We live in a world where anxiety is common. Far more people than you can imagine grapple with this challenge, and the number is only growing as many people are worried about what’s happening in our world. Some professionals estimate that at least one-third to one-half of people have major levels of anxiety.
Most people recognize that worry of any variety takes a toll on their mental wellbeing. Fewer are aware of the physical side effects. In the short term, our body’s natural response to stress isn’t harmful — adrenaline, increased heart rate, and blood flow help us to focus on a problem and constructively deal with them.
Stress that goes on and on, however, even if it’s related to normal, everyday difficulties, produces effects that are unhealthy. Many of the things we worry about are small things while others are significant. Some worries are rational, while others are in the irrational category.
The world offers a myriad of practical suggestions for battling anxiety — exercise, getting more sleep, support groups, individual counseling, therapy, and many others. These ideas could help you to some degree. There’s no reason not to implement strategies that you find supportive.
But it’s far more helpful to recognize that there is One who has conquered anxiety. Because of God’s immense love for us, He clearly tells us in scripture that there’s a way to experience peace in spite of anxious thoughts.
God commands us not to be anxious. That must mean it’s possible to live without anxiety. It would be unreasonable for God to command us to do something that isn’t attainable.
Being tempted to worry, and giving in to the anxiety, are two different things. Situations that lead to anxiety aren’t going to magically disappear once you reach some level of spiritual maturity.
God is the one who provides the ability and the strength to grow in battling anxiety. Surviving the assaults of anxiety is not meant to be a solo journey. Putting all your confidence in yourself to just work harder at not being anxious is destined to fail.
You play a significant role in your own spiritual growth. Developing a habit of communicating with God about your anxiety and asking Him for help is essential. If you’re not already in the habit of praying, start small and ask Him for help. You can start by just saying, “Help!”
Because you are God’s child, you can know that He loves you very much. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you can run to God in prayer. Prayer isn’t meant to only be used in crises.
Prayer is simply talking with God, the way you’d talk with a close friend. Addressing worries in your life should begin with prayer. You can praise and worship Him as part of prayer, as well as share your worries and thoughts.
Just like a parent would enjoy talking with a cherished child, our heavenly Father wants to hear all the cares that you want to talk about. The good, the bad, and the ugly. He knows it all anyway. We approach Him reverently, but at the same time with freedom and confidence since Christ paved the way.
When I ask God for something I like to know that He already wants to give me what I ask for. So I like my prayers to agree with what is already written in the bible. Once I’ve prayed I stand in Faith and wait for the answer to appear. The wait can be much longer than I’d like, sometimes weeks, months, even years, but I know, as long as I keep standing in faith, and believing that I will receive what He has promised, I know I will one day see the answer to my prayers.
Roy Clayton.
I am filled with gratitude when I consider how much I have. I have everything I need to feel happy and fulfilled. I recognize that happiness is a state of mind. I can choose to be happy under any conditions. Happiness is my natural state.
I may sometimes think that I require more money or popularity to feel more blissful. But then I realize that happiness is something that I always have. It is my desire for meaningless things that make happiness elusive. I remind myself to pay attention to the meaningful people and activities in my life.
When I am feeling unhappy, I pay attention to my thoughts. Unhappiness and negative thoughts reinforce each other. I focus on the positive and quickly return to a state of happiness. I am in control of my thoughts and attention.
The wonderful people in my life make me happy. I can ignore those that create negative feelings. I enjoy positive relationships and find them to be a source of support and inspiration in my life.
I already possess everything required to be happy. Happiness is my birthright.
Today, I am filled with happiness. I am grateful for the many blessings I already enjoy in life. I am rededicating myself to enjoying my life. I have everything I need to be happy.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Has any possession ever brought me lasting happiness? Why not?
2. What am I grateful for right now? What else could I choose to be grateful for?
3. How much time do I waste regretting the past or worrying about the future?
I share in my friends’ happiness when they succeed.
My friends are very important to me. They are my backbone. They help me build character because of their undying support.
I take my friendships seriously. I offer the same level of support for each of my friends. I appreciate that our support is mutual. It is easy for me to help them because they are consistently there to assist me. I am happy when my friends experience success, and they feel the same about me.
When a friend is having doubts about pursuing an opportunity, I offer encouragement. I help that friend believe in their abilities. And when success is achieved, I am first in line to offer my congratulations.
I share in my friends’ happiness when they overcome obstacles to achieve success. I am happy when they are free of burdens. It is important to me that my friends enjoy a happy life.
It is much easier to manage life’s challenges with true friends around.
I look for ways to uplift the special people in my life. Ensuring their well-being means ensuring our relationships continue to flourish. I remind my friends how important they are to me.
Today, I give thanks to my friends. I celebrate their successes as if they are my own. My friends play an important role in my life.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. When was the last time I celebrated success with a friend?
2. What can I do to show support when a friend has experienced failure?
3. How can I strengthen my friendships even more?
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
People have long believed that what you put out into the world is what will be returned to you. Therefore, putting the needs of others first is certainly a great strategy for ensuring your long-term happiness.
How Putting Others First Will Increase Your Happiness:
1. Develop closer relationships with others. Showing more consideration for others will naturally improve your relationships.
2. Reduce your stress levels. It’s exhausting trying to control every aspect of the world and it’s often frustrating because many things are beyond our control. Placing less importance on your own immediate gratification will help you feel more content no matter what occurs.
3. Promote a more compassionate society. By setting a good example, you may encourage others to look beyond their own needs. Your positive conduct can have a powerful impact on those around you.
