Happiness

There’s a lot of talk and hype going on about being happy; like there’s a secret formula. Just yesterday Oprah did a show about, “Happiness”, what makes people happy and are they born that way or is it due to some other factors. They interviewed several people and asked them “what makes you happy.” Guess what?

The answers were both genetics and other factors like:

v       Positive family

v       Peaceful surroundings

v       Exercise

v       Eating right

v       Knowing  your neighbors

v       Talking (networking) with people (face-to-face, not online)

I believe this is true. Happiness comes deep within yourself by dealing with all the junk from your past and present, being thankful for your friends and family and your faith and trust in God. The song, “Oh Happiness” by the David Crowder band, captures the meaning of happiness, “Oh Happiness, there’s grace, enough for us and the whole human race.” We all can have it, it’s free!

Trust me; I didn’t always feel this way. When I was younger I felt the whole world revolved around me and my wants and needs, and when I didn’t get my way I would be angry and depressed. I finally got sick of myself and began to seek help from my church. They offered several different classes that seemed to be just perfect for me. The journey was difficult and a little painful; ok a lot painful. But, it was all worth it. I am very thankful that God put all those people in my life that could help me through my journey.

Now it’s my turn to be there for others.  I enjoy being there for people and hope and pray that I can help them in their journey in search of happiness and a Simple Soul Life.

Soul Peace

Everybody craves it, and is not exactly sure how to get it. Mostly, it’s about nurturing relationships and having a comfortable home to come home to.

It’s also about:

v       Setting goals

v       Getting organized

v       Having a clean house

v       Reading a good book

v       Cooking a fabulous dinner

v       Spending time with your family

v       Catching up with friends

v       Sending  a handwritten card

v       Pushing yourself beyond your own limits

We not only crave peace, it is vital for our mental health. In order to get peace you may need cut back or minimize something(s). You may feel chaotic because there is simply too much going on. Start with taking an inventory of things you think are making you feel crazy. Write them down and try to eliminate them one by one.

For example:

v       Do you have a lot of bills that you can’t pay?

o   If so, do something about it. Stop spending on unnecessary things and seek out resources that can help you get your finances in order. A couple of excellent resources are Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.

v       Is your house a mess?

o   Conquer one room at a time. Clean it and organize it from top to bottom. Get the entire family to help you so they feel accountable and responsible for keeping it clean on an ongoing basis. You can find excellent tips by visiting the websites of Real Simple and HGTV.

v       Are you and your spouse feeling disconnected?

o   That happens to every marriage at one time or another. Life can get very busy and hectic, but it’s vitally important to nurture your marriage relationship in order to achieve Soul Peace. Focus on the Family  is a great resource for both marriage and family.

I would love to learn what works for you. Please share your personal Soul Peace tips by submitting a comment.