A positive attitude can transform your world. It sounds too simple to be true, and yet it’s been proven over and over again. The secret to happiness lies within our own mind.
Lately, people reading my morning Facebook posts have been asking am I always this happy. As much as I’d like to be the poster child for positivity, the answer is no. Like everyone else I have my good days and bad days. But what I’ve learned is that while every day may not feel like a good day, there’s always some good in it.
It’s all about perspective. How we feel about our situation is actually more impactful than the circumstances themselves. In truth, circumstances are neither “good” nor “bad”. We assign those labels based on our perception of their influence on our lives, and the lens through which we see our world determines our view.
I don’t know about you, but I try to keep a pair of “rose-colored glasses” nearby. No, I’m not trying to delude myself. I’ve just found that most days we get what we expect. If we start off with the right attitude our perspective is much more upbeat, hopeful, and happy.
So here are the attitudes that keep me smiling!
An attitude of gratitude. Each morning I take a few moments just to be thankful. I don’t ask for anything. I don’t make a to-do list. I just give thanks. For waking up, for being in my right mind, for the sound of the birds chirping outside my window, or the pitter-patter of the rain.
There is so much happiness in focusing on what you have rather than what you lack. It’s also freeing, because you realize if God has brought you this far He will certainly carry you on. Celebrating what’s behind you gives you confidence for the road ahead.
An attitude of audacity. Be bold enough to believe in you! People will laugh at our dreams, tell us we’re crazy, and try to get us to settle for the comfortable familiar. But we know mediocre living is not for us. We were made for more. Have the audacity to believe in your dreams!
It’s hard sometimes because it’s kind of a beat down when people try tell us what we can’t do, shouldn’t do, or won’t work. But here’s where we have to take a stand, because there are going to be places God calls us where our friends and family, along with all their well meaning advice, must be left behind. When that happens try to remember that growth rarely happens in groups. It is that one on one time with God that grooms us for the road ahead.
When you dare to believe in you, there is very little space in your spirit for negativity.
An attitude of abundance. There is more than enough for all of us. There is no need for me to compete with you when I’m working to be a better me. It’s only when we’re looking through a comparative lens that we find ourselves lacking. But when we start out assuming there is more than enough for everyone, we have a peace that what we need will be supplied.
Listen, I’m not saying we shouldn’t be ambitious. Those big, bold dreams we have? Those are from God. He wants us to live abundantly, embrace the richness around us, and share it lovingly with those who need us. When God gives a vision, He’s already taken care of the provision. Trust, and rest in Him.
That’s my happiness formula – gratitude, audacity and abundance. It’s not much, but most days it keeps a smile on my face. And on my bad days, I bounce back a lot quicker. I pray you find your own happiness. It’s right there inside your mind, just waiting for you to change your perspective and set it free.
If you don’t do anything else just try one thing – a minute of gratitude each day. You may not have everything, but everyone has something for which they can be grateful. Right now, this moment, I am grateful for you.
Loving on Me as I Love You!
PS – Leave us a note to share how you keep smiling!
Nae says
Katrina- this is one of my favorites! Beautiful! I’m going to use this today- I needed a reality check!
katrinamcghee says
I’m so glad it spoke to you! Thanks for stopping by. Love and Hugs!
Frank McGhee, Jr. says
Right on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carla Brittain says
I learned many many many years ago that if ur eyes open in the morning you already have something to be Very Happy About!!!. I also have total FAITH which keeps me smiling. Being upset and angry only hurts you mentally and physically and, guess what the situation is still there!
You have ONLY ONE LIFE so make the CHOICE if your gonna live it miserable ir happy!!!!!
Marla White says
Thank you for confirmation!
Katrina McGhee says
So true! I vote we choose happiness. 🙂