Happiness

Happiness. Probably the most desired feeling...the most desired possession, in existence, is many times one of the hardest to feel like you have gained. But, why? Why is it so hard to gain? Why is it so hard to hold on to? Why can we never seem to keep it once we feel we have it; once we feel we are finally happy? My thoughts, coming from personal study and some insightful discussions in recent church meetings, are that Satan, the Father of Deceit, has managed to warp the world's definition of this happiness that I am, as I'm sure all of you are, trying to securely lay hold of.

So, first, to make this post make any sense, the definition of happiness, true happiness, needs to be standardized and clarified. Today, in our busy, modern, hectic, demanding lives, I think all of us have seen having happiness as having "things"-at least at some point in our lives. I know that I have! I've wanted the newest phone or the funnest vacation or the highest grades, and the list can go on and on and on. I feel I can safely say that most of us have done that. Whether or not that definition still stands for us, it certainly is the general consensus of the world, aaaaaand, frankly, it's just not right! It isn't! I know because I've tried it before!

But many of us know that already. Happiness can't be found in these things because they aren't lasting. And, to be honest, nothing is guaranteed to make us feel the elated, blissful, "I'm going to explode" kinda happiness ALL of the time. There is another kind of happiness though. One that can be kept. And it's a little bit different than what we normally think of as happiness.

I'm going to say something kinda crazy here. We can by happy all the time. Take part of this definition of happiness from lds.org, for example, "As we seek to be happy, we should remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. We will find peaceful, eternal happiness as we strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of our sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service.". "Hold on a minute!", is what I said to myself the first time I read that. If we are praying for strength, that means we are going through struggles. If we are needing to repent, that means we have sinned, felt sorrow, guilt, and maybe even shame? How can this be happiness?

One answer is that we are working towards earning eternal happiness! Eternal JOY! I can't wait for that day when I am with my Savior and Heavenly Father again!!! But I think there is a better answer.

Happiness, by the scriptures, is not just the moment that our brains recognize the chemical causing us to feel "happy", but it is a way of living. Many ancient cultures considered it exactly that! It was not one distinct feeling, but the culmination of the choices that we make. In a sense, happiness is not just a thing that we GET, but something that we DO. It is the joy of our SPIRITS, not our BODIES. To help this make a little more sense, here are words from Jesus Christ himself, said in a revelation to Joseph Smith,

"Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full. Therefore, care not for the body, neither the life of the body; but care for the soul, and for the life of the soul." D&C 101:36-37






Much of what we experience on earth is with our bodies and our minds. Our spirits, however, are eternal, powerful beings! With a knowledge far greater than what we "know" because of the veil that has been placed over it. As we are put through trials, no matter how hard, as long as we work to continue to follow Jesus Christ our spirits are THRIVING! They are growing and strengthening! As we repent, we are following what Jesus Christ has asked of us and our spirits are becoming pure. Even as we make mistakes our spirits are maturing and developing, as long as it's followed by true repentance.

In 1 Peter 1:7 it says, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, thought it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." Our trials, hardships, and pains are precious because they allow us to change, mature, and develop greater testimonies and further conversions - both things that make our spirits happy.

So, everyone, I'd just like to propose that y'all try out this new look on happiness! "Happiness is a condition of the soul. [A] joyous state [that] comes as a result of righteous living" (True Happiness, Hoyos).

Happiness is not just a fleeting moment of blissful feeling, smiles, and laughter, but a way of life!! It is a choice. It is following Jesus Christ.

Be Happy. Live Righteously. Love Life. Hardships, trials, and mistakes included. Lasting happiness can be gained, enjoyed, and kept because of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice.