Resisting Happiness

1. Recognize and Overcome Resistance to Happiness

Resistance stands between you and happiness.

Understand resistance. Resistance is the force that prevents us from doing what we know is good for us. It manifests as laziness, procrastination, fear, doubt, and self-sabotage. By recognizing resistance, we can begin to overcome it.

Daily battle. Overcoming resistance is a daily struggle. It's present in every decision, from getting out of bed to pursuing our dreams. By naming and acknowledging resistance, we diminish its power over us.

Choose happiness. Resistance often leads us to resist happiness itself. By consciously choosing to overcome resistance, we open ourselves to the happiness God intends for us.

2. Embrace God's Dream for Your Best Self

Some things you do help you become the person God created you to be, and some things don't.

Discover your true self. God has a dream for each of us to become the best version of ourselves. This involves aligning our actions with God's will and pursuing holiness in our daily lives.

Make conscious choices. Every decision we make either brings us closer to or further from our best selves. By consistently choosing actions that align with God's plan, we grow in virtue and character.

Find fulfillment. Embracing God's dream for us leads to true happiness and fulfillment. It's not about comparing ourselves to others, but about becoming the unique individuals God created us to be.

3. Develop a Daily Habit of Prayer and Reflection

Prayer changes everything, and nothing ever really changes until we give daily prayer a place in our lives.

Establish a routine. Set aside at least ten minutes each day for prayer and reflection. This consistent practice helps develop a deeper relationship with God and provides clarity and focus for daily life.

Listen to God. Use prayer time to listen for God's guidance. Ask, "God, what do you think I should do?" and be open to His response.

Use tools for reflection. Consider keeping a Mass Journal to record insights from each Mass. This practice helps engage more deeply with the liturgy and apply its teachings to daily life.

4. Transform Ordinary Activities into Prayer

Everything can be transformed into a prayer.

Offer your work. Transform your daily tasks into prayer by offering each hour of work to God for a specific intention. This practice infuses meaning into even the most mundane activities.

Be present. Practice mindfulness in your daily activities. By giving full attention to the present moment, you can find God in the ordinary aspects of life.

Find meaning in work. Understand that the primary purpose of work is not just to make money, but to help us become the best version of ourselves. By approaching work with this mindset, we can find greater fulfillment and purpose.

5. Cultivate Continuous Learning and Spiritual Growth

Wherever you find excellence, you find continuous learning. They go hand in hand. Wherever you find that continuous learning is missing, you find mediocrity.

Develop a love for learning. Cultivate curiosity and a passion for knowledge, especially in matters of faith. This attitude leads to personal growth and excellence in all areas of life.

Read regularly. Make time for reading, particularly spiritual books and the Bible. This habit nourishes the mind and soul, providing guidance and inspiration.

Seek spiritual coaching. Find a mentor or guide to help you grow spiritually. Just as athletes need coaches to excel, we need spiritual coaches to help us reach our full potential in faith.

6. Practice Self-Denial and Delayed Gratification

You cannot succeed at anything unless you are willing to delay gratification. This ability and success are intimately linked.

Strengthen your will. Practice small acts of self-denial daily. These could be as simple as choosing water over soda or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Offer sacrifices. Turn acts of self-denial into prayers by offering them for specific intentions. This practice strengthens your will and deepens your spiritual life.

Develop discipline. Understand that delayed gratification is crucial for success in all areas of life, from finances to relationships. By practicing self-control, we prepare ourselves for greater achievements and deeper satisfaction.

7. Seek Forgiveness and Healing through Reconciliation

We all have a great need for forgiveness and healing.

Regular confession. Make a habit of going to confession regularly. This sacrament not only offers forgiveness but also provides spiritual guidance and healing.

Self-awareness. Use confession as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Recognize patterns of sin and work on breaking destructive cycles.

Experience God's mercy. Allow yourself to fully receive God's forgiveness and mercy. Remember to be gentle with yourself, understanding that growth is a process.

8. Live as a Pilgrim, Not a Tourist

We are just passing through this place we call earth. We are pilgrims.

Adopt a pilgrim mindset. Approach life as a sacred journey rather than a series of experiences to be consumed. Look for meaning and growth in all situations.

Seek signs. Be open to God's guidance in your life journey. Look for signs of His presence and direction in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments.

Focus on eternity. Remember that our ultimate destination is heaven. This perspective helps prioritize what truly matters in life and reduces attachment to worldly concerns.

9. Let Your Light Shine and Serve Others

You have the perfect personality and talents to fulfill the mission God is entrusting to you.

Discover your mission. Recognize that God has given you unique talents and abilities for a specific purpose. Seek to understand how you can use these gifts to serve others and glorify God.

Overcome obstacles. Identify and address the factors that prevent you from fully expressing your gifts, such as fear, laziness, or self-doubt.

Serve powerfully. Understand that true happiness comes from serving others. Find ways to use your talents to make a positive impact on the world and the Church.

Last updated: October 5, 2024