HAPPY

Tee: Thread Tanks

We’ve all heard it, “happiness is a choice.” TOTALLY! But sometimes it can be hard to feel happy when you’ve been dealt rotten cards or you just feel SAD. There have been a few times in my life where I can vividly remember feeling sad. Thinking about those moments now, pierces my soul and is honestly making me tear up right now. Even though I've had traumatic moments, it's those moments that make feeling joy and happiness that much sweeter. I am NO expert. I’m not a doctor, or a psychiatrist and everyone is different. But, these are a few things that work for ME when I hit a rough patch in life. I see enough depressing posts on social media to know some of you feel sad, lonely or dark. If you are one of those people, try out what you want & find your happy again. I promise it’s in there!!

1. Prayer

In the last year, my relationship with Heavenly Father has developed so much because of meaningful prayer. What ever your religious beliefs are, talk it out. It may not instantly bring you immense happiness but eventually it will lead to not only happiness but peace.

2. Therapy

I have followed Mr. Kate on YouTube since I was in elementary school. She posted once on her Instagram about therapy. She said she started seeing a therapist when she was young after her parents divorce & that as an adult she still goes to therapy. She has said therapy is what's helped her be mentally healthy. I thought, dang I want to go to a therapist... haha. Fast forward a few years. I was evacuated from hurricane Irma, had a serious concussion & came home from my full time LDS mission. My angel mother set up so many doctors appointments, including a therapy appointment. The first time I walked into a therapist's office I told myself out loud, “I can’t believe I’m going to a shrink.” I thought, I am THIS broken? I have to have someone help me with my problems? I was mad at myself for not snapping back, not pulling myself together & being “okay.” After only minutes of sitting & talking with her I realized I wasn’t “okay,” and there wasn’t anything wrong with that. It was simply cause & effect. I haven’t made an appointment for many weeks but if something happened tomorrow that rocked my boat, I would NO doubt go back. Be humble & let others help you!

3. Music

Music has become another source of happiness & peace for me. As a dancer, I’ve always loved & been able to connect with music. While I was on my mission and now that I'm home, I've decided to only listen to music that would help me feel happy. Whenever I have a hard day or feel down, my go to songs are: My Little Prayer, Be Thou My Vision & Thy Will Be Done. Obviously I have my jams that I so gracefully belt out in the car but if I want the happy feeling to last, I listen to those songs.

4. Gym Time

It’s simple. Endorphins make you happy & happy people don’t kill their husbands... name the movie!! (Legally Blonde) Getting my body moving helps me stay sane. If the gym makes you anxious go for a swim, bike ride, play tennis or hike. Get out & MOVE!!

5. Soul Food

Scriptures, Mormon Messages & LDS Conference talks are my favorite! Podcasts aren’t really my thing but try it out!! Surround yourself by good things, do good works & you will feel good!

xoxo, Lexie