Finding Joy and Having a Wonderful Life

In 'It's a Wonderful Life' An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. 

We are all on Earth for a reason 

Think of your past and give yourself credit for the good you have done, the people you have influenced and the joy you have brought. This Christmas season, whenever you hear a bell ring, think of something good you have done for others. 

by Michael Corthell

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another."

— Charles Dickens

"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" may be the most famous phrase in the history of the United States. It is a God-given right protected by the Constitution. We are guaranteed the right to chase that happiness. How happy and joyful we become is entirely up to us.

So, how do we pursue that happiness, that joyfulness? Let's take a look.

Being sad, being disappointed, or facing severe challenges are all events in life, they're not life itself. God tells us to live a life of joy and abundance. 

 “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”

— Dalai Lama

When we feel emotional joy, we feel absolutely wonderful. We are confident and powerful. We are capable, lovable, and feel complete. We are giving and productive. Aren't all these things good reasons to experience more joy in our lives? Here are some suggestions for all of us.

Care for your mind, body, and spirit. I believe that our main source of happiness comes from helping others be happy. In order to do that we must be all that we can be health-wise.

Be a positive, optimistic person. No need to put a crowbar in your wallet. It doesn't cost a nickel to think positive and expect good outcomes.

Practice kindness. This is easy to do. Be patient with people and know that we all suffer sometimes and need help.

Serve people. Do for others. The golden rule. You know what that is. If you don't, look it up.

Look and find inspiration. What inspires us? It is as variable as we are individuals. But when we are inspired we take action. Actions based on love, not money make the world go around.

Create. After inspiration comes creation. Find a way to make something that has never existed before. For many of us, this is the ultimate joy.

Find gratitude. This is most important. Always, always, ALWAYS say thank you! Say it to others and say it to God your Creator. The more we show our gratitude, the more God gives us to be grateful for.

So my friends enjoy your lives. Laughter, happiness and gladness are good medicine, not only for your mind and body but for your soul as well. Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let all of us rejoice and be glad in it. 

Measuring What Makes Life Worthwhile