4. Protect yourself from depression. Recent studies show a disturbing rise in narcissism and a corresponding increased risk of depression. Putting others first is good for your emotional health. Healthy relationships and virtuous living are likely to make you far more content than depending on others for attention and trying to accumulate material possessions.
5. Develop empathy. The world’s population is approaching 7 billion. When you understand how we share more similarities than differences, it’s easy to understand the needs of others.
6. Make every task more meaningful. Even mundane tasks can feel rewarding if you see how they benefit others. For example, think about how recycling helps to protect the planet for future generations.
How to Start Putting Others First in Your Daily Life:
1. Transform your commute. Use your daily commute to think about others. See how it feels when you stop rushing to get the last seat on the train.
2. Incorporate putting others first into your parenting. Your children learn by your example. Help them to get off to a healthy start by talking with them about your values. Explain why you take the time to chat with elderly neighbors or volunteer at your church.
3. Practice at work. Demonstrate your team spirit. Look for opportunities to help others with their workload. Praise others for their accomplishments and share the credit for group efforts.
4. Take a different approach to shopping. Holiday shopping stampedes have gotten notoriously out of control. Make shopping more fun by attaching less importance to getting anyone a popular item.
5. Select your leisure activities wisely. Devote your leisure time to activities that help you to enrich the lives of other people.
6. Use media strategically. You can still enjoy TV and other common pleasures. Just make them productive by viewing the characters with compassion. Analyze how their actions demonstrate selflessness and how that results in improving their circumstances.
Thinking of others first will make your life happier. Spend time thinking about why it’s beneficial to consider the welfare of others and take advantage of the opportunities to practice this strategy in your daily life.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
If there’s one thing that many wise people throughout history have realized, it’s that life has a unique sense of humor.
Why else would happiness be something that almost everyone wants and covets, yet only a few ever realize in their lifetimes?
Another similar joke that life plays on all of us is that happiness is often achieved by those who stop seeking it out.
This may seem counterintuitive at first, however, as we explain some of the common beliefs happy people share, it will become readily apparent how those who don’t seek happiness are the most likely to find it!
Consider using these strategies of happy folk to help bring more happiness into your life:
1. Foster an attitude of appreciation. You may take certain aspects of your life for granted. This could include anything from having a car, shelter, food to eat, and many other aspects of your lifestyle that a majority of the people on this planet could only dream of.
· For one reason or another, happy people, seem to be content and appreciate whatever they have.
· The mindset in which you take nothing for granted will usually require no more than a shift in attitude. You won’t have to change anything about your external circumstances.
· To remind yourself to be appreciative, make it a point to reflect on everything that you’re thankful for once a day. Doing this as you fall asleep each night helps to brush your cares away as you fall into a restful slumber, preparing the way for a great day tomorrow.
2. Be realistic about achieving goals. Expecting success overnight, unless you have just won the lottery, is a sure recipe for disappointment. Happy people are realistic and pragmatic when it comes to setting and achieving their goals.
· They understand exactly how much time and effort may be required to achieve a goal, and if they ever fall short, they’ll put in the necessary additional work required to reach their goal.
· People who are always happy are also aware of the fact that, just because they are putting in all of the necessary work to achieve their goal, there is no guarantee that their goal will ever be reached.
· This may sound pessimistic, however, this is merely to state that they are aware of the possibility that external factors outside of their control could easily change outcomes. Being aware of this can help lessen the blow when unforeseen circumstances arise.
3. Put others first. Achieving happiness can sometimes be the opposite of what you might think. You may be wondering how you can bring yourself closer to achieving happiness if you put others first.
· Putting other people first automatically requires you to have a more humble and appreciative outlook on life. In addition to this, making others happy will invariably bring more happiness into your own life.
If you take some time to begin integrating the above approaches into your daily living, you’ll find that happiness has always been just around the corner — waiting for you to discover it.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Have you found yourself just sitting around wondering what makes the lives of others so great that they seem to be happy more often than not? You’ve probably concluded that they’ve been dealt a better hand of cards than you, right?
You might be surprised to find out that many people aren’t really happy because of their circumstances, but instead because they make the most of what has been given to them. That happiness you see is probably coming from a deeper inner peace.
How can you acquire that same peace?
Fortunately, there are simple everyday activities that lift your mood automatically!
When you do things to elevate your mood, you end up feeling happier and more at peace. This undoubtedly will lead to more happy days.
These ideas are super effective at helping you get to a happy place, despite your circumstances:
1. Keep yourself busy. Often, you’ll find that your mood clouds up when you allow yourself too much time to sit around and do nothing. Your unoccupied mind will easily drift into a dark place if you let it.
· Instead, keep your mind and body busy so there’s little time to dwell on negatives.
· Take on more responsibility at the office so you don’t have as much downtime.
· Get involved in community service so your hours are filled with worthwhile activities.
2. Reminisce about pleasant moments. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit that things haven’t always been like this with your spirit. Surely you’ve had times in the past when people or situations made you happy!
· Take yourself back to thoughts of happy times so the emotions can also return.
· Remember when you graduated? That must have been an uplifting feeling, right?
· How about your best friend’s bachelorette party and the endless laughter you shared?
3. Sing aloud. Choose “feel good” songs that have a positive message. Crank up the radio as loud as your neighbors will allow, and just sing along. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself dancing to the beat and consuming yourself with the message of the song.
4. Work up a sweat. Exercise is a surefire way to release endorphins and trigger a happy mood. When you work up a sweat, your body feels alive and reenergized.
· While you’re exercising, focus on the positive things in your life.
· Take a jog around the block with your neighbor a few evenings a week.
