Learning How to Be Happy

For some there is good reason to be unhappy, but for the rest of us it really is a state of mind and decision-making.

Perhaps, feeling happiness when there is adversity in the world, presents an underlying sense of guilt. Is there in the forefront a past event we harbour, and is yesterday taking precedence over today?

Regardless of our emotional state, we can to a certain degree, nurture behaviours so that the impact of our unhappiness is somewhat diminished.

Get enough sleep and rest, being tired can make you depressed. Do not dwell on sad and stressful events past, present and future. Train your mind to focus on happier thoughts, be active get involved in the things that give you a sense of accomplishment and pleasure, perhaps a hobby you enjoy, a book that inspires you, or just tidying and cleaning up around the home.

Loneliness also contributes to our feelings of unhappiness and this is perhaps the most difficult one to make change. Even in a good relationship do not expect your mate to fulfill all your needs; being ‘needy’ will make you both miserable.

“To thyme own self be true”, examine who you really are and what you value most. Be the person you are supposed to be not the person you are expected to be.

I work with single, seniors on a daily basis and living alone is a hard pill to swallow. Some have a pet to care for and come home to, some do volunteer work; which can all be a comfort, but it still does not replace human companionship. I have often wondered why they do not share a dwelling with a compatible friend. Set your boundaries, respect each other’s privacy and space, and enjoy the presence of having someone in the home sharing meals and casual conversation.

A gospel minister said, “God wants us to be happy” and it is my belief that we have to make the necessary changes to achieve this. No matter what your circumstances are be open to change; if you’re lonely there is someone out there that is lonely too, if you're financially stricken there is someone out there financially stricken too, if you're disabled there is someone out there disabled too.

Of course, like any relationship, you need to make a wise decision, and if you can make it work; the road to happiness is best when shared.