They say happiness is a choice. There have been times when I cannot believe it, and times I have experienced it to be true. In any case, it’s worth a try, isn’t it?

Here are some choices you could make you just a little happier today.

Affirmations

Affirm: To state clearly that something is true

Affirmations. They seem a little hokey. Spouting positive things about myself in hopes that I will actually be like that. If it was that easy, everyone would be doing it, wouldn’t they? There must be a catch.

There is.

It’s actually not that easy! Have you consistently tried affirming the positives in your life? Even when they don’t seem true in the moment? That’s what’s hard about them. The opposite offers itself so convincingly.

One of the first affirmations I adopted was a Bible verse: Let the weak say, I am strong. I had been having a lot of pain, it was especially painful to climb stairs for a time. I started saying I am strong as I climbed the stairs. The pain is half as bad as when I am groaning and saying something about how it hurts. Call me crazy.

And you should try it if you want to feel better.

Things change in our minds before they change in reality. You have to see it as a possibility before you start moving in the positive direction. Bringing negative thoughts captive, and thinking on whatever is lovely, admirable or of good report opens our minds to possibilities. This takes some girding up of the mind, as it is hard to step out in faith, but it is so worth it. Positive thoughts calm our minds and retrain our brains to see the truth. The Truth that is veiled by what seems true.

The following statements are true; most of them are straight from the Bible! Why not affirm their presence in your life?

I am strong.

I like how You made me.

I am a channel of God’s love.

I receive good things from God and others.

I praise the Lord today!

My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

I am not afraid.

I don’t compare myself to others.

I have time for what I need to do.

I have energy for what I need to do.

I have everything I need to be a Christian today.

God loves me today.

I am creative.

Praise

Pointing out the good to others is so powerful. Everyone needs encouraging words every day. Especially people whose love language is words of affirmation. Long ago I made this list of words so I have something to say whenever one of my children helped me or did something praiseworthy.

Try saying one of these phrases to someone today. (just one or two or they might wonder what drug you’re on. Actually, who cares?)

Thank you for your help. You can be proud of that job! Look at your improvement! That A reflects a lot of hard work. You really worked hard to ___. What you did makes a big difference. You were really patient. You seem to really enjoy ___. Your hard work paid off. Splendid! Wonderful! I love being with you. You really put a smile on my face. That’s coming along nicely. You really worked it out. And you got it done so quickly. That’s a very good observation. Thank you for your cooperation. I see a very thorough job. That’s what I call perseverance. I can tell you really care. You make it look easy. I love your dedication. You are a great friend. Nice! Look at you go! Love this. I see you can do it. Ain’t you somethin’! I hope you like it as well as I do. I’m excited for you. This is great! Impressive! Perfect! So amazing! Great plan. I can’t wait to hear how that goes. Yes! We would love to have you come over. I always enjoy talking with you. Thank you for sharing your day with me. Excellent!

I sense a smile on your face already.

Give Yourself a Treat

Take a walk or do some exercises.

Sing or listen to a happy song. Or a sad one, if that make you happy! It’s funny, isn’t it, how that works?

Do something childlike. Lay on the grass and look at clouds. Fly a kite. Play with the kitty. Whatever your child is doing right now.

Read a book. I just finished this one:

100 Days of Sunlight

By Abbie Emmons. Young Adult Romance

Tessa Dickinson, 16, poetry blogger, loses her eyesight in a car accident. The doctors say it should return within 100 days, but Tessa is scared she will never see or be happy again.

Her grandparents advertise for a typist to help Tessa continue blogging and so gain some normalcy in her days. The ad is answered in the unlikely form of Weston Ludovico, a boy about her age who is “obnoxiously optimistic.”

Weston thinks he can help Tessa, knowing something of her fears and anger. After all, he lost both his legs in an accident three years ago. But he doesn’t want Tessa to know about his disability. Tessa is infuriated at her grandparents and Weston. She doesn’t want help, thank you. He tries to show her there is more than one way to experience the world. But will he overcome his own fears of being seen? And will Tessa accept the darkness with hope?

This is a sweet, predictable story with a few unusual twists. It confronts some difficult questions about life in a light-hearted way. There are a couple times of the Lord’s name taken in vain, which surprised and disappointed me, given Tessa’s grandfather is a preacher. The witty banter, sweet characters, and happy ending is sure to give you happy vibes.

To recap: choose a great inner dialogue, speak some positive things to others, and treat yourself well. My foolproof method, as they say.

What helpful ideas and practical actions would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

-Liz

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