Being happy or not is a choice we all make. Sometimes our level of happiness is a conscious choice and sometimes it’s an unconscious one that is forced on us by outside circumstances, or so we believe.
Sometimes, though, we need a little nudge toward more happiness when things aren’t going exactly as we planned. Here, then are six strategies you can use for increasing happiness in your life.
1.When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Sure it’s a cliche, but it’s also true. While there may be a lot in our lives we can’t control, one of the things we can control is how we react to the situations we find ourselves in . Practice looking for the positive in people and situations, and you’ll find yourself feeling better about things whether you can control the outcome or not.
2. Do something you love. If you have a dream or desire that you haven’t acted on yet, do it! Even if you only take baby steps toward it, you’ll still feel like you’re doing something. And you’ll feel happier because you’re making progress toward a goal or dream you’ve held for a long time.
3. Use your talents. The Universe, or God by whatever name you use, has given each and every one of us a purpose and the talents to accomplish it. A lot of unhappiness stems from us not using our gifts or living our purpose. Figuring out what yours is and how you can use your natural talents to achieve it will go a long way to increasing happiness in your life.
4. Make a choice to be happy. It’s so easy to sink into the trap of sadness and self-pity if we let ourselves. If you can make a conscious choice to be happy and have someone that can help to cheer you up when you’re feeling down, use that resource. You’ll feel better for having someone to talk to and you could be helping them to fulfill their life purpose by helping you feel happier. (Note: This is not meant as medical advice. If you feel you are suffering from depression, please please please get professional help.)
5. Develop your attitude of gratitude. It’s so easy in this era of “I need more” to get caught up in focusing on all the things that go wrong in life. Taking time to remember all the good things and feel grateful for having them is a giant happiness fix. Don’t forget to include grateful thoughts for family and friends, and for your job even if it’s not your dream job.
6. Use a journal. Sometimes when you’re feeling less than happy, just writing down what’s bugging you can go a long way toward making you feel better. Journaling can become another good happiness fix if you let it because as you write, you’ll often find the solutions flowing from your fingertips.
Use one or all of these strategies for helping to boost your feelings of happiness when you need to.
There are two things I’ve learned over the years when it comes to being happy. 
I’m finding lots of new blogs today as I start my new system of using Google Reader to keep informed and organized. 
My mother was a very angry woman. So was her mother. Without dragging too much dirt out of the family closet, let me just say that neither of them lived a happy life. They’re favorite sayings to me were always either “Happiness doesn’t grow on trees” or “You can’t always have what you want in life.” 
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