Maybe people who’ve known me since I was a kid would be shocked that I’m all of a sudden writing about being happy. As I’ve mentioned in one of my previous articles, I may have been one of the grumpiest girls one could ever meet. But not anymore.
So what happened? I actually don’t know. Perhaps it’s age. I might have realized at a certain point in my life that I’m not immortal. Or maybe it’s a series of events in my adult life. I really can’t pinpoint anything.
I think what’s more important is that I have decided to have an attitude of being more positive and happier. But it’s never been easy.
Here are some of my realizations that I hope can help you decide to have an attitude of happiness.
It’s all up to you.
I’ve read in books and magazines that attitudes and mindsets are, for the most part, shaped by everything and everyone around you – even from the time that you’ve been conceived in your mother’s womb.
From my experience, I think they can really influence you a lot. And even when you’re doing your best to stay positive and be happy, situations and people will bring you down, whether intentionally or not.
But here’s another important thing I’ve learned from events in my life: it’s always up to me if I’ll let them affect me negatively or positively.
It’s always been a challenge, though. It’s often so much easier to sulk, pity myself, or be spiteful of other people. But I know it will just bury me deeper into the dark pit. So when the obstacles come around, I push myself to choose happiness and positivity.
Stick with the positive.
Don’t despair, though. Not everything and everyone around you give off negative vibes. You’ll also find things that can promote a positive attitude – celebrations, successes, books, movies, arts and crafts, sports, etc.
There are a lot of them around you. You just have to choose what you think will work best for you.
Surrounding yourself with positive company is also important. Nobody’s perfect, but there are people who can give you that added encouragement to become a happier person.
A word of caution, though: it’s still you who have to do the work. Others should be there just to support you. And there are times that they’d need you to support them, too.
And I’m not saying that you should forget about all your friends who are followers of some pessimistic movement. Just make sure that they don’t bring you down. In fact, why not try to help bring them up to a more positive light with you?
Reap the fruits of your hard work.
After all your efforts done to stay positive and happy, don’t forget to reap the fruits of your labor. Life will seem to be easier. Well, most probably, it really won’t be. But because you have a much better disposition in life, you’ll feel that more than ever, you can face whatever’s thrown at you. Don’t deny yourself the enjoyment of having this great attitude of happiness. Smile. Laugh. Sleep well. Wake up thankful for every day of your life.
One last thing – remember to share your happiness together with the other gifts given you. It’s part of enjoying a positive attitude. And this is the major reason why I’m writing a whole series on happiness and positivity on this blog.
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.â€
– Charles Spurgeon