Monday, October 28, 2013

Happiness is a choice

We all have the choice to be happy. We are in charge of finding happiness. We can't depend on others to be happy. If we wait for someone to make us happy, we will be waiting forever.  
Our  father in heaven has provided a way for us to be happy in this life and for eternity. Alma 41:10 says, "Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness." Living righteously leads to ultimate happiness in life. 
When choosing the right, it's merely impossible not to be happy. I have felt so much more confident with myself knowing that I am staying on the right path. It takes much more effort to be sad and unhappy than it does to be happy and joyful. 
Recently, I have gained a testimony that service brings happiness. Serving others makes me think less of myself and more of those I'm serving, and even more importantly about my Savior. "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)  The knowledge of serving God brings me happiness that I can't describe. Losing yourself in service will help you find who you are. As you lose yourself in service, Satan's power over you is weakened. You become stronger. Some of the happiest people I know all have something in common; they are selfless. They go through trials and hardships, just like everyone else, but they forget themselves and go to work and serve the Lord. 
Happy people are also grateful for what they have. Happiness ends when you start comparing yourself to others. Be grateful for the life you are given and the countless blessings you've received. God blessed you with unique circumstances to make you stronger. Life isn't perfect, but look past the imperfections and realize all the good in life. There will always be something new you want, but if you are constantly thinking about what else you can have, think about all you do have and you will be content and find happiness. 
Heavenly Father wants nothing more for us than to be happy. The only source of true and eternal happiness is through Him. If we direct our lives to living as He wants us to we will be blessed beyond measure and find ultimate happiness. I can testify that when I am doing what is right and when I am serving, that is when I am the happiest.
Choose to live righteously. Choose to be happy.


"The Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us."
-Thomas S. Monson