Sometimes the sad truth is that good things and happiness seem to be hiding. I have days when the whole world seems to be a constant feed of bad news, shocking stories, mundane tasks and nothing exciting. I know I’m not alone in having these days. Everyone has times when it is hard to find good things to be happy about and thankful for. It can be hard to see good. As a results, we need to look a little harder (and maybe in some unconventional places) to find the things that bring us joy.
When it is hard to see good, look in your past
Sometimes we need to look for good in the past…concentrating on happy memories, the things we’ve overcome and the progress we’ve already made. The cool thing is that the past can be a hiding place of joy regardless of the life we’ve lived. For instance, if your past was hard or unfair or painful then remembering where you once were and how far you’ve come can be a great source of happiness. Similarly, if you have a past filled with fun memories, love, happy moments, good times, feelings of pride and accomplishments, then you are blessed with a complete library of good things to remember. Spend time remembering and savoring these memories! They are a gift for the present day.
If it is hard to find joy, count your blessings
Sometimes on these hard days we need to look for joy in the smallest of things. You may not have exciting things happening today and life may feel mundane, but look a little closer. Instead of focusing on the big picture, maybe you just need to start counting all the small blessings around you. For me this is the same as having a thankful heart. I simply start thinking of all the small and seemingly insignificant things that I am thankful for: my health today, that I feel safe where I live, that I have a good job, that I have a loving family around me, that the sun is shining, that I have enough food to eat, that I have a good book to read, etc. Then, once the list starts going in my head it can go on and on. I think it’s all about changing your perspective.
Can’t see good things? Look ahead.
Sometimes when it is hard, I look to the future. I am a planner by nature. I love to think ahead to upcoming vacations or events or nights out. As a results, just knowing that I have something to look forward to in the future brings me joy today. I know that for me the planning and anticipating of an event is part of the fun. For instance, I love to spend time researching a vacation destination, planning an outfit, dreaming up a fun weekend, organizing my calendar and filling it with fun or new things to do. I realize that not all people are bent toward planning and organizing, but when I have a hard time finding joy in my present circumstances it helps to spend time looking ahead.
We are all going to have bad days, sad days and boring days. Therefore we will all experience times when we feel like nothing good can be found. I’m not sure we can totally avoid these days in our lives. The choice comes down to how you handle those days when they do come. Will you wallow in the negative feelings? Or will you look extra hard for good things that are hiding? My experience tells me that the extra effort to find the good can bring you joy and change you outlook. It’s worth the hunt!
This week’s challenge:
Hunt to see good that is hiding from you.
Look in the past :
Reflect on 3 good memories from the last year
Remember 3 hard things you’ve overcome and are the better because of.
Look In the present:
Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for right now.
Look to the future;
What are you looking forward to this week?
What are you looking forward to this month?