How to Be Happy Now

I’m a “get it done” kind of person.

Between my busy full-time job and myriad writing projects—plus keeping up with family, friends, and other activities—it seems like there’s always something to do and never quite enough time.

So when life gets full, I need to remind myself to be happy now, not put it off for later or someday.

I need to remember to take time to “be,” not just “do” things.

To allow myself to feel joy and contentment with a job well done, or even while I’m still in the process.

Today, I received such a reminder.

A friend posted this quote from Alfred D. Sousa on Facebook and it jumped off the screen as if to say: Stop waiting to be happy.

Read the excerpt of what Sousa said:

“Treasure every moment you have…stop waiting until you lose ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you retire, until you get married, until Friday night, until summer, until winter, until you’ve had a drink…. there is no better time than right now to be happy.

I want to be happy now. I want to choose joy, despite circumstances.

How about you?

Here are 10 great ways to be happy now:

1. Choose Joy. First, I’ve learned that there is a difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness is dependent upon your circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is a feeling of well-being that does not depend on circumstances.

When challenging things happen, we can give them to God—release our pain, fear and worry—and know that He will take care of us.

Of course, there is a time to rejoice and a time to be sad (Romans 12:15). You don’t have to paste a smile on your face every minute of every day.

2. Ignore the joy-stealers. Don’t let haters and negative people pull you into their orbit. Stay steady as you keep your mind on God’s unchanging truths.

God will take care of you. He is faithful. He is good. He has the wisdom, power and love to make real and lasting changes in your life.

3. Write some of your favorite and uplifting Bible verses on sticky notes and post them where you’ll read them often—like your bedroom or bathroom mirror, the front of the fridge or your desk. Here are a few to get you started:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:28

4. Laugh more. It’s been said that “laughter is the best medicine.” Plus, it feels really good to laugh. A smile turns to laughter, and soon you feel good all over.

5. Invest in positive and loving relationships. When you give a lot emotionally to other people, you also need to get replenished.

So take time to surround yourself with people who can pour into you encouragement and affirmation.

In addition, love brings joy. And that love can be from relationships of all kinds—from a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife kind of love to the love of children, friends, family members, and others.

6. Get a new perspective. Maybe it’s time to clean house in your personal life and your emotional life. Change your routine. Move on from your losses. Let go of what is holding you back. See your situation with new eyes.

Make a plan to get unstuck. Set a new goal (and have a vision, with something to look forward to small or large). Don’t compare yourself with others.

7. Make prayer a priority. Talk to God and listen, as you would communicate with a close friend. Believe that God is at work in your life, even now. Ask Him to give you more joy in your life.

8. Be grateful. Thankfulness leads to joy. Thank God for all He has done for you. As you list off what you’re grateful for, joy increases.

9. Don’t forget the small stuff. Find joy in the simple things in life. What makes you happy? Do more of that. For me, it’s being out in nature; taking a walk or being in the mountains brings me peace and joy. And spending time with friends I cherish.

10. Have hope. Faith and hope lead to joy as we choose to trust the One who loves us most, God. One day all things will be made right.

Today, you can release your worries and cares to God. Have hope, my friend, and find joy!

For more resources, check out these books by Jackie M. Johnson:
Power Prayers for Women 
Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough
When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty 

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash