Foreclosure, layoffs, unemployment- any one of these events can result in not just unhappiness but despondency, despair and depression. But is there any way to maintain a happy countenance in the face of daily disappointment? And what about the rest of the family? As a wife and mother, I am charged with keeping the household running smoothly and that entails keeping everybody happy. Some say it can't be done, others agree that it is downright impossible to keep everyone happy all the time. And with people having different temperaments and personalities, maintaining happiness in the family is at the very least- quite difficult. So what's the secret to maintaining happiness in the home? I believe the key to happiness lies within. In order to make others happy, you first have to create and secure your own happiness.
I can only speak for myself but this is what works for me and my hope is that the following tips help a few of you to begin the long trek down the yellow-brick road that is happiness:
Make time for yourself- It is important to recharge your battery especially at the end of a long day. I find that a cup of hot chamomile tea and a good book help me to relax at the end of the day when the kids are in bed and the house is quiet and peaceful and calm.
Keep it simple- Don’t try to be a jack-(or Jill)-of-all-trades. You’ll only end up being a master of none! Try if possible to delegate some responsibility especially around the house. No one can do it all.
Don’t sweat the small stuff! - In other words choose your battles wisely. Don’t over-obsess about things that you shouldn’t. Learn to relax. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect all of the time- even if you are a Type-A perfectionist.
Learn to love yourself for who you are- Don’t try to be what you are not- not only is this an enormous waste of energy but it is also demoralizing and puts your self-confidence and self-esteem at risk. Here’s a little trick I learned from my mother- actually I believe it’s a little trick she picked up from Joel Osteen. Look at yourself in the mirror and say,”I am good looking and I’m looking good today!” That plus a good hair day works wonders for me. At least it will put a smile on your face.
That’s it. Do these things, eat right, get some exercise and plenty of rest, don’t forget to drink your water and presto- Hello, hello happiness! For you and your family!