08 Jul Why it’s important to try to create happiness in a world that sometimes doesn’t seem to support positive emotions
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the world seems to be becoming more and more divided, more and more angry.
I don’t think it’s just me!
There are many reasons for this, most notably the way those algorithms work online to feed us rage at all costs, but regardless, many ask themselves the question, “can or should I be happy amidst all this unhappiness?”
And today I want to respond with “yes you can” and “yes you should”!
Let me start with the second part, the why.
Allowing oneself to become miserable and overwhelmed, feelings I’m personally overly familiar with and feelings that in many ways are perfectly understandable, simply don’t help. If, for example, I become stressed and anxious about climate change and/or angry and frustrated about international or local politics, my emotions and probably my behaviours associated with those emotions will do nothing to improve that with which I’m concerned.
If, on the other hand, I can find hope and optimism, or even at best equanimity, I’m far more likely to act positively and constructively and maybe make some sort of difference! So, creating some form of positive emotions, like happiness, during difficult times is more likely to provide motivation and energy to … do some good!
Which brings me to … how?
As always, this is easier said than done, but it can be achieve and in my experience, the following should help:
- stay focused on what really matters; and on that which you can control. There’s much in the world I’d “like” to change but I can’t, and so practising acceptance is the best and wisest strategy in these circumstances
- practise self-care, because I’m no good to anyone or for anything if I’m sick and tired and miserable
- without ignoring the many problems in the world, don’t lose sight of the many wonders and achievements. Actively look for and focus on and celebrate all that’s going well, in your world and in the world
- remember you don’t have to navigate life’s stressors on your own. A problem shared is a problem halved, and reaching out for help is one of the most important steps we can take
- use what you’re good at to make more good. We can’t be great at everything but we all have positive attributes, psychological strengths, and if we use these strategically we can create more of what’s good in the world
- and finally, try not to take yourself or the world too seriously. Somehow, some way, we’ve all survived all we’ve faced thus far. And you’ll almost certainly survive whatever’s to come!
So yes, you can be happier and yes, you should try to be happier … these are even more important when the world seems like it’s turning to sh#t!