10 Ways to Change from Feeling Crappy to Feeling Happy

Photo by etherlore


Written by Raymond Salas

Are you having trouble finding your “happy place”?

Are you upset? 

Angry? 

Sad? 

Depressed?

Lonely?

Or do you just feel plain crappy for no apparent reason?

If so, here are ten things that can help:

10 Ways to Change from Feeling Crappy to Feeling Happy

...or “How to Turn that Frown Upside-down.”

Forgive yourself. Forgive others. If you have any unforgiveness in your heart, realize that it is a poison that only hurts you. Forgiveness is the antidote. If you’re not willing to forgive, then you will be energetically bound and shackled to the person(s), situation, etc. until you do. Until then, you will never be truly free.

Do something for someone else. Give to those in need or those less fortunate than yourself. It will lift their spirits and yours too. You’ll feel better. Less depressed. You’ll be helping others and as an added bonus...you will shift your energy positively in the process. 
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”  
- the Dalai Lama

Be with nature. Go outside. Join with nature...at a park, or the ocean, or a lake, or a mountain, or even in your own backyard (if you have one). Do some gardening. Plant a tree, flower, or house plant. Go for a hike. Pick up some litter. Love Mother Earth and she will love you back in return.

Smile more. Be friendly. Smile big. Even if you’re not feeling it. Fake it until you make it. Like the Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh observed, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” So show those pearly whites. Not in a way that says “Hi, I’m creepy.” In a way that says “Hi, I’m  genuine and friendly.” Think Mr. Rogers. 
Let go of negativity. Easy to say, I know. But how? Stop complaining, gossiping, judging and condemning. In other words, stop being a crab ass...and stay away from others who choose to be one. Refrain from joining any pity parties or bitch sessions. It won’t help. It will only make you feel worse by magnifying what’s already bothering you. Let go of your story, the one that doesn't feel good. Focus your energy instead on solutions, not your problems. Look for opportunities. Awaken your creativity.

Choose peace. Don’t know how? Here’s a way: Whenever deciding anything or before taking any action, ask yourself: “What would bring me the greatest peace now? To do what?” Whatever answer comes to you in that moment, choose to do that (as long as it doesn’t harm or infringe on the rights of anyone else). Every time you do this, you will be aligned with your intention of peace. You will be consciously choosing peace.

Be grateful. Before going to sleep each night, think of 3-5 things that you were grateful for from that day. In relationships, try to focus only on what you really appreciate and like about the people in your life, instead of what’s wrong with them or what bothers you about them. But what if you can’t find something good? Then, maybe they shouldn’t be in your life much, if at all.

Simplify your life as much as possible. Let go of everything you’ve outgrown, no longer use or enjoy...whatever has lost its meaning or purpose in your life. Yes, this can include jobs and relationships too, not just physical stuff. You probably already know what these things are. So let them go now, if you haven't already. Clear the clutter of your mind, heart, and home. Make space for something new to come into your life, everything that is a match to who you are now or who you would like to become.

Find a way to express your passion, whatever gives you joy. Make a list of the things that you really love and enjoy. Put down whatever comes to mind first, without analyzing or thinking about it too much. Next, highlight all of the items on that list that you haven’t done or enjoyed in the last six months or longer. Then, take action and incorporate these things back into your life, one at a time. But go easy with this process, don’t rush or force it. Have fun with it.

Be willing to see things differently. If you’re not willing to see things differently, nothing will change for you. If you are willing, EVERYTHING will change for you. Regardless of why you may not be feeling good at the moment, a change in perception is all you need. This is what a miracle is defined as: a change in perception. Your willingness makes it possible. Dr. Wayne Dyer summed it up best: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” 

Go forth now and be free. 

Happy trails!