· Incorporate chores and other physical activities into your weekend plans.
5. Surround yourself with positive energy. Get together often with friends and family who possess the positivity you’re looking for. Spending time in their presence will help you feel happier more regularly.
It’s important to realize that your happiness is totally dependent on you. You have to choose to be happy. Once you’ve acknowledged that you want to take that path to happiness, these activities can help you get there much more quickly. Embrace the happy life you’re blessed to live!
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Happiness is my constant state of mind. I could easily give in to feelings of guilt, anger or sadness, but I feel so much better when I am happy. And because I feel positive about life, I radiate joy, which in turn comes back to me.
In any situation, I take a minute to look at the value of my circumstances. I believe that there is a wealth of lessons and knowledge to be found everywhere. These teachings, whether positive or negative, help to shape me into a better person. Being the best person I can fill me with joy.
True happiness also means nurturing the well-being of my family. I pay attention to the impact my actions have on those that I love.
When my child gets injured at school or has a falling-out with a friend, I put on my nurturing hat. I offer support and unconditional love. The healing I see when my child’s face lights up again is more than enough to make me happy.
I know I am truly at peace when every breath I take brings fulfilment. My happiness comes from spiritual and emotional soundness and honesty. Any attempts to mask true feelings with false positivity are quickly noticed because happiness comes from an honest place.
Today, I continue to live with the mindset that my happiness comes from within. My peace of mind is a result of my innate strength, resolve and perseverance. I reap good rewards from whatever is sown.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Can I help others to cultivate happiness even when I am feeling down?
2. How do I share my joy with those I love?
3. Do I allow others’ unpleasant moods or reactions to affect my happiness?
I make room for happiness.
I am committed to being happy.
I let go of resentments and forgive myself when I make a mistake. I regard others with affection, even when I disagree with their actions.
I keep a positive perspective regarding material goods. I enjoy what I have instead of craving more possessions. I know that I can find more joy in my spiritual practices and relationships than I can with my belongings.
I do my best to manage stress. I practice relaxation techniques that loosen up my body and mind. Soaking in a warm bath soothes my nerves and leaves me feeling refreshed. Meditation calms my thoughts.
I live for today and savour the present moment. I take pleasure in the sound of birds singing and the aroma of coffee brewing.
I cultivate gratitude. Remembering my blessings opens up my heart. Being thankful makes me more happy and content with my life. I tell people how much they mean to me.
I encourage myself to have fun and take time to play throughout the day. I make a game out of picking up toys with my children or stop and dance while mopping my kitchen floor.
I view challenges as opportunities to grow and develop more compassion. I build on my successes by sharing them with others.
I generate positive thoughts and look on the bright side.
Today, I welcome happiness. I smile at everyone I meet and celebrate everything that comes my way.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Why is happiness a choice?
2. How do my actions reflect the value that I place on happiness?
3. In what ways can I train myself to be more optimistic?
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Happiness is a choice. It’s true. You can choose to let life’s circumstances get you down or you can choose to be happy no matter what challenges life brings.
Happiness is already within each of us and we are born to be naturally happy! For example, have you ever noticed how infectious a baby’s giggle is? So why is it that, as we get older, we forget where to find happiness within ourselves and, instead, allow outside forces to determine our happiness?
You can determine your own happiness by following these simple strategies:
· When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Cliché, I know, however, it’s so true. You don’t have to let life’s troubles and problems get you down. Yes, there will always be troubles because no one is perfect, but you can choose your reaction to situations. Look at the positive side of things and work hard to see the good in people and circumstances.
· Find something you love to do and do it. Do you have a lifelong dream or desire? If so, start working toward it. Taking baby steps towards a dream or goal will help you feel like you’re accomplishing something. You’ll find drive and determination to reach that goal when it’s something you love to do.
· Do you have a gift or talent you’re not using? One reason so many people are unhappy is that they’re not doing what they’re called to do with their God-given talents. Each one of us has a purpose in life. You have natural gifts and talents to help you achieve your purpose, so use your gifts effectively!
· When you’re feeling down, don’t wallow in your sorrows alone; do something about it. Call a friend who you know is positive and cheerful. Talk about your feelings and listen to their advice. So often, people allow themselves to go deeper and deeper into self-pity or depression because they think it has to be that way. The truth is, you don’t have to be sad and you shouldn’t be. You can decide to be happy. You just have to make up your minds to do so.
· Think about all the things you have to be thankful for. Often you get so caught up in what’s wrong with your life that you forget to look at what’s right and good. Take a step back and reflect on your life. How far have you come from, say, six months ago?
o Do you have children or family to be thankful for? Yes, they may not be everything we’d like them to be, but imagine life without them. Now, be thankful that you have them in your life.
· When you’re feeling down, journal your thoughts and feelings. Often you’ll find that just getting your feelings down on paper will allow you to work through them, helping you to feel better about yourself and your beautiful life!
If you’ve been prone to look at life negatively, then you’ll have to put more effort into seeing and choosing happiness. But don’t let that stop you from being happy! You, too, can learn to be happy.
Practice the steps above and train your mind to focus intensely on the positives. When you feel a negative thought coming on, or your mind gravitates toward the negative, learn to recognize it, stop it in its tracks, and then start thinking happier thoughts.
Starting from this moment onward, make the conscious choice to be happy!
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Why are some people happy all of the time? The happiest people have habits that raise the odds of feeling happy. Unhappy people have habits that result in less desirable feelings. It can be that simple. If you’re not as happy as you’d like, take a look at your habits.
Those that are happy share many qualities. Adopting these same qualities will yield positive results.
