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Pursuing happiness

"Contrast... attitude and behavior with that of happy people.  Those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord!"  instead of "Good Lord, morning," usually do not find themselves in that place by happenstance. They find themselves there by exercising God-given energy, investing their time, moment by moment and day after day, in the activities of building a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.  In effect, they are living out the created order itself.  God designed us to be, in his image, persons who use their hearts, minds, souls, and strength to create and invest themselves in producing life.  They build relationships and use their talents and abilities to achieve things, and God wants to do the same.  He wants us to be active toward life, not passive. 

"Happy people are active, not passive, in their pursuit of life. If you look at some to of the activities that research has proven produces happiness, you'll see that it takes effort and investment.  For example, happy people invest their time:

* Building deep relationships and community:  they belong to support groups, participate in Bible studies, or have structured times of getting together with friends and family and nurturing those relationships.

* Being involved in growth activities: they see a coach or a counselor or attend some kind of growth group.

* Pursuing goals: they have physical, financial, vocational, avocational, or other goals they're working toward.

* Serving others: they have found meaningful ways to spiritual activities, such as prayer, meditation, Bible study, retreats, and so forth.

* Exercising and staying healthy: they have some sort of routine that they follow to stay active and pursue a healthy lifestyle.

* Practicing gratitude: they regularly express gratitude to God and others.

* Pursuing activities they love: they find their passions and pursue them.

* Stretching themselves: they look for activities and goals that push them to be all they can be.

* Resolving pain and conflicts: whether in relationships or in their own souls, happy people do not avoid problems but do what is necessary to heal them." - Henry Cloud in The Law of Happiness

Our attitude and behaviors can and do effect our happiness.  We must be proactive in our happiness pursuing. 

Renee Madison, MA, LPC, CSAT is a counselor in Colorado.  She can be reached for appointments at 303-257-7623 or 970-324-6928.
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