So if you truly know me, you would know that for the longest time I wasn't happy. I struggled to be a positive person, I struggled to be happy with my life, I struggled to love myself, and I pretty much suffered through depression. True happiness was like a foreign concept to me. It was something that I had heard about but felt like I never experienced it. I gained temporary happiness from people and circumstances, but it always seemed like those glimpses of happiness were over in a blink of an eye.
The end of 2015 as far as 2016 has been a building year for me. I was determined to find true happiness and to let it not slip from my grasp. I feel so blessed to say I have found it in my life. The people that are around now tell me that they can see that I'm a positive person. If you're struggling with positivity and finding true happiness, don't be worried because I'm about to share my tips/ things that helped me with you!
1. Pray child pray.
When you're struggling with ANYTHING in your life, pray. I promise you that if you sincerely want to find a solution God will send it to you.
Matthew 7:7-8- "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
2. Make a music change.
I've found that worship music makes me happy. To me, thinking about how much God has done for and blessed me with truly helps. Some of my favorites are: Shackles by Mary Mary, Ready or Not by Britt Nicole ft. Lecrae, Overcomer by Mandisa, and Stronger by Mandisa.
Psalm 71:23- "My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise for you- I whom you have delivered."
3. Spend time studying the Bible.
Reading about the miracles that God has done in the past gives me a hope for what he can do for my future.
Joshua 1:8- "Keep this Book of Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
4. Talk a walk and enjoy the scenary.
Enjoy the sight of beautiful lakes and freshly bloomed flowers. Enjoy the sunrise/sunset. Finding beauty in the tiny things have allowed me to find beauty in a bigger spectrum.
Psalm 104: 24-25 - "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number- living things both large and small."
5. Don't worry.
I know that this one is easier said than done. I PROMISE that God has nothing but the best intentions for you in His will. However, that doesn't mean that you won't get a few bruises and scrapes along the way.
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
6. Be thankful for each day.
Life is a beautiful thing. Each day someone takes their last breath. Make the most out of every day you walk and every breath you take.
Psalm 118:24 "The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."
7. Do things that you love.
Singing and dancing are some of my hobbies. I can't even convey to you how much joy I get from these things in the morning (even when I have to get up at 5:30 am).
This verse doesn't have a direct parallel, but it still is amazing.
Psalm 126:2-3 - "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
8. LOVE.
Love has to be my absolute favorite thing in the world. I love love and the idea of it. Show the people that you love that you love and appreciate them. Do something nice for someone because you love seeing them happy. Overuse I love you. The Christian faith is built off of the concept of love. God displays His love for us everyday. Therefore, display your love for others everyday.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres."
I hope that you find this helpful! Keep your head up, keep yourself in prayer, and love your life. <3
Take Care & God Bless.
