Many times, people confuse joy with happiness. Joy is more than an emotion or mood; it is a state of being that transcends an event or situation.
Happiness is an emotion based on the events around you. It is a state of being that can often be temporary.
There are times when happiness is also a state of being; just like the character in a movie said, ‘I’m not happy all day, every day, but if you ask me how I’m doing and how I am, I’m happy’.
Anyone be happy as a constant state of mind, even when there may be a temporary sad or worrying event or season in your life.
In the school of Harvard, there is a faculty dedicated to happiness. There have been multiple studies on happiness, but the most common thread in the research that has emerged is that happiness is not tied to possessions or events.
Happiness is not based on positivity and good events alone; one research study showed that the happiest people on earth experienced sorrowful moments that helped them appreciate and cherish important things in their lives.
It was more about a state of mind, values, and perspective that brought joy than what was happening on the outside.
When something terrible has happened, no matter how horrible it is, you are allowed to feel grief and sorrow but not sit in despair. All hope is not lost; whatever you are going through is not the end but temporary.
There is innate power within every human being to create their reality, despite how challenging their circumstances can be. Yes, you can choose to be happy, and it is also okay not to be happy at every moment.
To make things simple, here are five helpful tips to have a more joyful life:
- Focus on the things you can control.
There will always be things beyond our control. The loss of a spouse or loved one, sickness, being single but desiring a romantic relationship, being passed over for a promotion, going through financial hardship, or a season of challenges.
In that time, focus on what you can change or control, like refusing to give up, having hope, asking for help, speaking and declaring what you want to see, and building positive habits.
The more we take responsibility for our lives, knowing we are not victims of life but choosing how we live, the happier we will be.
- Practice intentional gratitude.
The Bible says to give thanks in ALL Things. This means that in the good, in the not-so-great, and in the ‘bad’, we can choose to be grateful because no matter how bad it is, it could have been much worse and is worse for someone around you, but they choose to hold their head up with hope and gratitude.
Gratitude is not our default reaction as human beings; complaining, cursing, and blaming others for our problems are more natural and common when we encounter difficult moments or challenges.
You can reprogram your mind by consciously giving thanks at certain times, such as every time you leave the house or get out of a vehicle, the moment you step into your home, when anything nice happens to you, and before you go to bed.
Whenever something unexpected happens to you, and you have had the chance to process and wrap your head around it, give thanks because it could have been worse.
Thank God you are single and call forth a loving and supportive spouse. Thank God for that financial situation, and call forth opportunities for wealth and abundance. Thank God for whatever your challenge may be, and confess what you want to see.
By giving thanks in ALL situations, you will feel more in control of life and your emotions; you will also end the cycle of helplessness and loss of hope, even when there seems to be no solution in sight.
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How has this post helped you? Please comment and share this post with your friends and everyone in your circle. I look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings to you and yours, and cheers to a better, brighter, and happier version of you!
