How To Find Happiness Within Yourself When Life's Got

You Down

Happiness is a choice. It's true. You can choose to

let life's circumstances get you down or you can choose to be

happy no matter what challenges life brings.

Happiness is already within each of us and

we are born to be naturally happy! For example, have

you ever noticed how infectious a baby's giggle is? So why is it

that, as we get older, we forget where to find happiness within

ourselves and, instead, allow outside forces to determine our

happiness?

You can determine your own happiness by following

these simple strategies:

* When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Cliche,

I know, however it's so true. You don't have to let life's

troubles and problems get you down. Yes, there will always be

troubles because no one is perfect, but you can choose your

reaction to situations. Look at the positive side of things and

work hard to see the good in people and circumstances.

* Find something you love to do and do it. Do you

have a lifelong dream or desire? If so, start working toward it.

Taking baby steps towards a dream or goal will help you feel

like you're accomplishing something. You'll find drive and

determination to reach that goal when it's something you love to

do.

* Do you have a gift or talent you're not using? One

reason so many people are unhappy is that they're not doing what

they're called to do with their God-given talents. Each and

every one of us has a purpose in life. You have natural gifts

and talents to help you achieve your purpose, so use your gifts

effectively!

* When you're feeling down, don't wallow in your

sorrows alone; do something about it. Call a friend who you know

is positive and cheerful. Talk about your feelings and listen to

their advice. So often, people allow themselves to go deeper and

deeper into self-pity or depression because they think it has to

be that way. The truth is, you don't have to be sad and you

shouldn't be. You can decide to be happy. You just have to make

up your minds to do so.

* Think about all the things you have to be thankful

for. Often you get so caught up in what's wrong with your life

that you forget to look at what's right and good. Take a step

back and reflect on your life. How far have you come from, say,

six months ago?





* Do you have children or family to be thankful for? Yes, they

may not be everything we'd like them to be, but imagine life

without them. Now, be thankful that you have them in your life.

* Do you have a job? Maybe it's not your dream job,

but in today's economy, those of us who have a job should be

thankful for it.

* When you're feeling down, journal your thoughts

and feelings. Often you'll find that just getting your feelings

down on paper will allow you to work through them, helping you

to feel better about yourself and your beautiful life!

If you've been prone to look at life negatively,

then you'll have to put more effort into seeing and choosing

happiness. But don't let that stop you from being happy! You,

too, can learn to be happy.

Practice the steps above and train your mind to

focus intensely on the positives. When you feel a negative

thought coming on, or your mind gravitates toward the negative,

learn to recognize it, stop it in its tracks, and then start

thinking happier thoughts.

Starting from this moment onward, make the conscious

choice to be happy!