There is so much more to happiness then constantly smiling and "looking happy". It's natural not forced. Happiness is something that radiates from within. Something you just can't help but pour out. Here are 8 things that make me happy that will hopefully encourage you to be truly happy!
1. Do things you love.
I can't think of anything that makes me happier than doing the things I love. Find things that you enjoy and do them often. For me I love going for walks, enjoy God's creation. I love photography and capturing the beauty around me. I love sitting down with a good book and letting my imagination soar as I let the words on the pages turn into a picture in my mind. I love being creative. I love writing, whether that is journaling in a personal diary or writing on here (even though clearly I don't do it enough). I love music, I love playing piano and singing. I love baking and cooking, it's so satisfying to make something that not only you, but other people can enjoy as well :)
2. Seek positivity.
I've wrote a whole blog post on this one cause I think it is SO IMPORTANT. We all know that life can get crazy, overwhelming, and frustrating at times. But we have a constant choice to make, a weekly, daily, hourly, maybe even minutely decision to make. We can decide to see the negative around us and focus on all the things that make us mad or annoyed OR we can choose to look past the negative and seek positivity. Positivity is a choice. It's not always an easy choice, but a choice non the less. When we choose to seek the positive in our daily lives we are happier. Negativity not only makes you unhappy but if you are always negative it drains the people around you as well (and who want to be THAT person). Exercise positivity. Seek to find the positive in everything around you.
3. Be you.
This one may sounds weird at first but hear me out. The world we live in, the society we have has a way of changing us and making us do things that we think we HAVE TO DO. Well I have news for you if society is telling you to do something that you don't feel comfortable doing DON'T DO IT. You will be so much happier if you stand up for what you believe in. BE YOU. Don't let the people around you change you into what they want you to be. Don't let other people tell you that you aren't good enough. If you are you YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH (hokey dina that was a lot of "yous")! Be you. The only way you will thrive as a person is if you are you. Even if that is being a clean freak, who talks way too much, has an overload of sass and sarcasm, and loves to go around the house singing way to loud (and off key), that person that dances around the house even though she has no idea how to REALLY dance, then you be that person (just so you know... I just described what I do on a regular basis).
4. Set goals.
This one may not apply to everyone but I am going to add it anyway cause this is one thing that makes me feel happy and satisfied with myself. Set goals for yourself. I am a huge resolution maker. At the end of every year I write out New Years Resolutions, things that I want to accomplish throughout the next year AND I stick to them. I also have a notepad that consists of goals I have for each month, small things like "wash my bedding" or "do something with a friend", just small easy things that I would like to complete in that month. Goals for me are a huge things cause not only am I a clean freak but I am also an organizational freak (if that is even a thing). As the days go on I love looking back on my list of goals and checking off the things I have completed. Even if I don't complete everything off my list it is still satisfying to have a visual of the things that you would like to get done throughout the month. Also I always make myself a daily to do list of the things that I would like to get done in a day. I know what your thinking... "this girl is nuts...who has time for this"... I know I'm a little crazy (like I said I'm an organizational freak), BUT these are things that make me happy so OBVIOUSLY I am going to include them in this post! Oh gosh I am rambling... in conclusion (of this point) set goals for yourself, whether that is yearly, monthly, weekly, or daily goals (or all of the above) and strive to accomplish them :)
5. Be productive.
Get stuff done, be motivated, don't let yourself laze around all day. Do stuff with your hands, work, accomplish stuff in a day. Don't let a day go by not doing anything. Being productive helps you feel like you have accomplished something in a day, gives you satisfaction, and makes you happy :)
6. Be healthy.
Being healthy is super important for your wellbeing. And if you are healthy its a wack load easier to be happy too :) Healthy doesn't mean being a certain weight, eating only certain foods, and exercising 7 days a week. Although those are all good things, focus on what works for you. That could be cutting back on processed foods, or going for a walk whenever you can. It doesn't have to be something extreme but something attainable. Strive to take care of the body that God has made for you. Take care of yourself.