Habits that lead to happiness are enjoyable to implement:
1. Optimism. Obviously, if you believe good things will happen, it’s much more likely that you’ll be happy. Expecting the worst does nothing to improve your mood! Realistically, it’s not even important to expect a positive outcome, only to believe that everything will be okay.
2. Altruism. Doing things for others provides multiple benefits. You can see firsthand that you have a lot to be grateful for. You can feel good about yourself for assisting others. You have a good reason to get out of the house. You also feel useful.
3. Gratitude. Do you realize how many great things and people you already have in your life? By maintaining focus on the things you don’t have, you’re making yourself unhappy. Experiencing gratitude helps to create feelings of happiness.
4. An exciting future. Maximum happiness requires that you have something to look forward to. It can be graduating from college, having a baby, retirement, a vacation, or a hot date on Saturday night. Have a few goals that give you a reason to be excited. Have goals that are both short-term and long-term.
5. Success. Spend some time doing things that you’re good at. It feels good to do well at something. It doesn’t have to be a competitive event. You can hit golf balls at the range or play the guitar and feel great about yourself.
6. Resilience. It’s impossible to avoid challenging times. Sooner or later, something will happen that threatens your progress, success, or happiness. Resilience is the ability to continue forging ahead.
7. Reasonable expectations. When your expectations are overly optimistic, you’ll routinely experience disappointment. When your expectations are consistently low, you won’t feel very optimistic. Neither is a recipe for happiness.
8. Forgiveness. How can you be happy while holding a grudge? Forgiving others quickly and easily make happiness possible. You might feel that some people don’t deserve forgiveness, but what is the alternative? Making yourself unhappy.
9. Authenticity. Spending your time pretending to be something you’re not is a challenge to your self-esteem. Happiness is allusive if you don’t feel comfortable being yourself. Allow your uniqueness to show.
10. Presence. Thinking about the past leads to regret. Thoughts of the future lead to anxiety. Keep your mind in the present if you want to experience happiness regularly.
There’s nothing complicated about happiness. Forgive others, be yourself, give of yourself, and be grateful for the things and people you already have. Having an effective set of habits will result in feeling more happiness.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Do you seek happiness? Are you looking around you for someone or something to come along that makes you happy? Most of us have things right in front of us every day that could make us deliriously happy if only we would let them. Could this be you?
Happiness doesn’t need to be created for us. It exists within us, and it’s up to us to choose happiness.
Happiness is attainable by anyone, so long as they want it. If you don’t want to be happy you won’t be. If you really want to change your life and find the happiness you’ve been searching for, you can do just that!
A great way to find happiness in each day is to give yourself permission to dwell on the positive instead of the negative. It takes practice, but once you become skilled at it, the rewards are pure joy!
Happiness Affirmations and You
Happiness affirmations are one tool you can use to help you attain happiness.
What are happiness affirmations? The idea is a simple one, really, and it all starts with a list of positive statements and the desire to change your life.
Affirmations work a lot like mental imagery techniques where you visualize yourself doing something great. Instead of being visual, though, affirmations are spoken.
This works because the words we speak have the power to evoke our emotions and activate our minds to accomplish great things. You could program your mind with positive thoughts that enable you to achieve your goals and live the life you dream!
For instance, when you’re having a moment where you doubt your right to be happy, you can say to yourself, “I find reasons to laugh every day,” or something as simple as, “I give myself permission to be happy.”
Every time you use these statements you’re reaffirming the thought and programming your brain to be happy when the opportunity presents itself.
When you’re always in pursuit of happiness, you may find that it’s elusive because, while you want to be happy, you may also give yourself reasons to be unhappy.
Reminding yourself of the negative aspects of your life or the things that aren’t perfect makes it hard to find true happiness.
Who Can Use Happiness Affirmations?
You can! With the help of affirmations, you can change your life, one happy thought at a time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can integrate affirmations into your life and how soon they can make a change.
Some people may think that affirmations don’t apply to them because they’re so unhappy, but these positive statements can help people from every walk of life, no matter how bad things may seem.
When you use positive statements, you push out the negative thoughts, leaving no room for them in your life. When you remind yourself that you have a right and a reason to be happy, you’ll feel happier, and life will suddenly become so much more enjoyable.
Even if you think your life is so far gone that affirmations couldn’t possibly help you, you may be wrong, and end up full of happiness and joy! It’s certainly worth a try to see if you can change your life one statement at a time!
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
I envision the path to happiness as a road through the desert, in July. The heat radiates off the asphalt, so I am unsure of just how far the road stretches off into the distance. Of course, this is my vision, so the road is as long — or short — as I want it to be.
With my mind, I create oases and mountains that provide shade. I create happiness.
I am in control of my happiness because happiness is perceived. Happiness is a goal always within grasp, though many perceive it to be at the end of the road. However, I avoid waiting for the end of the road. I place happiness among my belongings and carry it with me during my travels.
By maintaining a positive outlook, searching for the good in things, and reinforcing my well-being, my happiness grows within. I begin to feel optimistic. I discover that happiness affects my recognition of success.
When I am happy, I succeed in every challenge I undertake. Life is easier, people are nicer, and each obstacle appears smaller.
Today, I intend to share my perspective on happiness with others. Instead of being a goal to work toward, I realize that happiness is actually a tool I can use to achieve my goals. I have stopped striving to be happy. I simply am.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What helps me to maintain a positive mental outlook?
2. What type(s) of happiness does success bring?
3. Who and/or what influences my well-being?
I lead by example to help others make positive choices.
