In the world that we live in today, there are so many things that can make us sad, including seemingly positive things. For instance, a person may be making a lot of money but having a taskmaster as a boss will take the fun out of that or having to dedicate so much time to the job at the expense of family/meaningful relationships/further growth, can be a source of sadness. On the negative side, losing a loved one/job, struggling financially, facing challenges in your marriage, having a rebellious child, all these and so much more can lead to sadness, feeling low or unmotivated or discouraged.
Studies have shown that about 300 million people suffer from depression. And depression starts from that feeling of sadness.
So in a world filled with so many reasons to be sad, what then can one do to live a happy life? Thankfully, the list is endless but you can start with these seven ways to keep the smile on your face:
Give to those from whom you expect nothing—I know you have heard this so many times, and you may even be among those who don’t believe in giving but the truth is, giving works. The innumerable blessings attached to it asides, there is this joy you feel within when you give to a person and you know that such a person is not in the position to repay your act of kindness. The fact that you were a channel of blessing to that person, that you brought joy to that person has a way of making you feel good. Ask anyone you know who doesn’t have a problem giving and you will have a confirmation.
Give to those that can help your destiny—Like it or not, you will always need help. It doesn’t matter your status in the society or how much you earn, there will always be instances where you will need someone. There are things you can’t do, heights you can’t reach, projects you can’t undertake, without the help of certain people. These people are called destiny helpers. They’re placed by God strategically to push you forward and in the direction He wants you to go. Some of these helpers are easily recognisable such as our pastors, prayer partners and spiritual mentors. Others aren’t so obvious but when you finally recognise them, give to them. Spontaneous and unprovoked gifts go a very long way. The result is that when such a person is in a position to help you, he/she is quickly spurred into action. The person knows that even before he has helped you, you've already surprised him with good things, so of course he will have no reservations about helping you in your time of need. That’s just it, giving opens doors and keeps them open for you and when things go your way, why won’t you be happy?
Visit people at their vulnerable moments—Do not be the fair-weather friend; present in good times and absent in bad times. No, no, no. Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with them that mourn Romans 12:15. Your neighbour’s car got stolen, your friend lost his job, your colleague lost his wife, whatever the challenge, do not be nonchalant or uncaring. Offer words of comfort, visit, check up on them from time to time, give meaningful suggestions, make inquiries out of love, look out for better opportunities for them, take some food over to their house, you will be making a difference in their lives and also yours because you will be happy that you are making a bad situation better.
Sponsor people’s celebrations— It may be difficult for many of us to single-handedly organise a get-together to celebrate a friend's new job or bridal shower or new car or promotion. Fine. But nothing stops you from contributing. Your friend got a new job or just got promoted, go over to his house and take a carton of malt. Your friend is getting married, you can buy a cake for the bridal shower or give an amount to aid the wedding preparations. It’s not about how big or public the celebrations are, the fact that you are putting in effort to make them happy is enough.
Volunteer to carry out a community task—Fill up the bad roads, fix street lights on the entrance roads, organise for vigilantes, whatever you feel your community is lacking, volunteer to fill the gap. You may not even be the one who recognises a need in your community, it doesn’t matter. Let it be known that your support is certain. Be an asset in your community, let them feel your positive effect.
Obey God and show clearly that you have integrity—The importance of obedience to God can never be overemphasized. He is our Creator, our Father, our beginning and our end. Obey God, keep His commandments, follow His leading and your happiness is sure. Once God is pleased with you, everything else falls into place. Even when the storms of life come, you aren’t moved. I’m talking about that feeling you have when the Almighty God got your back!
Integrity is a product of obedience to God. When you are focused on pleasing God, it has a way of spreading to every area of your life, including how you relate with people. Your yes will be yes and you will always stand for what is right and you will be happy.
Make every moment a time for celebration; Laughter is medicine—Resist that temptation to wear all your worries on your face. Remember to laugh; laugh with others, laugh at jokes, laugh at yourself, celebrate even the littlest achievements. Laugh away your sorrows.
Begin to make a conscious effort to see joy in situations. Refuse to be sucked into that sad hole. Ever heard that saying, when life gives you lemons, turn them into lemonades? Exactly! I’ll go a step further to say when life gives you rain, see the rainbow; when life gives you an empty cup, see the opportunity to fill it up; when life gives you a problem, see the opportunity to proffer the solution. Choose to be happy.
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