Choose Happiness
The Serenity Prayer was written nearly one-hundred years ago, yet still has a profound message for us today. In its final phrase, it reads, “Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next.” Reasonably happy. I believe there are disciplines we can adopt into our lives that can help us consistently choose happiness.
Don’t Dwell On The Past
Happy people understand that the past is something they can’t change. So, rather than wasting their time and energy overthinking about what has already happened, they choose to focus on the present and the future.
They learn from their past mistakes and move on, instead of allowing it to steal their current joy. Yes, they might have had some tough times, but dwelling on them won’t make their present or future any brighter. Hence, they live in the moment and plan for the future, knowing that’s where they can make a real difference.
Stop Trying To Please Everyone
People who choose happiness know they can’t make everyone happy—and that’s okay.
They understand that trying to please everyone all the time is exhausting and, quite frankly, impossible.
Instead, they focus on being true to themselves and pleasing those who truly matter to them. They set healthy boundaries and don’t let the opinions of others dictate their self-worth or happiness.
Let Go Of Things You Can’t Control
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”
Proverbs 3:5-6 niv
Happy people don’t waste their energy worrying about things they can’t control.
This doesn’t mean happy people don’t care about things, it simply means they understand the difference between concern and needless worry—they choose where to invest their energy wisely.
Refuse To Hold Onto Grudges
Holding onto bad feelings or being mad at someone can really bring you down. The idea is that carrying around anger can make you feel stressed or unhappy.
People who choose happiness get this, and they decide to let go of being mad. They understand that saying you’re sorry isn’t about letting the other person win, but about feeling lighter and not holding onto anger.
They pick being peaceful over being right, and care more about feeling good than getting back at someone.
Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
One thing that happy people steer clear of is the comparison game.
They know that each one of us is on our own unique journey, with our own set of challenges, successes, and timelines. Comparing their lives to others is like comparing apples to oranges – it just doesn’t make sense.
They understand that someone else’s success doesn’t diminish their own and that there’s enough room for everyone to shine. They celebrate others’ achievements and use them as inspiration, not as a measure of their own worth.
Stop Trying To Be Perfect
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us”
1 john 1:8 niv
I used to be a perfectionist, always striving for the ‘perfect’ outcome in everything I did. I thought it was a strength until I realized it was actually stealing my joy and causing unnecessary stress.
It finally occurred to me that perfection is an infinite standard that is humanly impossible to achieve.
People who choose happiness don’t chase after perfection. They understand that perfection is an illusion, and instead, they aim for progress, growth, and excellence.
They celebrate their small victories and learn from their mistakes rather than beating themselves up over them. And they choose to embrace their imperfections rather than imposing guilt, shame, and condemnatiaon on themselves.
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