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I have a t-shirt that reads “I think today I’ll just be happy”.
This may be hard to believe, but when I wear that shirt I am happier. I don’t mean an overall deep JOY that can really only be gained by my close relationship to Jesus. I mean that moment to moment mood of happiness that can be affected even by the change of the traffic light to red when we are in a hurry. It’s just a decision that I am making (because I have already advertised it on my shirt) hundreds of times a day. When I don’t pay attention I tend to let my decision be made by the behavior of my children (or spouse), by the ease with which traffic moves, or with the tone of an email. But that’s ridiculous! I cannot change a single thing with my poor attitude, except maybe to make it worse. My personal happiness, the CHOICE to be happy, only serves to strengthen every relationship I have and strengthens my witness as a Christian. I think its moody Christians who most quickly earn the title of hypocrite by the unbelieving world. When a little irritation tempts me to let my temper flare, I stop and remind myself that with all the blessings God has placed in my life, I have no right to be anything but thankful and happy. It may sound cliché, but I actually say those words to myself. Why not let the JOY of the Lord truly be your strength today, and CHOOSE HAPPINESS! I dare you to try it and see if you can’t help but feel better all day.
– Gina Brown
Scripture tells us to "think ourselves happy…" (Msg) So let’s do that today. And if you can’t do that no matter how hard you try, maybe you need to talk to someone, reach out to a Pastor’s wife who loves you, a dear friend or family member who you can maybe ask if they could help you locate a blind spot you may have. If this still isn’t enough, there is no shame in seeking professional help but one thing is for sure…we can and must think ourselves happy today! There is too much fun to be had than to keep missing out on it!!! So read your Bible, think on things that are lovely and pure, go to a Dr. Do whatever you need to do to be healthy mentally as well as emotionally, physically, and most of all spiritually. It all works together. If you are healthy mentally, you can choose to be happy. If not, reach out to someone, get healthy, and be happy!!! It’s so much better this way! I promise! I know from personal experience. If it’s THAT hard to choose to be happy, you’re not mentally healthy. Email me at hello@happyanyway.org if you do not know where to start & I will point you in the right direction. I am NOT a professional but I am one who has found my happy!!! I want to help you find yours!! 😊😜😘
Yes, happiness is a choice. I have a dear friend who is currently going through what would be considered an impossible situation by many and in the midst of it she is learning about God’s love for her and His healing power. He is showing Himself strong on her behalf. However, in the midst of what was a death sentence, I see her choose happy everyday. I am honored to be a part of her journey. She loves people and is growing in love for Jesus. She inspires me and I’ve never had a challenge as great as she is facing.
Not only do I believe happiness is a choice, I believe "choosing happy" can become a habit. Our responses are typically trained. I am not perfect. however, I am proving this out in my own life. Emotions are a gift from God, through which we can enjoy and experience life. However, they aren’t meant to rule us. I refuse to live "down" or live too "serious". I did for too many years. Christ Jesus paid too big a price for that & He desires my happiness. And I desire others to be happy! Sorry, this is a bit long. It’s a point of passion for me! I love what you are doing, Adrienne! <3.
(And, as Adrienne said, if you need help, get help! There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, there’s everything right with it. Emotional health is something that’s been long overlooked by many churches. Reach out to a happy believer or leader. There’s a reason they are happy!)