DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY - REMEMBER THE GOOD STUFF!

COVID variants, lockdowns, masks, civil unrest, feels like we are living in an over pressurized pressure cooker and the lids about to blow!

It is certain that the bad stuff is gonna be around as long as we are here on planet earth. Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33) yet, we are also told to rejoice continuously in all circumstances. (Thessalonians 5:16)

So in the midst of the bad stuff, let’s remember to wrap ourselves up in good stuff all around us! The simple things, like the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning or BACON! Be blanketed by the stuff that lifts your heart.

As Christ followers we take joy in knowing that we are children of God and we will have eternal life with Him and with our Lord, Savior and King, Jesus Christ. We are assured that at the end of our journey here on this planet, we will be in Heaven, AND we are told we can’t even imagine how awesome it will be!

1 Corinthians 2:9

“No one has ever seen this,

and no one has ever heard about it.

No one has ever imagined

what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

But, still there are times when we simply feel deflated under the pressures and injustices of the world. So, in an effort to help you stay wrapped up in the “Good Stuff” Here are ten suggestions to lift your spirits:

1. Smile. Smile when you get out of bed. Set the tone for the day. Smile, even when you are feeling your worst. It’s scientifically proven that when we smile it lifts our mood.

Here is an article about the uplifting mood benefits of smiling

2. Take a Social Media Break. You’ve heard this over and over. Take a news and/or social media siesta and feel free to check out for as long as you need to.

3. Love your Frenemies! You know, the people you once were friends with but are now estranged from because of idealogical differences. Yeah, you know, like vaxxer verses anti-vaxxers, or woke verses un-woke, maskers or unmaskers - you get the picture.

If emotions are running a little too hot to connect in person with friends that you’ve distanced yourself from, send them love through prayer, ask God to soften both their hearts and your heart and bring healing to the relationship. Maybe some day you will reconnect, but for now get any fermenting toxic feelings out of your heart toward those you really do care about so you can make room for good stuff.

4. Be Filled with Delight See the world as a child again. Take off your shoes and walk in the grass barefoot like you did when you were a kid! Jump in a mud-puddle after it rains! Find the wonder in creation every day.

4. Turn it up and Rock Out. You can rock out to any kind of music! It doesn’t matter what genre it is. I’m not suggesting you blow your eardrums out. The point is to absorb it, be present in it without distractions. Experience it!

5. Take Photos. If you have a cell phone, you have a camera! If you are able, go shoot some pictures of anything that grabs you. Be creative. If you are into editing, add filters or colors to your photos, or change them to black and white. There are so many options and ways to express yourself with photography. Even in its simplest form!

6. Escape. We are trained to think that escaping is a bad thing, but it can be incredibly therapeutic, from time to time. Escape into a book, a television series, online shopping, a NAP! Whatever it may be, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, give yourself a mini vacation from whatever it is that may be affecting you negatively.

7. Purge and organize! We all know that clutter and disarray in our immediate surroundings begets clutter and disarray in our heads. A great way to renew and refresh, both your physical environment and your mind is to get rid of or donate the “things” you no longer use or need and then organize! I am always amazed at how much lighter I feel and clearer I think when I am not continuously looking at clutter or rummaging through a bunch of stuff to find what I need.

8. Journal. Journaling for some can be off-putting because it brings to mind the whole “dear diary” kind of thing. You can journal in anyway you like. It could be writing out your thoughts on paper or typing them on to your computer or phone. You could have a photo journal, whatever it is journaling is a great way to get it all out. Most of us carry more negativity and cynicism that we realize. Journaling is a good way to vent and clear our hearts and minds leaving space for the “good stuff” and Renewing of our minds

(Phillipians 4:8)

9. Give thanks and Praise. When you start thinking about what you do have to be thankful for versus what you don’t have, things readily fall into perspective. Make time to praise God and thank him each day for the blessings he gives to you, past present and future.

10. Let Go and Let God. This is really the most important suggestion I have for you.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Carry this in your hearts! Write it down on a piece of paper and put it in your purse, or your wallet. Or enter it into your phone! In Him you will find rest for your souls.

I think Jesus is simply saying Don’t worry, be happy.

Until next time, may God bless you and keep you close, and don’t forget there really is good stuff all around you. Wrap yourself up in it!

Joellen