As our world continues to worsen, it often seems difficult to truly be cheerful. With all the recent tragedies taken place (and more to follow, unfortunately), it seems as if the world is too cruel and harsh to feel any sense of hope or beauty. As an overly idealistic teen in this society of ours, I choose to defy the norm of sadness and self-rejection by actually being happy. I don't want to live the rest of my life in agony or depression; I want to enjoy the life God has provided me with, whether or not the world is as ideal as one might imagine.
On my journey to choosing happiness over constantly feeling afflicted, I have discovered some methods that have been helpful in achieving a content mind.
1. Recognize the things you love and explore them.
It's almost hard to be upset with yourself when you are dwelling in a state of blithe. Post-junior year of high school, I have actually had enough time to do the things I enjoy without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I now commit myself to practicing yoga and reading my Bible every morning in order to start my day feeling content. The simple act of starting my day off with activities that both stimulate my mind and body, but also delight me is a win-win. I am also infatuated with reading, writing, and singing. Knowing how much I love to dive into these interests, I try to ensure that I have plenty of time everyday (or at least most of the days) to indulge myself in them.
This is where I encourage you to make time for the things you love. What's the sense in trying to please others, or love others for that sake, if you cannot first make yourself happy? Sometimes it's okay to be selfish and make time for yourself, as long as it doesn't turn into an egotistical mess.
2. Forgive & let go.
Now I understand how often it is said to just "forgive and forget," or "let go and let God." But these sayings wouldn't be so incredibly cliche if they weren't true. I myself am fully aware of how difficult it can be to forgive. For about six years I held a great grudge against one of my loved ones. Believe me when I say it only hurt me. This person had no idea that I had all these negative feelings geared toward them--until the end, at least. I had so much anger built up inside me that eventually (and recently) it slowly started coming out in bursts of me being short with them and so on. I, for one, am not one to fight or cause trouble with anyone--I HATE CONFLICT. So when I was doing this, it was quite obvious and thus, I was confronted about it. Being forced to talk about what was upsetting me relieved me in such a wondrous way. I had always heard the expression "the weight was lifted off of my shoulders," but I didn't fully comprehend how true it was. My shoulders didn't necessarily feel lighter, but I can honestly say my heart and soul did.
That being said, I beg of you to forgive whoever has caused you pain. It only hurts you! Being able to release all that negative tension mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually will only reveal space for gladness. In my case, I pleaded to God that He would just allow me to forgive on my own. Clearly it was in His will to have me talk. I encourage you to talk it out with the person who has hurt you. It will do you so much more good than venting to someone else or crying yourself to sleep at night. I promise.
3. Let your light shine.
After just recently being able to forgive the person I disliked for so long, I immediately became so much more lighthearted. I now love this person more than I ever did before, and better yet--I actually enjoy spending time with them! Relieving myself of negative emotions enhanced all of my positive ones, allowing me to not only love others more properly and efficiently, but also myself. My intentions are more out of actual desire and interest rather than being out of malice or the need to prove someone wrong (which I still like to do). I feel like I have reached the state of glee that most seem to touch long after reaching adulthood.
Now that you have opened your heart to forgiveness and dwelled in the things you love, it's time for you to let the world know how wonderful and truly beautiful you are! Be there for your family. Be there for your friends. Be there for yourself.
I want to make clear that these "steps" are not me prompting a plight of ignorance to what is happening in the world. I find it particularly wise to stay up to date with world issues so you can mold your opinions. However, I also find it wise to find contentment within yourself so you can more effectively approach the world and all the chaos it has to offer. I look forward to seeing less broken hearts and more open minds.
