Come On, Get Happy!

It's amazing how days can flip back and forth, and by that I mean one day will be the best day of your life and the next seems like nothing is going right. It doesn't make a lot of sense but being able to recognize when I'm having a bad day and the reasoning behind it really helps calm my inner storm.

I've had a rough couple of days in the past few weeks and sometimes a little, good ol' sunshine and a nice, long walk really helps, but here's a few other things that can help turn that frown upside down.

1. Be Optimistic.

I know this can be hard to do when you're having a down day but there's a few things I do that really help me out:

• I often try to see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty. If I'm having a bad hair day, I think of something positive about it like how I like the length or the color. When work becomes suffocating and stressful, a walk outside in the fresh air reminds me of how lucky I am to have such good job. 
• Add up the little things that have gone right. The sun is shining and I can go outside. I didn't spill any lunch on my white sweater. I get to leave work a little earlier. 
• Avoid situations where things can go wrong. (This is silly but...) If I try to return something I've bought and I know the salesclerk is going to give me a hassle (and she does!) I always end up in a bad mood afterwards. Ask yourself beforehand, "Am I setting myself up for success or failure?" 
• Remember the quote: "Be kind; for everyone is fighting a hard battle. Remind yourself that some other people have it worse than you do. Ask yourself, "Is this really that bad? Will it matter in a few days, a week from now?"

2. Spend time with people who love you.

Hands down, the best thing on a rough day. For me, I don't think there's anything better than just hashing it out with a friend. A friend because they'll likely understand and listen better to what you have to say. Sometimes all you need is a good ear but spending time with people you love and who love you too reminds you that there are people out there who have your back and a shoulder to lean on.

3. Serve others.

Growing up whenever I was down, my mom would say, "do something for others." At the time it was frustrating to hear but doggone it she was always right. Forgetting about yourself and doing something for someone else always helps. If it's hard to think of what exactly to do, remember it can be anything no matter how small. For example, my mom would always suggest things like "go make Taylor's bed," or "Dad needs his shirts ironed" or she'd even throw in some for herself like "you can sweep the kitchen floor." (Loved those ones!)

All in all, being happy is up to us. I can choose to wake up and let one little thing ruin the rest of my day or I can stop and say to myself, "I am going to be happy today." We get to decide and I hope this will help you decide to have a good day too and better days to come as well!