"Laughter is the best medicine."
"A smile is the same in every language."
"Dance like no one's watching."
There are two kinds of happiness. Short term and long term.
Short term is the immediate sensation. Long term is inner peace. Both are equally important and must be used to build upon one another.
How do I become Happy now?
This is short term happiness. It's rolling with the punches when the unexpected happens. Don't dwell on the sorrows of life. Look at yourself and say "I'm wonderful," because you really are. Laugh easily and smile often. We can't always escape the realities of a harsh world, but the world becomes a better place when we choose to be happy, even in the middle of our trials. So make up a silly song, watch something that makes you laugh, or do something uniquely different like going on an adventure or a vacation. Count your blessings and recall just how important each of those blessings are to you.
What do I do to stop crying?
Focus on your emotions to bring yourself into a balance of calm, like you would when meditating. The tears will begin to cease almost immediately. Force yourself to consciously breathe deep. Repeat to yourself, "You're okay, you're okay." This is part of going beyond yourself. Treat your crying body as if you are comforting another person, a person you care about. You will reach an equilibrium of happy to sad. Then, think of something funny to help replace the unhappy thoughts. This will tip the equilibrium onto the side of happy. Now, you will have the opportunity to think a little more clearly about your troubles. Think of the movie Inside-Out. The purpose of crying is to help you "slow down and obsess over the weight of life's problems." Finally, get a glass of cold water to drink. This will help refresh your body and mind into a greater state of clarity so you can either accept or overcome whatever made you cry.
How do I become Happy long term?
Long term Happiness is something you choose to have. Look at the bigger picture. You exist and that makes you important. For this, compare the world to a hive of honey-bees. In a honey-bee's entire life-time, it will only collect about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey. But while small, it is through the dedicated work of every bee that a hive can get filled with up to 60 pounds of honey. Most of us are small so that we don't end up with big heads. Being small encourages us to work together to provide the maximum amount of work we can to society so that everyone, including ourselves, can be happy. Eat healthy to rejuvenate your body. Think positively to make the nows more beautiful. Exercise regularly so you can learn to love the release of endorphins. Learn to appreciate all of your trials because they have molded you into the person you are today.
What if I have depression?
If you find yourself suddenly dropping, where you turn from a normal, everyday disposition to sudden bouts of extreme sadness and apathy, you may have depression. Depression is very common so feel free to talk to your doctor about receiving the help that's right for you. If you are in a position where you cannot get to a doctor's office, search your area for free counselling services. Depression is a long-term sadness. It's where you both don't care anymore and care too much at the same time. It may occur right after you have a baby, following the death of a loved one, or it may be purely chemical. In the sense of the chemical, you really will need medicine to help, so please talk to your doctor.
Happiness is both something that can be unexpected and chosen. When put together, it helps to encourage a happy life. We won't be happy all the time because it just isn't in our human nature. But the more you choose to be happy, the more you will see it change your life for the better. You are important; remember the bigger picture.