7. Surround yourself with happiness.
Whether that is people, environment, or things, surround yourself with happiness. Spend time with happy, encouraging people. Being in bad company eventually rubs off on a person. Surround yourself with people who life you up, not tear you down. Also environment I don't know about you but environment is a huge things for me. I love being surrounded by happy things. For me I like my space to be welcoming and happy. That could me burning your favorite candle (if you even like candles), having fresh flowers in your space, or just having a clean fresh space to live in (the clean freak in me is shining again). Also another thing I love to do to make my environment happy is have upbeat music playing. Music definitely does wonders in making an environment happier!
8. Treat yourself.
Just for the record treating yourself IS NOT SELFISH. I think it is very important to treat yourself every once in a while. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It doesn't have to be any thing big but just something small that you enjoy. That could be buying yourself a coffee after work, or treating yourself to a mini spa night (whether that is at home our actually going to a spa), make yourself feel special every once in a while CAUSE YOU ARE!
xo Heidi
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Learning To Be Content and Positive
It is so easy to get caught up in negativity. One little thing goes wrong, which leads to another thing going wrong and another, and then soon enough you are under a pile of self-pity thinking of everything from a negative perspective and going over and over in your mind all the bad around you and how terrible your life is. The sun might not be shining, and there is absolutely nothing to do, your friends are busy, and your brother is annoying, and your parents are telling you what to do and the list goes on and on... yutta yutta yutta. Every thing is absolutely terrible! But wait a second here... why don't you turn that all around?
There is just as much or more to be grateful for as there is to complain about. It's all in your perspective. If you choose to see things from a negative perspective your life will be negative, and everything could be just a little better and that one thing will always not be quite right and your expectations will never be met. If you choose to live your life from a positive perspective you will see the beauty in everything. You will be grateful for the rainy days cause they will help you enjoy the sunny days more. You will embrace the things that aren't exactly how you'd like them to be because, it will encourage you to work for what you want. Soon you will realize that all the "negativity" isn't actually all that negative.
In Philippians chapter four verse eleven to thirteen (NIV translation) it says:
Let me put this into context. The book of Philippians is written by a man named Paul and during the time he was writing this book he was in prison. So read those words over again picturing him in prison. I can't even imagine how strong this man's faith was. He trusted God. Reading on later in that same chapter (in verse nineteen) it says:
And then in verse twenty he is praising God saying:
Paul had every reason to complain. He was in jail first off which probably wasn't all that nice. I imagine cement floors, chained to a wall, cold and damp, probably some mice, and gross food. And he didn't even do anything wrong. The guy went to jail for being a Christian and sharing his faith. Paul was persecuted for his faith. Tortured, thrown in jail and HE STILL WORSHIPPED GOD. He still trusted, and he still was content, and had true joy. Next time you have every reason to be negative and complain think of Paul. Paul is no different then us. He was human just the same but He trusted God through it all. Are you willing to put aside your struggles and your bad days and go forward in positivity? Are you content even when things aren't going right? Have you found the secret to being content in every situation?
I'd encourage you to read more about Paul's life. He is truly inspiring and it is so neat to read about the amazing things that God did through him.
xo Heidi
There is just as much or more to be grateful for as there is to complain about. It's all in your perspective. If you choose to see things from a negative perspective your life will be negative, and everything could be just a little better and that one thing will always not be quite right and your expectations will never be met. If you choose to live your life from a positive perspective you will see the beauty in everything. You will be grateful for the rainy days cause they will help you enjoy the sunny days more. You will embrace the things that aren't exactly how you'd like them to be because, it will encourage you to work for what you want. Soon you will realize that all the "negativity" isn't actually all that negative.