Everyone has an opportunity to lead by example. I choose to be a positive example! People follow my lead and make better choices because of me.
Being a good example doesn’t mean being perfect. No one makes the right decisions all the time. I allow myself to be human and make mistakes.
However, I strive to be my best. I always want to be stronger and better. I continuously work to improve and find great joy in the process. Each day, I try to set a better example for others.
If I am happy with myself, I am doing the right thing. I avoid doing things that don’t feel right or that don’t make me happy. I do what feels joyous to me because it causes me to radiate that joy out to others. When others see my happiness, they want to follow my example.
Each day, I am an example for someone who crosses my path. I am a good example of joy and peace. Others appreciate what I have to offer. They want to be like me because they see the happiness I radiate.
No matter what crosses my path, I cultivate peace within myself. I show others how I handle challenges in positive ways. Challenges can be good opportunities and I demonstrate how to learn and grow from them.
Today, I am the best I can be so others can follow my lead.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What makes me a good example?
2. How can I use my own growth to help others be their best?
3. How can I lead by example?
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Most people think they would be happy if they had more “stuff” or more money. A better car or a better house sounds pretty good to most people. But more money and “things” don’t necessarily make you happier.
Having a car might make it easier to be happy if it means you don’t have to walk everywhere. Having more money can make it easier to be happy if you currently can’t pay all your bills. So these things can remove some of the obstacles to being happy, but they don’t really provide happiness.
These four things do bring happiness, and the best part is, they are free.
Consider these ideas:
1. Someone to love. Everyone needs someone to love. If you don’t think you have someone to love, go find someone. The world is full of people that feel unloved so it shouldn’t take you too long to find a volunteer. We all need someone to cherish and care for.
· Fortunately, the people and animals we genuinely love tend to love us back.
2. Something to do. There are plenty of wealthy people that are miserable because they don’t spend their time doing something that they love. Life is about doing and experiencing things. If you spend all day doing stuff you love to do, it’s pretty difficult to be unhappy.
· Find ways to spend your time in activities that are meaningful to you. Make a list and start incorporating those things into your life daily. If you can find work that you’re passionate about, so much the better for you!
3. Something to look forward to. If the only thing you have to look forward to is more of the same, boring routine, it’s difficult to be happy. Everyone should have something to look forward to shortly.
· Th gym class that
· Think about something you’d really like to do or see. Maybe it could be something as simple as a gym class that you love going to on Thursday nights, it can make your Mondays a little easier when you know that your gym class is looming shortly.
4. Using downtime joyfully. Perhaps your biggest challenge is dealing with downtime. When you’re bored, lonely, anxious, or sad and don’t have something to do, it’s easy to resort to less than ideal behaviours. These behaviours not only accomplish nothing positive, but they can also make your life more challenging.
· Coping with negative feelings effectively makes life much easier. Read something worthwhile, go for a jog, meet up with a friend and do something fun, make a new friend, or work on a hobby. Substitute your negative habits with new, more beneficial habits that bring you closer to the good life you imagine for you and your family.
· Learn to take a moment and pause before you go on autopilot. If you’re going for the fridge and you’re not hungry, simply STOP. Ask yourself why you’re doing this and what other action you could take.
If you think you’re unhappy because you don’t have enough money or toys, you’re probably mistaken.
Having meaningful relationships, something to do, something to look forward to, and not shooting yourself in the foot are the keys. Find ways to incorporate these ideas into your life and you’ll be much happier!
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
While there are a lot of habits that will help to bring happiness into your life, there are also plenty of habits that will chase happiness away.
Some of the things we do each day make it very unlikely that we’ll experience happiness. You’re probably doing at least of a couple of these things and never considered the negative impact that they could be having on your life.
Avoid these habits that can rob you of happiness:
● Unnecessary spending. One of the greatest stressors in life is financial issues. Happiness is harder to find when you’re up to your eyeballs in debt. General financial pressure is one of the greatest causes of misery and divorce.
● Clutter is another barrier to happiness. When you spend too much, you have too much stuff. It’s always in the way and serves as a constant reminder that you spent more than you should have.
● Think about the reward you gain by spending and find a less destructive way to accomplish the same thing.
● If you want to make happiness a real possibility in your life, keep your spending under control.
● Postponing your life. We’re always waiting for something to happen before taking action. Whether it’s waiting for the first of the month to start a diet, or waiting for the kids to leave the home before starting an online business, we always have an excuse to wait.
● There will never be a perfect time to take that big step. Manage your circumstances as well as possible and get started today. Time is the one thing none of us can ever get back.
● Blaming others for your challenges. When you blame others, you lose control. It’s not easy to accept responsibility for all of the unpleasant things in your life, but what other choice do you have? No one else is going to fix it for you.
● Even if you’ve been used and abused, you are still responsible for dealing with the aftermath. Accept the challenge and move forward.
● Not staying grounded in the present. Most people have a bad habit of dwelling on past mistakes and tragedies and worrying about the future. The past is over, so leave it there. Good choices today eliminate most future challenges. Focus on making the most of today, and the future will take care of itself.
● Pay attention to your thoughts for an entire day. Notice how much time you spend thinking about the past or the future. Think about how that impacts your effectiveness and your happiness.
Allow yourself to be happy by letting go of your anti-happiness habits. You’ll find that happiness isn’t as challenging to achieve as you thought.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
I have so much to be thankful for. All of my needs and many of my wants are met. People who care about me surround me and I am aware of their loving presence. Because of this, I am full of gratitude.
So many people in this world go without basic needs: food, shelter, or clean water. Many struggles just to get by each day. When I think about these things, I remember how blessed I am. Regardless of what my future may hold, today I have food, shelter, and clean water and those gifts are worthy of my gratitude.
