One day, my young granddaughter made the comment to her mom that she had had the worst day ever! When asked why, she replied, “because we didn’t do anything fun today!” I have always remembered her comment which caused me to do some deep thinking about happiness.
There are many outside activities and even things that can bring enjoyment into your life for a period of time, but this kind of joy isn’t lasting. For example, today I found enjoyment attending church, looking at the tree that was just planted in my yard and playing my piano. These things made me happy for a short period of time. There is much in this world that can bring a smile to your face, laughter and feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
In the past few years I have searched for a deeper kind of happiness that comes from the inside out, deep within your soul….. and can be with you 100 percent of the time, even during challenges and sorrows. For me this Happiness comes from being content with who I am, how I act, and how I treat others. It comes from knowing that I’m definitely not perfect and it’s okay if I make mistakes because that’s how I learn. This happiness comes when I serve others and when I allow myself the same courtesy and respect. This Happiness comes from knowing that I have a Father in Heaven who loves me and a Savior who died for me and lives again, making it possible for all mankind to have Eternal life and Eternal relationships. What great joy that knowledge brings to me!
It is so easy to become discouraged, unhappy and even depressed. Life can be overwhelming. I used to wonder why I couldn’t keep up with my countless responsibilities like other people. I often felt like I barely had my head above water. Comparing yourself to others is one quick way to drive true happiness away. Life is not a race though it often feels that way. What you think you see in someone else might not be true at all. Happiness lies within the goodness you have to offer. Everyone has a gift and something valuable to share with others.
If you are not as happy as you want to be, seek help. Counseling might not be for everyone, but for me it was the number one best thing I ever did for myself. Facing and talking about those destructive things that were bottled up inside of me gave me clarity and understanding. As I discarded those things the windows were open for good things to enter in, filling my soul with a greater joy than I had ever experienced. The skills I have learned have literally helped change my life for the better! While sorrow can pull you down, true Happiness can help you stand up straight and tall even in the midst of deep struggles. You can always find things to be grateful for. You can develop an optimistic outlook. You can feel great joy when you serve others. Jesus Christ gave the ultimate example of how to be Happy. He truly showed the way! I believe true Happiness lies deep within each of us waiting to be discovered and to be shared with others!
Sorrows and trials will come and go but Happiness from the inside out can prevail!