Attaining a Cheerful Attitude

Attaining a Cheerful Attitude

Even if you inherited the family frown instead of the genes of joy, you’re not fated to a life of gloom.  I have good news for you.  Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”  Happy people are more creative and productive, earn more money, attract more friends, enjoy better marriages, stay healthier and even outlive their grumpier peers.

If you feel like you have been singing the blues far too long, here are seven questions to ask yourself.

1. Do you depend on external things to make you happy?  Do you tell yourself when you get a bigger house, receive a better job, get married – then you’ll be happy?  You must look beyond fleeting pleasures.  Happiness comes from the inside.
2. What are you thinking about?  If you keep thinking about your less than perfect appearance, your low bank account, the empty cupboards and lack of friends – you’ll surely feel depressed.  Even in the midst of problems, there are solutions.  Think about all the things you are thankful for.
3. What are you saying?  If you are constantly feeling sorry for yourself and whining, it will increase your negative mood.  Proverbs 21:23 says, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”
4. When was the last time you laughed?  Start singing and dancing and consciously putting a smile on your face.  Look to the bright side of life and things that make you laugh.  Invest your time in things that you enjoy.
5. Who can you encourage?  Reach out and help someone.  There is an incredible joy that comes in bringing sunshine to someone’s day by demonstrating an act of kindness.  Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”

You can start having a positive outlook in life by instilling these seven habits into your life.  Today is your day to turn that frown into a smile.