-day.  Decide to remain optimistic and positive.  You don't have to be unrealistic or idealistic.  You're just looking at the silver-lining.


2. Get this: It's not all about you. 
The world does not revolve around you and what you want.  The faster you truly learn that you are just one piece to the puzzle of this world, the less dramatic everything will be.  You'll be able to roll with the punches better and just let things go.  Trust me on this one; I'm speaking from experience here.  

3. Give.
All the time. Give of your time, your money, your energy, the clothes off your back.  Give to friends, family, strangers, coworkers, acquaintances, seniors and children.  Make room in your schedule.  Sacrifice that latte to be able to donate to a charity.  The great thing about giving is that you often receive more than your recipient. 

4. Pick and choose your battles. 
Some things are worth fighting for.  Some things aren't.  Consider the costs versus the benefits.  Even if you are standing up for something you believe in and for the right thing, it may just not be worth the time, energy, headache, drama and hurt feelings to prove it.  But for those things that are worth it, stand up and give a valiant effort.

5. Put your self-worth in something that lasts.
I am convinced that a majority of the world is not self-confident.  As human beings, we naturally question our own identity.  The problem is we cement our identity in things like jobs, relationships, and success, and those things don't last.  So, when our foundation disappears or collapses, we're sent into turmoil.  But if we put our self-worth in something that will last, then our confidence is not so easily shaken. 


At the end of the day, the only person who is capable of affecting your happiness is yourself.  You must decide that you want it.  If you feel like your happiness is dependent or being affected by other people, its because you are letting them.

But if we put our emotional foundation on solid ground, we have someone else holding us up.  Someone who won't let us down.  And we can find infinite joy in that.


Soli Deo Gloria


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