JUST BE HAPPY.

The definition of happy is feeling pleasure or enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc., according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. For me, it is something different. Happiness is a sense of peace and contentment, no matter what my life’s situation may be. Several years back I found myself in a journey of self-discovery, which I originally began as a search for truth in spirituality. Day after day, I read the Bible and self-help books written by Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Joel Osteen, and many others. What I discovered changed my life. I discovered peace.

I have always been a happy, positive, upbeat person—or so I thought until I learned how to be truly happy. I learned happiness is not just something you experience or a feeling you get when something good happens that quickly vanishes when something unfortunate follows. Happiness to me is the ability to find always at least one thing to be appreciative for even in the most challenging times.

Don’t get me wrong; there are plenty of things that happen to me every day I would rather not experience. However, when those things happen I choose always to look at the bright side of the situation or find a way to be at peace with my circumstance.

Happiness truly is a choice, which is why in this month’s issue we share ways to achieve happiness, and not just for the moment. Our goal is to help you understand how you can be happy each and every day. We believe there is truth in the saying, “You may not be able to control your situation, but you can choose how you react to it.”

Additionally, HL magazine is committed to continuing this message each month in our Healthy Spirit section. So when you are feeling a little down, pick up your issue of Healthy Living and be prepared to smile. I guarantee we always provide helpful tools for you to achieve a healthy, well-balanced, happy lifestyle.

So don’t worry, be happy.

Sincerely,

Kendra Akers

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