Each day, I take a few moments to remind myself of my many blessings. I think of the people who love me. I take a moment to mentally send love and gratitude to all of them in return.
I remember all of how life is easy for me. I have gifts and talents to share. Many things come easily to me, even when I feel challenged by my life. Other things come less easily to me, but I know that each one is an opportunity to learn.
I intentionally cultivate thankfulness for life’s challenging situations too.
If I ever feel like I have little to be grateful for, and counting my blessings seems not to help, I go out of my way to do a good turn for someone else. By being helpful to others, I remind myself that the world is an abundant place. And when I remember this, I am grateful.
Today, I am thankful for the blessings in my life. I take time to be conscious of each of them. With all of this abundance surrounding me, I am full of gratitude.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What can I be thankful for today?
2. How can I be of service to someone today?
3. In what ways does being helpful to others increase my own gratitude?
In my alone time, I consider things I am grateful for.
Every day is a day of thanksgiving. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to overlook blessings. But I set aside time each day to consider the things I am grateful for.
At times, I invite my kids to share my alone time. I ask them to list things they are thankful for. This bonding activity brings us closer together. It also teaches them to avoid taking things for granted.
Even on difficult days, I give thanks that it is not any worse. I acknowledge that so many others have it worse than me. That mindset helps me to build the drive and will to keep going.
I take the time to express thanks for my tough situations. They teach me perseverance, forgiveness, and creativity. I feel my character building with each challenge I face.
My resolve grows each day after I list the things I am thankful for. I feel more and more invincible.
I see every situation as a blessing. Some are tougher than others. But I appreciate every learning experience I get. I admire the person I am becoming.
Today, I find blessings in both my good days and bad days. I commit to finding something positive in every situation. I am grateful regardless of the circumstances I face.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Are there difficulties that are too hard for me to overlook?
2. Do I feel refreshed and reenergized after every thanksgiving session I hold?
3. How do I handle situations where others display ungratefulness?
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
My day to day activities is deliberate. I choose to move through life with a grateful mindset. That focus enables me to maintain a positive life.
When I step into my office each day, I remind myself that having a job is a luxury. Being thankful for employment gives me the motivation to work diligently.
Before I greet a friend or stranger, I express the gratitude that I can see them and speak with them. My initial expressions set a positive tone for our conversation.
The simple blessings of life are apparent to me with each step that I take. I move deliberately and with gusto because I am blessed with the ability to walk. I avoid moping around even when I am feeling down. My steps are guided by gratitude.
Staying calm when I discipline my children is sometimes challenging. However, my kids are precious gifts who deserve proper guidance. I use that reminder to keep my mission clear when teaching them life lessons. When they know how much of a blessing they are, my job is done well.
Today, giving thanks is a natural part of my life. I celebrate opportunities to show my grateful mindset. Recognizing the goodness in life allows me to live happily and peacefully.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What are some of the things that I am most thankful for?
2. How do I use my positive mindset to counteract negative energy from others?
3. In which situations are it difficult for me to stay focused on being thankful?
Gratitude is a powerful emotion. When I feel grateful and appreciative about something, I attract more of that thing into my life. Appreciation is like a giant antenna that broadcasts my wishes to the universe. I send out my gratitude and receive so much in return.
I am thankful for the wonderful people in my life. My friends and family are important to me. I remind myself of this fact each day. The love I have in my life fills me with appreciation and gratitude.
I appreciate my home. I am thankful that I have a place to live. I am safe and comfortable. I enjoy living in my home and look forward to returning there at the end of each day.
I appreciate my job. My career is fulfilling and interesting. I love being able to pay my bills on time each month. I appreciate my boss and co-workers. I am grateful for all that my employment contributes to my life.
I am grateful for my health. My health is a priority for me, and I am grateful for the good state of health I enjoy. I appreciate my mind and body.
I even appreciate the negative experiences of my life. These experiences are learning moments and allow me to be more grateful for the positive experiences in my life. Challenge is good for me.
Today, I remind myself of my many blessings. I am grateful for everything good in my life.
Self-Reflection Questions:
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
My attitude reflects a heart filled with appreciation for the things I have. I am humbled whenever I count my blessings because I know that many are in less fortunate situations.
I am grateful because my Creator continues to bless me out of love. I seek to treat others with the same love and shower them with gratitude.
Gratitude makes my heart full of positive energy. I walk through life with a smile on my face and confidence in my heart because I trust that I am cared for. When I look through thankful eyes, I can see hope in the world.
When someone does something for me, I express my thanks, even when it is something small. I appreciate others’ hard work and dedication toward me. From the clerk at the store to my loving spouse, I make it a point to sincerely thank everyone who serves me.
A small note, a smile, and a kind word are all simple ways in which I show others that I am thankful. A grateful attitude keeps pride and arrogance far from me. Pride comes before the fall, but gratitude keeps me standing strong.
Being thankful is a habit that I work on. Over time, the more appreciation I show, the easier it gets. Gratitude has become a charming and natural part of my personality.
Today, I give thanks for the gift of life. I go out of my way to make sure those around me know that I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What am I grateful for?
2. Who can I thank today?
3. What is one creative way that I can show my appreciation to someone?
I start my day with gratitude.
I begin each day with a feeling of love and thankfulness in my heart. I avoid the negative thoughts that bring my day down to a harmful level.
I see each new day as a chance to say thank you to the universe.
I count the blessings that surround me and fill my life. I appreciate the people who make my life easier and better.
