I've definitely had problems with being happy. Ever since around the age of eleven or twelve, I had depression. I won't go into details, because I want that to be another post for another day. I didn't realize until a year and a half ago that happiness was something you had to kind of learn with depression. I hated when people said, "It's your choice if you're happy." Because to me, a young girl with raging depression and suicidal thoughts, it wasn't my choice. I couldn't feel happiness. It was like a brick wall between me and real, true happiness. After years of unsuccessfully fighting this mental illness, I knew it was time to get help. Again, I won't say much of the details, but I had medical help that finally helped break that brick wall down. But that's all it did; break the wall down. I still had to find my way through the rubble to find how to feel. I want to share some of the things I've done to help myself be happy, truly happy. I'll also be sharing some bible verses that can be of some comfort or inspiration.
2 Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong."
1: Know that your pain and sadness is not only worth it, but is temporary. This pain and sadness will not last forever, and you will be okay again. Don't lose hope!
1 Peter 4:13 "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
2: Exercise, meditate, or do yoga. I got a yoga mat, and did that and meditating for a small amount of time. My mother bought a used treadmill for me and my sister from one of her teacher friends - and man, have I LOVED that. Also, go outside and just walk. Enjoy God's beautiful work and the fresh air.
Proverbs 16:20 "He that handles a matter wisely shall find good: and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.
3: Have a gratitude journal or a happy jar. Whenever you are feeling sad you can go and look back at those things. This is so great and I still do this.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
4: Remember that the little things count. You got to pet a puppy or kitten today? That's great. Today it was the perfect weather? That's awesome. You wore fuzzy socks today? That's good!
Psalm 139:14 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knows right well."
5: Do something nice for others. When you hold open a door for an elderly woman, help your mother carry in the groceries, etc. can help you feel good too for doing something nice. You can also write letters to people in your church that are sick or visit elderly people at home that can't go to church.
Psalm 16:11 "Thou will show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
6: Pamper yourself for once! You shouldn't just work, work, work. Take some time for yourself and have a bubble bath. Give yourself a pedicure. Watch your favorite movie and eat your favorite snack.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
7: Don't stress about things you can't change. God doesn't want us to stress. You are going to have to change your mind set. Try hard to NOT stress. Give it to God. Things will work out. Think of it as a kink in a water hose, or a splinter in your finger. It'll work itself out, it may take time or a little push but it will be okay.
Proverbs 14:13 "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness."
8: Spend time with family and friends. I've been there... Sometimes all you want to do is lie in bed alone. But spending time with people that love you fulfills the soul. Even if you are just in the same room as your family and you aren't conversing with one another, that is enough.
Isaiah 12:3 "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
9: Live every day as if it is your last. The worldly version has to do with sleeping around, dancing inappropriately, and doing some things that God wouldn't approve of. What I mean by this one, is that live every day fearlessly and with love.
1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
10: Learn to love yourself. God made you. GOD MADE YOU. He loves you the way you are. He wants you to take care of yourself. Love yourself because God loves you. This step is hard to learn - and I'm still learning. But I'm so happy I started that journey in itself.
Romans 5:2 "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
11: Lastly, daily bible devotionals and lessons. This has made me such a more happier person. I feel refreshed and closer to God after I have done my lesson/study.
Love, Emily.
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