Three Ways to Be Proactive about Your Happiness: Guest Post by Mich Nicolas
Today as we continue our series of guest posts from Christian Female Entrepreneurs based all over the world, I'm delighted to introduce you to, Mich Nicolas from The Philippines...
Mich Nicolas is a wife and homeschooling mom from the Philippines. She spends her time in both city and countryside, juggling various responsibilities. An editor and writer, she also helps moms realize their need for happiness and encourages them to be proactive about it.
Hey there, busy mom! I know you have a lot on your plate.
Maybe it’s the piles of laundry that never quite make it to the closet. Or the messy dishes on the kitchen sink. Or the little ones who need constant attention (while you try to meander your way through the scattered toys on the floor).
And maybe along with that, you have deadlines to meet. And bosses and co-workers to please. And commitments to fulfill.
You’re pulled in all directions and you feel like you’re going to lose it in a snap. You’re angry all the time, frustrated, ready to give up. Then you realize: I am not happy.
When this thought comes, you can either succumb to your unhappiness (and throw yourself a pity party), or be proactive about your happiness. Obviously, the second one is the better option. Here are three ways to help you out of the downward spiral of misery:
1. Be grateful.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NLT)
Gratitude is simply giving thanks for a gift or a benefit received. Instead of complaining about things, count your blessings. When you see the laundry, thank God you have clothes to wear. When you see the dirty dishes, thank God you had food to eat. When you see your kids, thank God for these precious ones! The same goes for the other areas: thank God for your job, your co-workers, your abilities.
More often than not, gratitude quickly reverses your feelings. You begin to realize how good God has been to you, and you start to experience both happiness and contentment.
2. Find ways to help others.
Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. Philippians 2:4 (ERV)
Thinking about others and finding ways to help them are a sure way to get out of your pity party. You begin to realize that there are others out there who have needs, too — whether it’s a simple encouragement or some extra cash. There will always be something you can give; even if it is a small thing, it could mean the world to someone else. And the by-product? Happiness for both you and the recipient. But most likely, you’ll end up being the happier one, for “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, NLT).
3. Have some “me time.”
No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. Ephesians 5:29 (NLT)
While it’s good to think of others, it is also necessary — yes, necessary — to take care of yourself. Because if you don’t, you will not be able to care for your loved ones as well as do the work you’ve been called to do. You’ll be left in overwhelm. Don’t allow yourself to reach that point when you’re at the end of your rope.
Take breaks — whether it’s a few moments of deep breathing and looking up at the sky, a 15-minute walk, a few hours at the coffee shop with a good book, or a prolonged vacation — whatever you can manage. These are times for you to recharge. You cannot run on empty. You have to “gas up,” so to speak, for you to function well and serve those you were meant to serve. And no need to feel guilty about it! It’s part of good stewardship, for “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NLT).
These are a few ways to help you become proactive about your happiness. I encourage you to try one this week and see your happiness meter increase! Enjoy!
To connect further with the wonderful Mich you can grab your free Happiness Kit over at http://michnicolas.wixsite.com/happinesskit
Be sure to find her on social media too...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/citygirlcountryhome
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/michnicolas/
Instagram: mich.nicolas