Choosing To Be Happy

You have heard the old saying, “if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”. I whole-heartedly agree with this grammatically atrocious sentiment! Our mood sets the tone for our entire household.

When you are sad and feeling down… those around you will join you… ‘misery loves company’! 
When you are anxious or worried… those around you will join you… fear breeds fear! When you are angry or upset… those around you will join you… anger fuels stress! And I have read that stress lowers our immunity… so stress can fuel illness!

As the Corona virus has sparked a pandemic around the world… your frustrations can spark pandemonium in your world.

Your attitude, actions, and words speak volumes to those around you.

Why do we treat friends, co-workers, and casual acquaintances with more grace and kindness than we show to those in our own household?

Colossians 4:6a instructs “Let your speech be always with grace…” Our speech… verbal and via our attitude and actions, should be consistent with the grace of love. We should be ministering grace to those around us… especially to those closest to us! Why do we treat friends, co-workers, and casual acquaintances with more grace and kindness than we show to those in our own household? If we want to keep our family healthy, we must not add to their individual stress.

The good news is… just as unfavorable attitudes, actions, and speech spreads to those you are sheltering at home with, your positive and happy attitudes, actions, and speech will spread throughout your home!

Can I encourage you to take a few minutes first thing each morning to help set the tone for your day? Put a note on your alarm reminding you to start your day focusing on the positives. Spend a few minutes in prayer, praising God for a new day and asking for his direction for your day. Read a scripture verse or write it out and put it where you will see it frequently throughout your day. Drink a glass of water to rehydrate and refresh yourself. Do some breathing exercises and some stretches to help you begin your day. If you plan ahead and are prepared, you can accomplish any or all of these things in your bedroom possibly before anyone else in the home even knows you are awake!

And then when the frustrating times happen, and they will happen, think about how you began your day. Before you react or speak to the frustration, say a quick prayer, or re-read that verse you wrote out, drink a glass of water, or do some breathing exercises or stretches. Those around you may wonder at first, but as you positively redirect your focus they will feel the impact!

Social distancing is hard, sheltering at home is hard, school being closed is hard, work being reduced or stopped is hard! Each of us from the youngest to the oldest feel the impact! And each of us deals with the emotion of that impact differently. Please don’t add to your family’s frustration and discouragement!

Because… When you are calm and peaceful… those around you will join you… a calm and loving spirit embraces the heart.
When you are joyful and happy… those around you will join you… laughter and a joyful spirit are contagious!

Whether you are a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a friend or all of these...
Remember:
When Momma IS happy there is peace and love in the  home!

It is an awesome responsibility, but you really do set the mood for your home! You CAN make a difference in your home today and for years to come by implementing a few new habits to snuff out frustration and negativity.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t take it out on others. Please reach out to someone who can help you! You are not alone!