Three things give and preserve happiness: Knowing God, Self-acceptance, and Good People. But the greatest of all, which I believe everyone must recognize is the God factor.
Talking about God in today’s world may sound like fiction to many, but I believe God exists, and He rewards those who trust in Him with abundant grace, especially joy and happiness, even in the most challenging moments. Since coming to know God, I have realized that when situations become difficult and stressful, and I read the word of God and pray, I am comforted, and my hope is restored. Truly, the word of God, indeed, God Himself—is my greatest source of happiness and the anchor that preserves it. In fact, God has never disappointed me.
A Psalmist declares, “Your words, they comfort me.” Psalm 121:5 says, “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” Verse 6 continues: “The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” And verse 8 adds: “The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” If this is the God we serve, then surely He must be our greatest source of happiness. He can preserve your joy if you learn to “count your blessings and name them one by one.” One thing my walk with God has taught me is that His words are true, yes and amen. They are not fake, contrary to what some may suggest. So, let the word of God be your first inspiration and your first path to preserving your happiness. And if you don’t know Him yet, seek Him.
The second key to preserving happiness is Self-acceptance: knowing who you are and learning to accept and appreciate yourself at all times, no matter what people say. One thing I will never deny is that “everybody needs somebody.” But if you don’t learn to appreciate and accept yourself, you will easily lose your happiness when people disappoint you or try to run you down. If you don’t value yourself, a disappointing relationship can drain your joy. If you don’t cherish your own appearance, one negative comment can disrupt your peace. Above all, you must know how to make yourself happy.
This is one of my secrets: I like taking selfie pictures. And when I look at my pictures, I admire myself. In fact, I am quite photogenic yes, this is my plus; hope you understand. And when I take pictures, I make sure to pose well to capture my best look.
Additionally, I have a mental picture of myself and “who I am.” Even without looking into a mirror, I know my appearance. My look and age are in my mind, and I don’t allow anyone to define them for me. Don't get me wrong, I know the things people say about me or the flaws they claim I have. One common one is my “long head.” But honestly, that is not my problem. And do you know how I overcome people’s meanness about it? This is how: My long head has given me enough capacity for knowledge accumulation and storage. To me, the “form of my head” is an asset, not a liability. Hahaha! I know you are laughing already.
To truly accept and be happy with yourself, learn to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Appreciate your personality strengths, and learn to laugh at the supposed imperfections people use against you. Appreciate who you are and don’t allow anybody’s negativity to steal your happiness.
Thirdly, as noted earlier, “everybody needs somebody”, nobody is an island. Yet, one thing I have learned is that many people are more interested in taking than giving. That is why takers are more than givers. Those who want others to make them happy are more than those willing to make others happy. That is why some people don’t mind making others sad or breaking their hearts just to satisfy their ego.
But here is something life has taught me: good people treat others the way they want to be treated. A good man feels sorry for breaking a lady’s heart. A good lady feels sorry for disappointing a man. A good friend learns what makes you happy and tries to help you maintain that happiness. Self-centered people, on the other hand, care only about their own satisfaction. This is why many relationships fail, and I have had my share of it, or call it my dividend; hahaha!
So, to build happiness with someone, learn what makes them happy. Help them discover and protect their joy. Create an environment where both of you can experience genuine human happiness. For me, “I believe nobody can find relationship happiness by being selfish.” You cannot be truly happy by making others sad. That is why I believe in resolving differences amicably.
From a relationship standpoint, I try to make others happy through my words and actions. If I can’t fulfill a promise, I don’t hide, I encourage instead. When I am wrong, I apologize. One powerful statement I have learned that resolves many issues is: “I am sorry.” It keeps me away from unnecessary conflict. Saying “I am sorry” doesn’t kill you; it repairs relationships that are broken or about to break.
Above all, I try to be kind with my words. KIND WORDS are not expensive, they are the freest gifts you can offer to make others happy. Action speaks louder than words, yes, but kind words speak deeper than action. You know of ‘fake gifts’ and ‘crocodile tears.’ But kind words? They are sincere, and good people use them consistently.
Learn to make others happy. Celebrate their joyful moments with kind words. It will come back to you. Remember: “Every good thing deserves another, and kind words draw kind words.” Good people, family, and friends complement your happiness greatly; never forget them.
Finally, never lose the God factor in your life. Your greatest happiness comes from your Creator; He knows what is best for you. Secondly, find your unique ways to make yourself happy and work to overcome your supposed flaws. Finally, make others happy, and your happiness will be preserved.
So, “happy yourself” and let what people do or say to “happy you” become complementary. Find ways to make yourself happy, and always remember: “Don’t worry, be happy.” Hahaha!
I wish you happiness and joyful moments of life.
Author: Moses A. Katamani
Email: infomoskambel@gmail.com
Website: www.kambelconsult.com