You begin clinging to what you don’t have, wishing that all could be different.

You take yourself down memory lane (usually too often and too far), and take inventory of all the things where you felt lost, disconnected, unsure of yourself; just questioning everything about everyone, especially yourself.

Fear jumps up, front and center, and all you can do is coward back to the corner of rejection and your foolish ways of discounting all that you have to offer the world.

Sound all too familiar? Sound a little too close to home?

Happiness is not felt, it’s created by your actions, thoughts, words; how you communicate with the world you touch.

But the first communication has to start inwardly. You have to see the happiness within to be able to give it to others.

You know everyone wants to be happy. It’s a common thread that runs through all of us. But as you know, happiness is not something that comes naturally to everyone.

It’s not something that you wait for or hope for. It’s not something that falls into your lap. Happiness is a choice, and it’s up to you to make it happen.

The old saying, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” is true. You have to work within your calling, your passion, your gifts and talents, and your interests to be truly happy.

When you do what you love, you feel fulfilled, energized, and motivated. You are more likely to create that feeling of bliss, the happiness in your everyday tasks and challenges that come your way.

Life comes with a lot of changes. Change is a constant.

But one thing that doesn’t have to change is how to make a choice and choose to be happy when you create your now.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Create your now!

You wanna be happy! Your life doesn’t have to resemble calm, cool, and collected to be in a happy state.

There are many days that I run around going from one project to the next, hoping to keep my mind in place, but happiness still abounds.

Happiness is not a choice of when, it’s a matter of perspective.

1. Be present

Presence conquers fear that lingers in the hallways of your heart. You don’t have to have all the money in the world to be happy. But you do have to present in order to use it. Right? You can’t interject the feelings of warm snuggles and smiles unless you’re present.

It’s easy to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. Instead, try to focus on being content in the moment. This might mean taking a few moments to appreciate the beauty of nature, connecting with loved ones, or engaging in a mindfulness or meditation practice.

You have to slow down to speed up.

Presence also invokes the simplicity of balance. All seems right with your world when you feel like you’re in control. Life may be throwing curveballs, yet you’re catching everyone of them. Not much has to throw you off base.

Be present.

2. Be grateful

When you focus on what you are grateful for, it sets the stage for acceptance and genuine compassion for what’s to come. As much as you think you’re in control, you so are not.

You only control yourself. But what you can control is the environment you create around who you are. If you feel welcomed in your own space, imagine how someone will feel welcomed by your grace.

So when you step out of your comfort zone with gratitude, the fear of the unknown fades, which makes way for better days.

“Gratitude is the spice to keep life nice.” ~ Kristianne Wargo

Be grateful.

3. Take A.I.M.

“Action ignites motivation!” ~ Kristianne Wargo

When you have something to work towards, it can help you feel motivated and accomplished. So let your actions and words create your now.

Identify what you want in this season of your life. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Don’t try to do everything in one day! You’re fooling yourself. But you can borrow Arnold’s movie quote, “I’ll be back.”.

If you did everything in one day, what would you have to look forward to tomorrow?

As you take A.I.M. in your every day, you master your life in every way.

But don’t forget the most important step. In all that you do, do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

This is the beginning of choosing to see life in a unique manner, not expecting something from your success or failure, but recognizing that with each step you take, happiness is homemade.

The world can seem cold and dark. You might be stuck in the pain, and all you can do is blame. But why give in and complain? Take heart to who matters; you wanna be happy.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“