“Don’t Worry – Be Happy.” It sounds cliché and is easier said than done. Especially when we’re in the midst of something we feel is robbing us of our joy.
Difficult times are an unfortunate part of life, but they are also opportunities for growth. Many of us believe, even if unconsciously, that our personal happiness is the result of our circumstances, but happiness is a choice – and it can be cultivated.
Here are some ways to increase your everyday joy:
Identify your strengths and try focusing on them daily. If you’re reasonably self-aware, you probably already have a good idea of what they are. The key is to find situations in which to use them each day. Studies show that happiness increases and depression decreases when a person uses his or her individual strengths regularly. For example, if your strengths are humor, kindness, and appreciation of beauty, look for ways to use them throughout your day; chances are you’ll feel more joyful.
I happen to be a person who derives more joy from experiences than things, so most of my recreational money is spent on travel, food, and performing arts, rather than new gadgets or toys. Regardless of income levels, enjoyed experiences can be better investments in terms of happiness than acquiring material goods. Just as a new car begins losing its value as soon as it leaves the lot, “stuff” begins decreasing in “happiness value” almost as soon as it’s purchased. Experiences, however, have multiple emotional benefits.
Savoring is the act of momentarily stepping outside of an experience to review and appreciate it while it’s happening — and, paradoxically, it’s a way of helping you stay more present in it. Learning to savor an experience can extend the enjoyment of it.
Try to find a moment to savor each day and share that experience with someone else. Actively looking for and anticipating these moments can elevate your happiness quotient.
If you’re generally a thankful person and readily express appreciation, your happiness levels increase. It is an easy thing to practice. Make a list of five things you’re grateful for and then simply reflect on them during the day. Doing this even once a week can increase feelings of joy and gratitude and reduce symptoms of ill health.
Additionally, performing random acts of kindness is another way to promote happiness. Many of us have had the experience of receiving more joy spending money on others than on ourselves. God’s Word bears this out in Acts 20:35, where Paul states that the “Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Simple gestures such as buying a friend a greeting card “just because” or a cup of coffee for a stranger can boost happiness levels. So, pay it forward.
It’s as much about the journey as the destination. Remembering to regularly do the things you already know are beneficial to your well-being; such as exercising daily, eating well, and getting enough sleep are essential. But developing new habits that will lead you to feel consistently better is the goal here; so, why not choose one or two above and try them. Your happiness will be the reward.
Have you had to cancel or postpone a trip to serve in another country this year? Have you considered repurposing your investment rather than losing it or delaying the opportunity? 1. Repurpose your plan Is there a way to take the plans you have already made and modify them using
“Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly,
Tim Ainley, CEO of Forward Edge, recently shared an inspiring message at a graduation commencement ceremony that is a timely and impactful message for us all. But, especially for recent graduates, young adults, and teens, these words could be the guiding principles you need as you step into a world
What is Child Advocacy and how do I do it? “Child Advocacy”… such an official sounding term, isn’t it? Miriam Webster defines advocacy as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal”, and when broken down that way, it’s a pretty simple concept. Many of us are child
8 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2023
Sayidatu lives with her parents and three brothers brother in a one-bedroom mud house with a thatch roof. Her oldest brother sleeps at a friend's house nightly due to lack of space. The home is in poor condition, and they have no latrine. There is electricity in the village but the family cannot afford to be connected to it. There is no access to potable water. The village women and girls fetch water from a local dam until it dries up, then they must travel long distances to find other sources. The area the family lives in has poor sanitation which poses a health hazard.
Sayidatu’s family is Muslim. Her parents are both unemployed and can barely provide the basic necessities. They live on less than a dollar a day and rely on the support of Create Hope to help feed their children. Before joining the program, keeping Sayidatu in school was an extreme financial challenge.
