Happiness and a Positive Attitude

I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 ESV). So many people have come to believe that happiness and things are tied together. Solomon found out that simply was not true. Being in a good mood is not difficult. It does take a little work, and it also takes responsibility. Because it's better to be happy than upset, putting yourself in a good mood is definitely worth it. Even the happiest of people find themselves in a bad mood now and then. Others unfortunately may find themselves in low spirits more often than not. The following tips can help both types of people create a better mood each day. 1. First, take inventory. The first step is to realize you are in a bad mood. If you don't realize it, it's going to be tough to change it. This realization can come from several sources. You are usually the best judge of your mood. You can also get that type of feedback from others. 2. Second, decide to change. Now that you know you are in a negative mood, you have to decide you want to change it. This isn't as easy as it sounds. When we're upset, we usually don't want to hear how we should be happy. We usually want to be left alone. That is why this is the toughest step. 3. Third, find the source. You know you're not happy, and you want to change. The next step is to look for the source. I know that when things start piling up I get a little tense. Once I feel that I am getting upset, I think about what things I am concerning myself with. This helps to bring order to my cluttered mind. Look for the source of the negativity. Did someone say something that upset you? Are you worried about something that you did? About something you still have to do? 4. Fourth, fix the source. When you find the source, it's time to fix it. If someone upset you, talk with them. If you are worried about getting something done, do it. If you are worried about something you can't change, accept that you can't change it and move on. 5. Fifth, do something to make yourself happy. Sometimes fixing the source isn't enough to change our mood. In this case, think of things that put you in a good mood. It could be anything that you choose. There is no reason to endure unhappiness in our lives. With the power of the Holy Spirit to help us, we can take the steps necessary to maintain positive attitudes and secure happiness in our lives. Take the steps!