Create Happiness Even When You Don't Feel Like It

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters. — Audrey Hepburn

We've all heard about this quote a lot of times that to most of us it already becomes a cliche. No matter how difficult or challenging life gets, the truth still remains — life is a gift and it is beautiful. Therefore it is only fitting that we seek the good and positivity that it brings us in every day.

Source: PixaBay

But sadly, there are a number of people who are still struggling to understand this, probably because of trauma, anxiety, depression, and all other reasons that people who have been through a lot can list. So if you or someone you know doesn't feel like being happy and can't find positivity in life, hope this helps change your/their minds.

1. Dig Deep and Understand the Problem.

It is innate for man to be innovative, our imagination is quite very creative. We are all born tinkers, we are all born to find solutions. Even the most mundane things in life, we struggle to make sense out of it, to find meaning and make our lives easier. This how or most of our mind works, if there is a problem we fix it. In our own ways, we are fixers.

But we if we really think deeply about it, if we step back for a little bit to see the big picture, we can be more effective in dealing with our daily struggles and problems in life. I think we can all agree that the first step to solving a problem is knowing the problem. You have to realize what it is really that's keeping you from being happy, only then can you be able to take necessary steps to be in control of your emotions and your life again.

Source: PixaBay

2. Make a Choice.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

The choice is up to us. We have the opportunity and the ability to make our lives for the better or for worse. Living a life full of negativity, is the worst way to live, and it's not living at all. Live a life of opportunities. Embrace everything that life will throw or give you. Make the most out of it. Life has a funny way of teaching us, sometimes it comes through pain, problems and suffering. But still I hope that we can always aim and look for the bright side. It is a choice to be happy, to be loved - and we feed it, we should continue to nourish it.

Source: The Steering Wheel of your Life

3. Learn to Say NO to Perfection.

If you are a perfectionist, always remind yourself everyday that things don't have to be perfect at all times. Don't be too hard on yourself when you encounter mistakes and setbacks. You don't need to do things all at once -reach your goals, change yourself for the better,be successful, or meet other people's expectations of you right away. Remember, you can always take baby steps. This way, you can avoid being frustrated and avoid repeating the cycle of negativity over and over again. It doesn't matter how slow you move, as long as you don't stop.

4. Say Yes to Happy Hormones.

Do the things you used to do that makes you feel good about yourself or about life in general. Watch feel-good movies, sing a song, try a new food, travel, learn a new skill, spend time with loved ones, create arts, read good books..anything that will activate or boost the "happy hormones" in your brain.

5. Be Kind and Help others.

Random acts of kindness can do wonders! In helping others, we might discover that there are people who are far more unfortunate and are going through a seemingly unwinnable battle, but still try to keep the positivity in their lives. A surge of inspiration often comes from unexpected places and time (just not in the four corners of your hiding place, your "comfort zone"). So get out there, bask yourself in the warmth of the morning sun, smile and do acts of little kindness.

Source: PixaBay

6. Be a part of a community.

If you believe that the objectives of a certain community can make a huge difference in other people's lives, and in which you feel you can greatly contribute to, then take part in it. One common mistake that people make is to think they can only find happiness from the things or experiences they can get from this world, not realizing that we can create it ourselves by offering a part of us to others. Just be the best version of yourself -it's one of the greatest gifts that you can offer.

7. Be grateful.

Live a life of thanksgiving. Waking up to experience another day in our lives is already a great blessing. If only we can see how short our life is, only then will we strive to live a life of purpose and meaning. I hope that with each breath, we can be thankful.

“Maybe the simplest and most effortless habit for living a happier life is to take one or a few minutes every day to focus on what is already here and that you can be grateful for in your life.”— Henrik Edberg