How to: Be happy?

Ok, so you're wondering how a 20 something college girl without "real life" experiences can give advice on how to be happy.  

And you're right, that's insane, I could never give a HOW TO guide on happiness.  What I can do, however, is share with you a few of the ways that I am making myself happier, and I'd like to think the people around me happier as well. I'm going to supplement this post with some pinteresting things (like how I did that... pin-teresting, interesting... with pinterest... punny) from my board "words to LIVE by".

1. Be nice.  It's hard sometimes, to love each other with the kindness and compassion that is expected of us.  And we're not perfect, we're not always going to be able to be kind, to be caring, and to simply be nice to those we don't like or who make us angry.  But anger only produces anger, hate only produces hate, and love... well, I believe it can then produce love. 

 2. Find something you're passionate about.  My goodness there are so many things on this earth that you can do! FIND ONE.   Some things I'm passionate about? Blogging, music, fashion, crafts, my family, my friends, my school, my puppy, my relationship and growth in Christ... I could go on all day.  So find something you like, and dive in, we're all happiest doing what we love.

3. Have trust in the Lord. If you put you're faith in him, you will not be led astray.  

Cast your cares on the LORD and we he will sustain you; he will never let the righteousness be shaken. Psalm 55:22

  4. Find financial stability. Money is seriously one of the biggest stressors that people deal with today.  It took me a long time, actually, no I'm still learning how to budget, and manage my money in a responsible manner.  But I can tell you that when I plan, manage, and budget i'm less stressed and more prepared.  There's a budgeting class at Newspring that you better believe I'll be taking soon! Check it out.

5. Give yourself time to relax. When you're freaking out, frazzled, and completely going crazy the very last thing you need is your stress level to sky rocket.  I can guarantee you that no big problems were solved by stress.  Sometimes when I need to relax I: wine and dine myself, or turn to some scripture, talk to a friend, go for a run, take a nap, watch TV.  All of these things help to wind down, relax, and get my mind off of things for just a little while.

Like I said, no "HOW TO be happy" but just a little but of advice from a 20 something girl who's learning the way of life, and taking as well as giving advice on how to do so in a happy and loving manner.