That may be the most valuable lesson I learned in the 4th grade.
If you ask people to tell you what they want for themselves (or their children) you’ll almost always hear some version of: happiness. It’s a universal desire. So it’s no surprise that Pharrell’s Happy is #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and people all around the world have video diaries showing how they get their happy on:
I’ve found however, that opinions on this song, and the idea in general, are quite polarizing. Either you’re doing the Carlton at the thought or you’re rolling your eyes. Are people REALLY that damn happy? If you’re an eye roller…to answer your question…YES!
I get it though; sometimes it’s easier said that done, especially if you feel like you’re on the cusp of a break-down. In order to find your happy feet, you have to change your perspective about what’s going on in your life. You ARE on the brink of something dramatic, but learn to see that it’s actually a break-THROUGH, an inevitable pre-requisite to personal growth. So in the meantime, keep a few lyrics from Kirk Franklin’s I Smile in mind:
…while you’re waiting
…while you’re praying
look in the mirror
always remember
You look so much better when you smile.
If you still can’t manage to turn that frown upside down, come up with a conceptual tool box you can pull from. Have a list of things in your head that you know will make you smile: a song, a photo, a video, a friend, a pet.
If you’re STILL coming up with a long face, go out and make someone else smile. It’s infectious.
Go on…try it 🙂
Own and On 
Reblogged this on Random Repeat.