A lot of times in life, it's easy to get caught up in the stressors of life and only focus your energy on all the bad things going on around you. When this happens, it takes our eyes off of all the great things we are actually blessed with; things we simply take for granted without even noticing.
If you're ever continually going through trial after trial; one difficult situation after another, one way to counteract the negative energy is to attack what's stressing you out and get it handled and out of the way. It's a very common reaction for people to become so stressed that they run away from their problems, and they end up never going away. Another way to handle stress, as cheesy as it sounds, is to actually sit down and think or write out all the things that make you happy. All of the things you're grateful for. Whether it's having clean water to drink everyday or having the opportunity to go on luxurious vacations. No matter what it is, it'll flip your mindset into focusing on the good. And that's just what I did.
There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy.
101 Reasons to Smile
1. Brand new days
2. Sunshine and lovely 70 degree weather
3. Changing seasons
4. Endless places to see and visit around the world
5. Opportunities to travel and experience new cultures/languages
6. Sitting on the beach, watching/listening to the waves
7. The view after finishing a gruesome hike
8. Fresh and new tattoos
9. Cute animals
10. When chocolate goes on sale after valentines day
11. Waking up on Christmas morning
12. Seeing the first snow of the winter
13. Cute coffee shops
14. Sitting by the fireplace and reading a good book
15. The sound and smell of rain
16. Going to sports games
17. Concerts
18. Waking up next to your significant other
19. Teachers who genuinely care about their students
20. Accomplishing a goal
21. Friends who are there with you through thick and thin
22. Road trips
23. Sleeping in
24. Laying in bed after a long day
25. Cooking and enjoying healthy meals
26. The feeling after a killer workout
27. Buying new clothes, shoes or accessories
28. Warm, long showers
29. Passing a test
30. Receiving flowers, or even buying them for yourself
31. Spending time with family and loved ones
32. Giving back to others; volunteering
33. Seeing how much of a positive impact you can make on others
34. Thrift shopping
35. Cute pictures and mini photoshoots
36. Going out on dinner dates
37. Meeting new people
38. Having someone you trust 100%
39. Reading the bible
40. Jesus' love for you
41. Receiving packages in the mail (even if it's just something you ordered from Amazon)
42. Hearing from someone you haven't talked to in a while
43. Old-fashioned diners
44. When a new movie comes out
45. Church and community
46. New beginnings
47. Sharing your story with others
48. Finding seashells and sand dollars on the shore
49. Camping // Campfires // Roasting marshmallows
50. Stargazing
51. Seeing someone else who is happy or excited about something
52. Productive days
53. Lazy days
54. Late night drives and adventures
55. Vacations
56. Amusement parks
57. Buying something you've been saving up for
58. Overcoming a fear
59. Encouraging others
60. Good hair days
61. Finding new music
62. Reminiscing over old music
63. Cute house decor // Decorating
64. You are beautifully and wonderfully made
65. New love // New relationships
66. Taking risks and opportunities
67. Buying a new car
68. You are forgiven
69. Change // Changes of scenery
70. Exploring a new city
71. You can learn/grow from your mistakes
72. Bad days so you can appreciate the good days
73. Drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream and crushed candy canes on a cold winter day
74. Christmas movies
75. Bike rides
76. Seeing others succeed
77. Seeing yourself succeed
78. Helping others in a time of need
79. The sound of thunder
80. When your hard work pays off
81. Learning something new
82. Fruit markets
83. Trying new/foreign foods
84. Seeing someone else smile
85. Cute quotes/sayings/bible verses
86. Getting your nails done
87. Long massages with oil
88. When someone unexpectedly does something nice for you
89. Surprising yourself and doing better at something than you thought you would
90. Looking back at old pictures/memories
91. Slow dancing with your loved one
92. Healing and feeling fully recovered after had being sick
92. Listening to music. Like really closing your eyes and listening
93. Developing pictures
94. Working on artsy projects
95. Hanging up Christmas lights in your room
96. Decorating for the holidays
97. Fresh water to drink every day
98. Super long long hugs
99. Cold sheets and pillows
100. Sunday brunch
101. The blessing of waking up in the morning. You are never guaranteed another day.
No matter what life throws at you, your current situation just might be giving you an opportunity to re-evalute what you want.
Wake up every morning and tell yourself:
I woke up.
I have clothes to wear.
I have running water.
I have food to eat.
Life is good.
I am thankful.
Don't take the little things for granted!
Your happiness starts with YOU.
And no matter what, choose to find joy in the journey that God has set before you. His plans for you are HUGE.
xoxo
Faith
