{"id":987893,"date":"2024-04-19T14:22:36","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T14:22:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devoutly.org\/journal\/?p=987893"},"modified":"2024-04-22T20:23:16","modified_gmt":"2024-04-22T20:23:16","slug":"how-to-be-happier-creating-happiness-for-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devoutly.org\/journal\/how-to-be-happier-creating-happiness-for-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be Happier: Creating Happiness for Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Try these six steps to help you feel more happy<\/h4>\n

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Happy is a funny little word, isn\u2019t it? It has a certain punch to it, and it\u2019s almost impossible to say with a frown on your face. (Some of you just tried.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>But what is real happiness, and how can you find it? Do you often wonder how to be happier?<\/span><\/p>\n

Happy comes from the English word <\/span>hap<\/span><\/i>, which means chance, fortune, or luck. That sounds like something that just <\/span>happens<\/span><\/i> to us, not something that we get to create or foster.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, that\u2019s not how we use the word today. Happiness is a feeling or expression of pleasure or contentment that we can be intentional about creating. Even if you\u2019ve gone through hard times or there are aspects of your life you wish were different<\/a>, you can still pursue happiness in your life. It just takes a willingness to try. Embrace these six steps toward greater happiness today.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6 Ways to Create More Happiness in Your Life<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

1. Invest in relationships<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Solid relationships with family<\/a>, friends, and spouses may be the single-most important indicator of happiness in our lives. According to one long-running study, strong relationships with people impact our happiness (and our long-term health) more than wealth or fame.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, plan a date with your spouse. Check in on someone you love. Ask about the difficult situation your friend was struggling with. Be quick with encouraging words. If you\u2019ve been feeling isolated, venture out to church, take a class, or connect with a cause.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to spend time in your relationship with God. Simply reading His word and talking to Him about what\u2019s on your mind can strengthen your faith journey with Him, too.<\/span> And can even teach you how to be happier in your life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Choose gratitude<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research also shows that grateful people are happier people. So, if you\u2019ve slipped into a pattern of looking at what you don\u2019t have \u2013 rather than what you do have \u2013 here are some ideas:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n