Gain Clarity and True Happiness

What is true happiness and how do we find it?

True happiness comes from your relationship with God (the one who lives within you) and being content with who He created you to be and by loving yourself (Psalm 139:14). It's living in harmony and peace with your mind, body and soul. It's knowing without a doubt that other people or materialistic things cannot make us happy.

Our lack of clarity can prevent us from becoming the person God created us to be so it's imperative that we take the necessary time we need to seek God's wisdom and direction for our lives.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The question is how do we gain clarity?

The first step is to determine where you find inspiration. Ask yourself the question "where to do I feel most inspired and closest to God?" Is there a specific room in your home or garden? Perhaps sitting by the waters edge or being in nature makes you feel closer to God. Once you determine the location I recommend creating time where you can sit in that space with a pen and paper.

Second step is to pray and ask God for guidance. Write down anything that comes to mind, don't filter anything even if it seems silly write it down! Don't pay attention to spelling just allow your thoughts to flow through your pen onto the paper. Sometimes what you write down may not make sense at first, but later on it will so don't dismiss anything.

Another step is to write down what does NOT matter to you. By eliminating what does not matter you, you will start to gain clarity on what DOES matter. It help you determine what you are passionate about and what is most important to you.

Create reasonable goals for yourself. Goals will help you maintain focus, but make sure they're realistic and attainable so you're able to see progress. Remember to challenge yourself at times. Change doesn't happen when we're comfortable, we need to step outside of our comfort zones!

Try new things. Part of setting goals is trying new ideas, if you want to learn how to play a new instrument sign up for lessons! Too many people say "I'm too hold, or I'm not capable of doing this or that, but friends I encourage you to ignore the negative mindset when it rises.

Do not fear failure. Failure is a part of life we should embrace it. Instead of fearing it put yourself out there and keep trying! We learn valuable lessons from each failure we experience. Look at a failure as your challenge to try another way just like a puzzle piece they don't always fit in the first place we put them, we keep trying until we find where it goes. I like to think about authors who have submitted their books over 25+ times and after hearing 30 "no's" they finally receive a yes and end up selling millions of copies because they didn't give up. So stick with it!!

Avoid distractions. The devil will pull out all the stops when he sees that you are about to achieve your goals and use your God given talents, so keep this in mind every time you face an obstacle. Remind yourself "this is going to be amazing because the devil is working overtime to distract me." It helps you keep the right frame of mind.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” – Mary Angelou

Last but not least never give up! Always rely on God's word because it is there to guide you.

When you seek His wisdom and guidance on your journey that my friends, is where you will find clarity and true happiness!

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime