Happiness Is A Choice!

Turbulence is a part of life. Everyone goes through trials from time to time. No one gets through life without some turmoil. Some more than others, but we will all go through good and bad experiences.

My theory is that we are as we choose to be. Some people respond to problems with negative thinking – ‘If … hadn’t done this, I wouldn’t be in this predicament.’ This thinking only lowers our self-esteem, makes us more unhappy, harms our health, and reduces our quality of life.

When facing problems, why not try to put a positive spin on them? We could ask ourselves, 'what can I learn from this? What could turn this around to something good? Is there anything positive that could result from this?' Doing so makes us enjoy better health, possibly learn new things, and feel happier and more energetic.

CHOOSE TO BE POSITIVE &

HAPPINESS WILL BE THE RESULT!

Positive thinking does not mean we’re blind to unpleasant circumstances or outcomes. It simply means we approach difficulties more positively. We tend to look for the best outcome instead of the worst. For example, when I encounter a difficulty, I examine my mental attitude. Am I looking at it accurately? Is it possible the problem was there all along, and I just chose to overlook it, dragging me down through the experience? Could it have been a drain on my emotions and finances or hurt me physically, yet I chose to ignore the problem? Maybe this is a wake-up call!

Find a positive spin to the negative. This challenge could be my opportunity for a better life. Have you heard the expression, “Fighters may get knocked down, but not out.” That is the way I choose to live. Look for answers to the problems or the bright side of the situation. None of us have all the solutions, but problems allow us to examine the situation, grow through it, and maybe appreciate things we did not previously value.

“If you want favor with God and man and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first; He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”

                                                Proverbs 3:4-5 NLV

BENEFITS OF A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

When you pray, ask God for help, believing He will answer and nudge you in the right direction. Something may come to mind that you can do to improve your situation. Pray about it, and when (if) God gives you a perfect sense of peace about it, there will be no question in your mind. This overwhelming sense of calm could be an opportunity for personal growth or guidance on whatever you face.

If any questions remain in your mind, keep praying about it. When it seems there is nothing you can do to improve things, maybe this is God’s way of showing you that He is in control. Perhaps you should let go and learn to trust God for the outcome.

 Positive thinking far outweighs the benefits of negativity. We can see much more clearly by looking for the best in situations or waiting on God for direction. I know because my little brain has always tried to complicate things.

I don’t want to tell you some stupid things I’ve done because I needed to accomplish some goal. I made it so complicated that I drove myself and everyone around me nuts trying to devise a solution. I am slowly learning to use the KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid!)

Now that I’ve learned (in some cases still learning) to take a break and talk to God about things, my mind has become calm, and I can think more clearly. I ask God for direction. As soon as I seek His wisdom, the answer usually comes quickly. My mind is not crowded by negativity (always expecting the worst or looking for the worst in situations or people).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”                                    Romans 7:28 LB

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!

We always have a choice! We can look at our circumstances and say, ‘Whoa is me… what am I going to do?’ We can play the part of a victim and be depressed. Or, we can use bad times and circumstances to grow physically, mentally, or spiritually. We become more positive and happy when we respond with an upbeat attitude and seek God’s guidance.

On the other hand, a negative attitude gives us a sense of doom and gloom. It tends to make us irritable and look for the worst in others. In most circumstances, negative people tend to look for and expect the worst outcome in most situations, thus drawing a negative result. This attitude makes for a gloomy outlook on life, pushes people away, and makes us seem less trustworthy to others. It is also harmful to our physical well-being. Negative people fail to realize what they are missing in life.

A positive outlook tends to make us see things in a better light. It causes us to be less stressed and better able to be objective and see things more clearly. Our friendly, positive attitude attracts others. This type of thinking opens endless, beautiful possibilities in life. A positive attitude tends to make life exciting and enjoyable.

Have you ever noticed the person (not a celebrity or someone in authority necessarily), but someone everyone flocks to when they are in the vicinity? That is the mark of a happy person. Most everyone likes to be around happy, friendly people!

THANK GOD FROM WHOM

ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

We can be thankful even through the bad times. Praise God through adversities because we know we can count on God to bring us through the situation to a better place.

A great way to develop a positive attitude is to get up each morning and thank God for all the times He has pulled us through a situation and provided our needs (physically, mentally, or materially). By thanking Him each morning, it sets up our day with a positive frame of mind.

“A man who does what is right and good may have many troubles. But the Lord takes him out of them all.” 

Psalm 34:19 NLV