How is happiness found?
What do we have to do to be happy? How does that work?
Happiness for me doesn’t mean I have everything in it’s perfect place. Although, I won’t lie. I wish I had everything in a perfect place.
To me, happiness is looking at the mess, whether it’s at work, at home (don’t get me started on my house, I’m already thinking I need a maid) or in my own head–seeing everything that has to be done, maybe feeling overwhelmed but always knowing what a blessing my life is.
It doesn’t matter what’s on my to-do list.
How many dishes are dirty in the sink.
Or how many errands I need to run.
What matters most is that I am living this life with people I love. I am doing things I love.
One way I find happiness when I’m not feeling it, is by finding things to be grateful for. When I list everything I have right in front of me I am humbled. Seriously! Sure, I complain that my 3 year old acts up, but I would not trade her (or the other kids) for anything in this world!
What I am grateful for:
- I have beautiful children. They are healthy. They are happy. They know they are loved. My children give me happiness.
- I have a husband that I could brag about for days. Seriously though. I don’t brag about him for days because it’s considered braggy, or rude or whatever. But let me tell you, I will never deserve him. He’s patient, which is the opposite of me, but hey, I’m working on it. He’s kind. People want to be his friend, want to work with him because he genuinely cares for others. He’s a hard-working man. He’s handsome. He’s loyal. I’ll always feel safe when I’m with him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to say that my husband is the perfect man. He is however, the perfect man for me. My husband gives me happiness.
- My work is fulfilling. I’m a nurse educator. I am in my element as a nurse and teaching has always been a calling for me. There is nothing better than waking up happy to go to work every single day.
- I have this little blog. My own place to share all kinds of things. Starting a blog was SCARY. Especially because deep down I’m such an introvert. I’ve noticed that I really love the connections, the friends, and the work that I encounter in this blogging atmosphere.
The work I do gives me happiness.
Being happy is a states of mind. You choose it.
You can either look at the bright side during dim situations in your life. Or you can make them darker. I am definetly my own worst enemy. I can be the worst negative-nancy where I just want to shut the world out, sleep all the problems away.
But most of the time I choose happiness.
Why am I sharing this?
I’m sharing this with you- my own struggle with being a negative-nancy and my continued efforts to push past that negativity into a life of positive thinking because I know YOU may struggle with being negative too!
How to Choose Happiness
Make yourself a list of what you are grateful for in this moment. In this very moment I am grateful for a quiet home, my mini candle and a glass of wine. Just in case you cared to know 😉 Choosing to dwell on the things you are grateful for can help shift your bad mood into a better perspective.
Write down a list of “mood-shifters.” Mood shifters are funny or sweet situations from my life that I write down and keep with me. When I feel sad, mad or whatever I take them out and read them. I wrote down what I felt when I graduated nursing school and a total stranger at Wendy’s told me how proud she was of me. I wrote down funny things my son said to me when he was a toddler. They still make me laugh. I started doing this over 5 years ago. My updated advice would be to keep your mood shifters in your phones notebook app.
Be mindful. Remember that life will not always be this way. Your kids will not always be crazy (at least I hope not, someone please tell me they’ll grow out of it!) Your house won’t always be a mess. Remember the seasons in our lives can change quickly. Maybe today you are sad, wondering how you’ll ever see things differently. That’s okay. Sometimes I’m right there with you. You don’t have to stay sad forever. Acknowledge your despair. Let yourself feel it. But be mindful that you need to focus on choosing happiness.
Just know: You are loved. You are worthy. You can do great things.
There are so many things you can do to focus on happiness. I could (and I will) write more blogs posts about choosing happiness. For now you can focus on making me happy and sign up for my email list.
This is the first post in the series A Year of Positivity. I’ve shared how easy it is for me to fall into the dark side of negativity. I’ve decided to step it up and continuously surround myself with positivity.
By following along you’ll find out about the tools, tips and tricks I’m using to live a happier, healthier and most of all more positive life. See you soon!
The next post in the positivity series is: 27 Things to do When You Feel Sad
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Each week I'll send you the latest Resource Page. In it, you'll find
- Handy tips for focusing on positivity throughout your week.
- Tricks for getting your kids to listen to your every word (just kidding,Girl-- I'm still working on getting my kids to listen!) But I will send you fun activity ideas for you and your kids to do together.
- Useful tools that I come across, like meal planning ideas and such!
I love how you had to put in there that your hubby wasn’t perfect! Lol! He must read this blog, and you didn’t want his head to get too big. 🙂 Good idea about writing down your mood shifters…I should do that!
Rachel Osborn recently posted…How to Dine Peacefully With Your Kids (plus a giveaway!)
On truly love this post. Lately, I’ve been thinking that life is so short and I’d rather spend it focusing on what I have rather than what I don’t have.
Nikki Crump recently posted…Why You Should Stay Away From Google If You Are Pregnant
So true Nikki!
Sometimes when I am in a funk, I kind of don’t want to come out of it. I like my little drama – I just want to stay mad or upset. And I have to force myself to turn on some worship music or read my bible. It always cures my mood because there is no substitute for hearing how deeply I am loved from the creator of the universe.
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard recently posted…Dear Friend, Giving up changed my life.
Turning on worship music is so helpful!
Great tips!! There is too much unhappiness in this world right now…we all need to be looking for the things that make us smile! 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Jamie recently posted…Have You Heard of the Monkey Mat?
Such a great post! I try to look on the bright side. Sometimes it is not easy, but there is always something to be thankful for!
Michelle James recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #95
You are right. Happiness is state of mind. I wish I always choose only the brighter side but my brain doesn’t work that way. I’m trying my best. #HomeMattersParty
sahana recently posted…Home Matters Linky Party #95
I”m right there with you Sahana. My brain doesn’t work that way either–I have to force it.
This is a great reminder to enjoy being happy in life.I wish it truly was this simple for everyone though. I’m glad that you have plenty to be happy about in life. (I feel the same way about my husband and my blog. )
Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty.
Thanks Crystal!! I love the positive feedback 🙂
Great reminders that there is always something to be happy about it – though some days it’s easier than others to keep that positive mindset. 🙂 Thanks for sharing #HomeMattersParty
Julie Briggs recently posted…Review: Why a Guy Named Edgar is my New Best Friend
I agree! Who wants to live their life down and out? Thanks for sharing!
Lorelai recently posted…Shrubs – 5 Hassle-Free Trimming Tips
Great post, I love the idea of writing down your mood shifters. I have a Happiness journal and I add that to it. Glad you fixed the link on Pintrest ?
You have so many great ideas and encouragement! Thank you! I love your blog. I am going to try and be so much more positive and let things go. I have 5 kids 17 to 4 and I am sad to say it gets so hard when they are teens. I have really lost my temper several times, but I continue to pray that God will help me and my kids. You have been such a help. I always feel like I am probably the only mom that yells and loses her temper.
Hi Heather, you’re so welcome! You are definitely not the only mom that yells and loses her temper. I think we all go through this at some point in our parenting season. I really struggle with my 4 year old, I lose my temper with her and feel so bad about it later. All we can do is like you said keep praying and keep going! **hugs to you!!
Yes. I always apologize and ask my kids to forgive me. It is quite humbling.