I am thankful for my friends and family every morning.
I am grateful for my work, home, neighbourhood and relationships. I see how others suffer around me, and I focus on peace.
Gratitude fills my spirit, and my joy increases.
I appreciate the five senses that help me experience this planet. I am happy I can connect with nature, people, and animals.
My morning is complete because gratitude occupies my thoughts.
I use my morning to appreciate my life and accomplishments. I reflect on my experiences and past. I make plans for the future to help my job and family. I focus on ideas that uplift all of us and help us reach new goals.
Today, I begin my morning with gratitude and peace in my mind. I see how my attitude affects my entire day, so my morning is a time of reflection.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. How can I find time during a busy morning to show gratitude?
2. How can I teach my family to stop and say thank you each day?
3. What can I do to banish the negative thoughts and experiences that can affect my mornings?
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
If you ever get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, you know how out of touch you can get with the things that really matter. But you actually have plenty of things to be grateful for, regardless of the circumstances in which you may find yourself.
Each person has their own unique list of things that bring simple pleasure, feelings of pure joy, or just a sense of comfort each day.
The most important function of thankfulness is that it allows you to open your heart, mind, and soul to goodness, gratitude, and light.
If you’re unsure how to consciously cultivate gratitude, consider these suggestions:
1. Take five. Allow yourself five minutes each morning to experience thankfulness. Take these moments to simply think about the past day. Say to yourself, “One thing I’m thankful for is___.” Fill in the blank with something you noticed from the last 24 hours. Think about it for a minute or so. Smile about it. Then go on with your morning.
2. Appreciate your world openly. Share your gratitude with others. For example, if you’re chatting on the phone with a friend, you could say something like, “I am so glad that I painted the living room that beautiful light teal colour. The sunlight reflects on it so nicely.”
3. Notice the small stuff. Promise yourself you won’t take little things for granted. Because life becomes crowded with people, tasks, and objects, you may feel challenged to notice small bits of wonder in your day. But if you put your mind to it, you’ll be astounded at what you see.
· Open your eyes to the wonders all around you. They won’t cost a dime. A sunset, a warm cup of tea, or an ice-cold glass of water when you get home from work can be great reasons to feel gratitude. The smell of honeysuckle as you walk by the vine or your daughter’s impish smiles are still more things that might remind you of your blessings.
4. Learn to turn your thoughts around. When you discover you’re thinking negative thoughts, imagine a big stop sign and say, “Stop” out loud. Then, replace the stop sign with an image of something around you that you’re grateful for right at that moment. Think about that object, experience, person, or situation and bask in your positive experience.
5. Keep a gratitude journal. If you find you’re having difficulty remembering to notice the things that stir your inner thankfulness, perhaps starting a gratitude journal would help. A journal is a tangible visual aid that will trigger you to think about what you’re grateful for.
· Try just putting put the date on the page and jotting down what you’re grateful for at that time. You can write as much or as little as you wish. Place your journal in a spot where you’ll see it frequently, like on the dining room table, the kitchen counter, or near your favourite chair. This way, you’ll be prompted to experience your gratitude more often.
Being grateful is truly one of the things that make life worth living!
Each time you consciously decide to experience your thankfulness, you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Open your eyes and mind to the people, places, things, and experiences you’re grateful for. You’ll feel so much better about your life.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Do you realize how much you can improve your outlook on life by simply being grateful? This is what is called an “attitude of gratitude.” If you cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” you’ll actually bring even more joys into your life like a fulfilling career, pay raises, wealth, health, and stronger relationships.
An attitude of gratitude is truly a magnet for prosperity and success. After all, much of life is about your attitude and your outlook on things. It’s been said that optimists may be wrong and pessimists may be right about some things, but optimists enjoy the ride. Which are you?
If you transform your attitude you can change your entire universe. And yes, you really can change in your attitude by showing appreciation a little more often.
Be Thankful for What You Do Have
Many people, maybe even the majority of us, believe their lives are boring or meaningless. Isn’t that awful? Oftentimes we see little to be thankful for because we’re always thinking about the things we wish they had. We may live in a comfortable home in a nice neighbourhood and we may have plenty of food on the table, but we just don’t see the joys in the everyday.
We often take the little things for granted. Are you one of these people? If so, it’s okay! There’s plenty of hope and there are plenty of things for you to be thankful for.
There are so many joys in your life right now that you’re likely overlooking. For example, by reading this article you have obviously awoken for another day. Isn’t the fact that you are still alive something to be thankful for? After all, a cancer survivor, sure won’t take life for granted anymore!
Here’s something to think about:
Even the smallest things in your life are reasons to celebrate! As we all know, “things could be worse” which is all the more reason to have an attitude of gratitude!
Lots of Gratitude = Positive Attitude
It’s a fact: those who are grateful are more uplifting and positive. By having a positive attitude, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll also enjoy vibrant physical health because our body, mind, and spirit are so heavily interconnected. Now, that’s something to be thankful for, isn’t it?
As mentioned earlier, by having a positive attitude, you’ll be a magnet for positive relationships. You’ll attract like-minded, go-getters who will not only inspire you but push you further. After all, like attracts like, which is all the more reason to be positive!
Now ask yourself: What do I have to be thankful for today? Spend a few moments showing your appreciation to your loved ones, colleagues, or any random strangers you meet.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Gratitude is often a difficult concept to understand and put into practice. Remember how your parents used to tell you not to waste food because there were starving kids in the world? That was an elementary attempt at teaching gratitude because the goal was to make you think about how fortunate you were to have food on your plate.
What Is Gratitude?
