This morning we heard from President and Sister Gelwix at the Single Adult Conference, who both had amazing thoughts to offer all of us. I'll write up my thoughts on that later. But first: the Happiness Advantage!
This workshop is just what I needed to hear! We initially discussed comments people make: "I'll be so happy when I finish school!" Or, "When I get married, then I'll be happy!" Or, "When my kids are all grown up and married in the temple, then I'll be happy!" Or, "I'll be so happy when I make it to the celestial kingdom!" Many people think that it is success or accomplishing a goal that will bring happiness, but scientists have found that it actually works the other way around. When people are happy, then good things happen!
We reviewed many scientific studies that demonstrate that happy people are more successful, healthier, and able to bounce back quicker after setbacks. (Many of which we have been covering in my psychology classes. Happy people also make more money, achieve more in their careers and have more success socially. (Sign me up, please. :-)) That being said, being happy is hard for some people. We ask, how can we be happy now?
He reminded us that finding happiness is not like flipping a switch...happy, not happy, happy, not happy. It's more of a continuum, and where we are on that continuum is up to us. People who have had traumatic events happen to them find that three months later or a year later, report that they are happy in their new lives. Are things different? Yes, but our happiness is not determined so much by external factors as it is by choosing to be happy wherever you are and whoever you are with.
We also discussed that science has demonstrated that our attitudes follow behavior (flashback to President Gelwix's talk this morning!). If we want to feel happy, we "act" happy....take action that reflects the attitude we want to have, and voila! A happier, more positive outlook!
Brother Fogg also gave us seven principles of happiness:
1) You can train (or retrain) your brain to be happy. Remember, actions = attitude.
2) Change your mindset to change your performance. In other words, look at happiness as a mental health exercise and actively seek happiness.
3) Train yourself to capitalize on the possibilities within your challenges. God gives us challenges that help us build the qualities we need to be our best selves. He also puts people in our lives that bless us and help us.
4) Knowledge is not enough for change. How many exercise articles have you read? Do you act on all that knowledge? No! The same is true for happiness. Action is required, and so is faith.
5) You CAN control your own emotions. And remember, happiness is contagious! When others around you are being grumpy, bless them with a little happiness!
6) Minimize the barriers to change! Find ways to help yourself be happier. Put things that reliably make you smile in your surroundings. Make time in your day to do something that makes you feel positive. Talk to someone who frequently lifts your spirits.
7) Social support is one of the greatest assets we have. God's purpose for us is happiness, but we were never intended to be happy alone! There is a ripple effect to happiness. That's one of the reasons why we were commanded to meet each week at church. We are meant to help and bless each other. Hold on to those people in your life that make you happy. Invest in them and let them invest in you. Start now!
I'm so glad that I took the time to attend this workshop. I'll probably add more as I remember it!
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