In Philippians chapter four verse eleven to thirteen (NIV translation) it says:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Let me put this into context. The book of Philippians is written by a man named Paul and during the time he was writing this book he was in prison. So read those words over again picturing him in prison. I can't even imagine how strong this man's faith was. He trusted God. Reading on later in that same chapter (in verse nineteen) it says:
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
And then in verse twenty he is praising God saying:
"To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Paul had every reason to complain. He was in jail first off which probably wasn't all that nice. I imagine cement floors, chained to a wall, cold and damp, probably some mice, and gross food. And he didn't even do anything wrong. The guy went to jail for being a Christian and sharing his faith. Paul was persecuted for his faith. Tortured, thrown in jail and HE STILL WORSHIPPED GOD. He still trusted, and he still was content, and had true joy. Next time you have every reason to be negative and complain think of Paul. Paul is no different then us. He was human just the same but He trusted God through it all. Are you willing to put aside your struggles and your bad days and go forward in positivity? Are you content even when things aren't going right? Have you found the secret to being content in every situation?
I'd encourage you to read more about Paul's life. He is truly inspiring and it is so neat to read about the amazing things that God did through him.
xo Heidi
Monday, June 13, 2016
We Are Not In Control
Control is such a scary thing. We think we are in control of our lives and we try so hard to be. We want to have our lives go smoothly. We want to have a stress-free life, a life filled with comfort and ease. We don't want hardships or any discomfort. We just want an easy, happy, stress-free life.
No matter what we do to prevent it hardships happen, stress happens, rough days happen, even rough months or years. We feel uncomfortable at times. We go through hard stuff. Still through all of that we try so so hard to have control of every area of our life. We strive to live in comfort and have a "perfect life", but there is no such thing as perfect on earth. We strive for something that is unattainable.
If only we would just stop and give it up. Give it up? Yes give it to the one who created each and every one of us. Give it up to the one who sees us every single day of our lifes. Give it up to our Heavenly Father. God is in control. Whether we like it or not GOD IS IN CONTROL.
It's tough, I know I struggle with this myself. It's tough to just let it all go and give it to God. I tend to hold things inside and battle with myself before finally running to God and giving him all my worries, and concerns, and stresses. I hold it in and just tell myself that I have it under control (when clearly I'm falling apart inside). I tell myself that I am fine and that I can do it on my own, but I can't. We are not created to live our lives alone. We are not created to be independent and journey through life on our own strength. God created us for Him. To have a relationship with himself and to worship Him and love Him and strive to serve Him.
Yes life is hard. It is very hard at some points, but we aren't supposed to do it on our own. We aren't meant to make it on our own. Life is so much harder without help. Without God we can't do anything. We struggle, we fight, we are stubborn, we try and do everything on our own, but WE CAN'T. The sooner we realize that the better. The sooner we fall at the feet of Christ and surrender our daily life to Him the better. The sooner we surrender our hurts, our fears, our struggles, our worries, our thoughts to Him the sooner we will find His grace and His peace and His love.
It's that easy, but us humans make it so hard. No it's not easy to express your weaknesses or your faults or your struggles or worries, but what is so silly about that, is Christ already knows. We are so stubborn and we hold back from the One who knows every detail about our lives. He created us yet we fear His judgement, or we refrain from His grace. We can't wrap our minds around grace or God's love for us so we refrain, we put up walls, we try to do it on our own, but WHY?
God is there with you through the struggles of life. Through the daily ups and downs. Through the dark times and he's there through the good times. His right hand is always there reaching out to you. You only need to reach out and grab it. He won't force it on you. It's up to you. Reach out to the hand that is so eagerly waiting to help you up, to lead you and guide you. God is here waiting... He's waiting for you.
xo Heidi
No matter what we do to prevent it hardships happen, stress happens, rough days happen, even rough months or years. We feel uncomfortable at times. We go through hard stuff. Still through all of that we try so so hard to have control of every area of our life. We strive to live in comfort and have a "perfect life", but there is no such thing as perfect on earth. We strive for something that is unattainable.
If only we would just stop and give it up. Give it up? Yes give it to the one who created each and every one of us. Give it up to the one who sees us every single day of our lifes. Give it up to our Heavenly Father. God is in control. Whether we like it or not GOD IS IN CONTROL.
It's tough, I know I struggle with this myself. It's tough to just let it all go and give it to God. I tend to hold things inside and battle with myself before finally running to God and giving him all my worries, and concerns, and stresses. I hold it in and just tell myself that I have it under control (when clearly I'm falling apart inside). I tell myself that I am fine and that I can do it on my own, but I can't. We are not created to live our lives alone. We are not created to be independent and journey through life on our own strength. God created us for Him. To have a relationship with himself and to worship Him and love Him and strive to serve Him.
