On Happiness

Last night around dinner we discussed cognitive behavioral therapy.  Before you think that this is A. normal for my life, or B. that I had a lot to add to the conversation....let me just say that almost everyone in the room worked in mental health or nursing.  Except me. Or Carter. 

CBT is a therapy that helps those who struggle with OCD or depression to identify destructive thoughts and cycles and change them through choosing positive thoughts and patterns. 

It's also an integral part of Christianity.  Philippians 4

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Luke 12

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Romans 12

² Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Happiness, you see, is not something that happens to you.  That you can find in what people or things or circumstances can give you.   Happiness is something that happens in you.  It comes from choosing to not dwell in negativity.  I'm not saying we should all live in a world of naivete or be Pollyanna's.  But emotions and joy come and go and change.  No matter where you are or what has happened to you.  You can choose to be happy.  

Let's start with the idea of choosing what is true to think about.  If you are struggling with self image and comparisons you can dwell in the idea that you don't have worth or value.  Or that you need to starve your body or work out obsessively or cut or act out in unhealthy ways.  Or you can choose this thought instead:  Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.


The lie is that you are unbeautiful.  The truth is that you are wonderfully made.  


Contentment and peace and happiness in your life and in your circumstances is a choice.  It is.  I've seen it happen in the lives of those around me who have walked through darkness and death and come out in light.  I have chosen it in my own life despite struggles and pain.  


If I can choose it.  I know that you can.  


Live life with joy.  Celebrate the good and not the bad.  Say in the mornings when the weather is cool and crisp.  It's a beautiful day.  Sing in the afternoon when you hear a song that you love.  Fill your mind with good not bad.  When you hate your job be thankful you have a paycheck and can buy food. Be proactive.  Live in gratitude.  Choose happiness.  

Philippians 4:12

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.