Lifestyle

Be Happy!

Come on, get HAPPY! We all want happiness, right? Of course. But how do we get it? Where do we find it? Sure, there are plenty of self-help books out there with lots of suggestions (true confession- I love self-help books) but I have my own ideas about how to be truly happy in this life. I believe that happiness is more about giving than getting. It’s more about appreciating than expecting. Below are my top 5 tips to being happy!! 

  1. Be thankful. Yes, we’ve all heard it, “count your blessings”… old news, right? Ehhh, not so fast! This may be a simple, old fashioned  tip, but trust me– it’s a game changer. So much of life is determined by the thoughts in our heads and the way we choose to look at our own circumstances. An attitude of gratitude really DOES change things. Being thankful helps us focus on the good in life. And that means we focus less on the bad. 
  2. EXPRESS gratitude. It’s one thing to feel thankful, but it’s another thing to express it. There’s power in words. So, next time your best friend goes out of his way to do something kind for you, or someone lets you merge on the highway, or your co-worker holds the door open, or you’re simply in a good mood– express that gratitude! Write a ‘thank you note’. Text some kind words. Tell your friend (or your mom) how much you appreciate her, and thank God for how He’s blessed you!
  3. Pour out love. If I had to give just one helpful tip to anyone ever, it’d be this one- pour out love. I’m all about self-love and taking care of yourself, but if you really want to feel love, give it away! Freely, frequently, unconditionally, to everyone you meet, to everyone you know… give love and I promise you’ll receive it. Invest in friendships, show kindness, share your snacks, call your parents, be a blessing. Love is a crazy thing- the more you give, the more you get. 
  4. Live in community. Life isn’t meant to be lived alone!! Last week at church we talked about the importance of ‘living in community’. That means sharing meals and special occasions, laughing and crying together, and having people you can count on. Sometimes when I get busy and stressed I isolate myself because I’m tired and worn out. But that’s not the answer! This past weekend, my bestie from RI came to visit me and it was SO much fun! I love connecting with people. Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, relationships are an essential part of a happy life!!
  5. Be present. Life.is.short. It really is! Last year I realized life was slowly passing by and I wasn’t really paying attention to it. So, for my New Year’s resolution I decided to really be “present”, to appreciate each day and each moment… even the hard ones, the sad ones, the really draining ones. I let myself feel them all. (Yeah, I’m quite emotional.) I find it incredibly freeing to really feel things, even when they’re hard. And then I remind myself of God’s truth (my rock). I thank Him, that despite my ups & downs, He never changes. I find rest in His word, peace in my prayers, and joy from His spirit within me. Now that’s true happiness!

What are your keys to happiness?!

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3 Comments

  • Reply Emily

    Wow. Cailee. You don’t know how timely this was. I felt really freed after you shared, ‘Freely give love to others.’ There doesn’t need to be reservation or fear in that perfect love, because Jesus’ perfect love has cast out all our fear; I see the fearlessness of knowing that you are loved by the everlasting God, the King of Kings in you.

    I think I’ve learned from you this year to be more grateful and to treasure each moment, even the lessons I’m learning in the harder moments, instead of always wanting the uncomfortable moments to pass. It’s amazing how the verse that says, ‘In everything give thanks..’ takes on a new meaning when you’re learning to be thankful even in the hard moments and feel those feelings.

    October 11, 2017 at 4:54 pm
  • Reply Kristy from Southern In Law

    These are all such great tips! Happy people are healthy people!

    October 16, 2017 at 1:40 am
  • Reply Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness

    Yes, yes, and YES to all of these! I think that practicing mindfulness and expressing gratitude are such important factors in our ability to experience lots of happiness and joy.

    November 4, 2017 at 6:21 pm
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