Yes life is hard. It is very hard at some points, but we aren't supposed to do it on our own. We aren't meant to make it on our own. Life is so much harder without help. Without God we can't do anything. We struggle, we fight, we are stubborn, we try and do everything on our own, but WE CAN'T. The sooner we realize that the better. The sooner we fall at the feet of Christ and surrender our daily life to Him the better. The sooner we surrender our hurts, our fears, our struggles, our worries, our thoughts to Him the sooner we will find His grace and His peace and His love.
It's that easy, but us humans make it so hard. No it's not easy to express your weaknesses or your faults or your struggles or worries, but what is so silly about that, is Christ already knows. We are so stubborn and we hold back from the One who knows every detail about our lives. He created us yet we fear His judgement, or we refrain from His grace. We can't wrap our minds around grace or God's love for us so we refrain, we put up walls, we try to do it on our own, but WHY?
God is there with you through the struggles of life. Through the daily ups and downs. Through the dark times and he's there through the good times. His right hand is always there reaching out to you. You only need to reach out and grab it. He won't force it on you. It's up to you. Reach out to the hand that is so eagerly waiting to help you up, to lead you and guide you. God is here waiting... He's waiting for you.
xo Heidi
Sunday, June 5, 2016
One Day At A Time...
Recently I have been under a lot of stress. Lots of things going on in my life, lots of decisions that need to be made, and things I need to prepare for and I find myself getting overwhelmed and worried.
I'm overwhelmed with the stress and worried about the future. But amongst all my worries and stress life goes on. I have to constantly remind myself to take it one day at a time. Not to always look ahead to the future and think about all the details and plan everything weeks or months in advance.
Obviously some things require planning ahead but I am trying to teach myself to just slow down and not worry about things that haven't even happened yet, but rather live each day as it comes. One day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, one second at a time.
Most times when I am overwhelmed or stressed about something it is because I am thinking ahead to the future. I worry about events coming up, and decisions I will eventually have to make when really I shouldn't even be worried about those things. I have to tell myself to not live in the future but live in the present.
Yes life is overwhelming sometimes and decisions can be stressful but in the end life goes on. Why worry about the future when you could be enjoying the present? If all you are doing is worry about the things that are coming up and the what ifs then we are missing out on the wonderful things that God has for us right here and now.
So not only is this a reminder to myself but a good reminder for anyone that is stressed or worried about the future. Live life in the present. One day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time. Life is now so live it!
"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
xo Heidi
I'm overwhelmed with the stress and worried about the future. But amongst all my worries and stress life goes on. I have to constantly remind myself to take it one day at a time. Not to always look ahead to the future and think about all the details and plan everything weeks or months in advance.
Obviously some things require planning ahead but I am trying to teach myself to just slow down and not worry about things that haven't even happened yet, but rather live each day as it comes. One day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, one second at a time.
Most times when I am overwhelmed or stressed about something it is because I am thinking ahead to the future. I worry about events coming up, and decisions I will eventually have to make when really I shouldn't even be worried about those things. I have to tell myself to not live in the future but live in the present.
Yes life is overwhelming sometimes and decisions can be stressful but in the end life goes on. Why worry about the future when you could be enjoying the present? If all you are doing is worry about the things that are coming up and the what ifs then we are missing out on the wonderful things that God has for us right here and now.
So not only is this a reminder to myself but a good reminder for anyone that is stressed or worried about the future. Live life in the present. One day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time. Life is now so live it!
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
- Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
xo Heidi
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Hey It's Heidi Here
Hey my name is Heidi as you have probably already figured out by the title of my blog and the title of this post. Welcome to my blog! I am 19 years old, a home school graduate as of June 2015, I am a born again believer, a country girl through and through, and I enjoy photography, writing (hence the reason I started this blog:), exercising, hunting, the great outdoors, fashion, DIYing, and much much more. So journey with me as I show you bits and pieces of my life and the things that I enjoy :)
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