If you look in the dictionary you’ll find the definition of gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness; basically, being happy with what you have in life. Sit and think about all that you have — your home, family, health, food, car, and faith — and then consider those people who don’t have any of those things. It’s very humbling to realize that there are so many joys we take for granted in our life!
Showing Gratitude Without Envy
Both children and adults are guilty of being envious of other people’s possessions or success at one time or another. It’s human nature, especially since we see what others have and desire it for ourselves. If you’re ready to eliminate that jealousy and show genuine gratitude, here are a few reminders for you:
Teaching Kids a Life Lesson
Young children generally have a difficult time thinking of the big world around them. Their worlds are often centred on themselves, their family, school, and activities. They barely have a concept of another town or state, never mind starving kids in a foreign country.
By engaging in activities as a family, you can show your children the struggles other people face and how their own problems or desires fit into the big picture.
Keep Dreaming Big
Gratitude plays an important role in your own personal growth journey but expressing your gratitude doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams.
Gratitude helps you see the true joys in everything — big or small. Just remember that every gift in your life should be a pleasant surprise rather than a desperate or jealous desire.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Why wait until Thanksgiving to express your gratitude? You have the luxury of living your joyous life every single day of the year. So make it a point to recognize your blessings and remind yourself that showing gratitude for all you already have only does more to attract further blessings into your life.
Here are five ways that showing gratitude attracts more abundance into your life:
1. You’ll be thankful for the little things. When you’re in a positive mindset, you’ll learn to appreciate the little things. The sweetest blessings come in the smallest forms. Once you learn to love, recognize, and be thankful for the little things in life, your quality of life will increase because you’ll be aware of how fortunate you really are.
· Your daughter giving you a drawing that says, “Number one mom!” or your husband picking up your favourite flavour of ice cream are things that you should be thankful for. Your daughter thinks you’re a rock star and you have a considerate spouse. How awesome!
2. You’ll develop impeccable radar. If you often reflect on the fortunate events in your life, you’ll be able to spot a good opportunity a mile away. For example, you’ll be able to smell a promotion in the works or an opportunity to bring your family closer.
3. Giving to the less fortunate. When you’re thankful for the bed you sleep in at night, the roof shielding your family from the cold, the family on your couch and the food on your plates, you’re well aware of how fortunate you are. As a result, you’re more likely to jump at the opportunity to help someone in a worse position.
· When you help others, you help yourself in many ways.
4. You’ll reach higher. Your grateful ways are a blessing. You appreciate life more intensely when you’re grateful. You also see each day as another chance to bring more joy to your reality, lifestyle, and future.
· It’s perfectly normal to be grateful for what you have, yet often desire to reach for more. Constantly improving your life is a good thing for you and your family.
5. Considering others. When you’re satisfied with your life and feel genuinely happy, you tend to treat others very kindly. You’ll be more likely to hold the door open at the mall for a stranger or pick up a fallen cane for an elderly man. Your own happiness is magnified when you help bring joy to others.
Your life begins to take a turn for the better when you keep in mind how fortunate you really are. The smallest details can boost your spirits. The misfortune of others will prompt you to help them seek support, and life just begins to look a little brighter.
Starting today, take your positive mindset to new heights and make every day a personal day of thanksgiving!
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton
Showing your gratitude can be a great way to spread positive feelings in the world around you. When you think about it, reaching your goals starts with a single positive thought.
How do you feel when someone sincerely expresses his or her gratitude to you for something you did? Doesn’t it make you feel good about yourself? These positive feelings can lift you, boost your enthusiasm, and motivate you to achieve even more.
Here are some of the benefits of gratitude:
1. Reaching your goals. When you feel grateful, it tends to be a lasting and selfless feeling. It’s much more than just a momentary burst of positive energy; it has staying power that will provide a great boost for you to reach your goals.
2. Strengthened relationships. There are many ways you can express your gratitude to your loved ones, including saying, “Thank you,” writing a letter, or giving them a thoughtful gift. When you learn to avoid taking your loved ones for granted, you’ll have a long-lasting and loving relationship.
· Showing gratitude is a two-way street. Learn how to effectively express your gratitude and, just as importantly, to receive it as well.
3. Improved communication. Gratitude can mean better communication all around. By expressing your gratitude to strangers, they’ll be more likely to show an interest in helping you, too.
4. More effective constructive criticism. No matter how we express constructive criticism, it often makes the recipient defensive or even angry. No one likes a blow to the ego. In this situation, a grateful attitude can take you a long way. You can express criticism quite effectively when you also emphasize what you appreciate about them.
5. Preserving memories. You can preserve memories in a positive way when you keep a gratitude journal. You’ll be able to enjoy your memories again and again when you read about these happy times in the future.
Show Your Gratitude Every Day
Showing gratitude to others may seem like a selfless act, but it’s something that you also benefit from. When you show your gratitude every day, you change the way you think.
You’ll appreciate your good life when the majority of your thoughts remain positive. Negative thoughts can sometimes be overwhelming, and just because you have them doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. They happen to everyone, but you can strive to keep them to a minimum with the help of a grateful attitude.
One way to show your gratitude every day is to remind yourself of the big picture when a negative thought arises. If a petty argument with your spouse makes you feel angry and heated, take a deep breath and think for a moment. Remember that the argument is not permanent and, instead, feel grateful for the gift of this relationship.
Our days on this earth are numbered so we must cherish the time that we do have and enjoy the benefits of living each day as if it were our last.
If you’d like a free digital copy of my “Happiness Journal” that I’ve created to help us, as we go through this subject, you can get it from here.
Roy Clayton