“Don’t Worry – Be Happy.” It sounds cliché and is easier said than done. Especially when we’re in the midst of something we feel is robbing us of our joy.
Difficult times are an unfortunate part of life, but they are also opportunities for growth. Many of us believe, even if unconsciously, that our personal happiness is the result of our circumstances, but happiness is a choice – and it can be cultivated.
Here are some ways to increase your everyday joy:
Identify your strengths and try focusing on them daily. If you’re reasonably self-aware, you probably already have a good idea of what they are. The key is to find situations in which to use them each day. Studies show that happiness increases and depression decreases when a person uses his or her individual strengths regularly. For example, if your strengths are humor, kindness, and appreciation of beauty, look for ways to use them throughout your day; chances are you’ll feel more joyful.
I happen to be a person who derives more joy from experiences than things, so most of my recreational money is spent on travel, food, and performing arts, rather than new gadgets or toys. Regardless of income levels, enjoyed experiences can be better investments in terms of happiness than acquiring material goods. Just as a new car begins losing its value as soon as it leaves the lot, “stuff” begins decreasing in “happiness value” almost as soon as it’s purchased. Experiences, however, have multiple emotional benefits.
Savoring is the act of momentarily stepping outside of an experience to review and appreciate it while it’s happening — and, paradoxically, it’s a way of helping you stay more present in it. Learning to savor an experience can extend the enjoyment of it.
Try to find a moment to savor each day and share that experience with someone else. Actively looking for and anticipating these moments can elevate your happiness quotient.
If you’re generally a thankful person and readily express appreciation, your happiness levels increase. It is an easy thing to practice. Make a list of five things you’re grateful for and then simply reflect on them during the day. Doing this even once a week can increase feelings of joy and gratitude and reduce symptoms of ill health.
Additionally, performing random acts of kindness is another way to promote happiness. Many of us have had the experience of receiving more joy spending money on others than on ourselves. God’s Word bears this out in Acts 20:35, where Paul states that the “Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Simple gestures such as buying a friend a greeting card “just because” or a cup of coffee for a stranger can boost happiness levels. So, pay it forward.
It’s as much about the journey as the destination. Remembering to regularly do the things you already know are beneficial to your well-being; such as exercising daily, eating well, and getting enough sleep are essential. But developing new habits that will lead you to feel consistently better is the goal here; so, why not choose one or two above and try them. Your happiness will be the reward.
Pikliz is a spicy, tangy condiment made primarily from pickled cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers, seasoned with vinegar and spices. It adds a burst of flavor to Haitian dishes, particularly fried foods like griot (fried pork) and fried plantains, yum! Pikliz is often made in large
Living from overflow is not a theological prosperity concept like “name it and claim it” or “blab it and grab it”; it’s a perspective shift in regard to wealth. The attitude behind this mindset is, “since I am overflowing with what I need, who can I bless today?” In 2
For many, carlota de limón is a nostalgic flavor of their childhood. We’re excited for this opportunity to share this recipe, which is near and dear to our Mexico program staff. In our Mexico children’s program, our two amazing cooks prepare meals 7 days a week for children. If you’ve
I just returned from a mission trip to our child sponsorship program in El Cobre, Cuba and spent several days with not only my sponsored child but some of yours as well! What a joy to see them face to face, hug them, and to share some quality time. One
8 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2025
Rose lives with her mother and little sister in two rented rooms of a concrete block house. Cooking and toilet facilities are outdoors. They have no electricity and collect water from a public spigot that they boil to drink.
Rose’s parents are not together. Her mother is the sole provider and works as a street vendor to take of her daughters; it is very difficult for her to supply all their needs. The family usually has only one meal a day.
Plus bonus group fundraising ideas!
