12 Days of Happiness

The other day at the YMCA where we work out, they were passing out cards challenging us to participate in the 12 days of happiness.

With holiday busyness and the stress that often accompanies it, this is the Y’s way to encourage fitness of body, soul and mind. On the back of the card were “12 Suggested Self Care Activities.”

1. Visit YMCA
2. Y360-Meditation’
3. Read for Pleasure
4. Walk Outside
5. Write 5 things you are grateful for
6. Call a friend
7. Give a compliment
8. Cook a homemade meal
9. Journal
10. Make a donation
11. Take a class
12. Go to bed early.

These are all pretty good ideas, but I thought I would try my hand at suggesting 12 activities to sow the seed of and promote your happiness during the holidays.

#1 Pray every day.

In fact, you might want to be like the Old Testament prophet Daniel and pray 3 times a day–morning, noon, and night. Prayer will draw you closer to God. Focus your mind on spiritual matters. Provide peace. Reduce stress. Restore your soul. And help you express gratitude.

#2 Read the Bible every day.

If you don’t have a regular Bible reading program, then pick out 12 chapters to read and meditate on. If you’re not sure what to read, let me offer these 12 suggestions.

• Genesis 1
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 145
• Proverbs 1
• Ecclesiastes 12
• Luke 2
• Matthew 5
• Matthew 6
• Matthew 7
• Acts 2
• Romans 12
• 1 Corinthians 13

#3 Attend worship services on Sunday.

Just don’t attend church, but go to worship. Focus on the Lord with a fresh perspective. Put your heart into the service. And look for ways to apply God’s Word to your life.

#4 Look for people to whom you can offer an encouraging word.

George M. Adams called encouragement “oxygen to the soul.” Nothing breathes new life into a discouraged person like an encouraging word or deed. Don’t be a grumbling Scrouge this holiday season, be an encourager.

#5 Support a worthy charity.

Many groups today are asking for help to make the holidays brighter for a needy family, or a child just hoping for a Christmas gift. Even if it’s only a few dollars, do what you can to help.

#6 Reconnect with a friend.

It’s easy to lose touch with those from the past. Think of someone who would appreciate hearing from you and give them a call, send a text or email, or write a note.

#7 Perform a random act of kindness.

Sometime during the next 12 days, do something nice for a total stranger. Buy a coffee. Pay for their meal. Let someone ahead of you in line. Offer some assistance.

#8 Be a secret Santa.

Pick out someone you would like to surprise without revealing yourself. It’s doesn’t have to be an expensive gift. Just a little something to say, “I care.”

#9 Forgive someone who has hurt you.
Nothing will make you happier than to let go of a past slight, hurt or personal offense. Make amends in person if possible. If you’re holding some hidden grudge, give it up. Forgive. Forget. And move on.

#10 Listen to those around you.

Family, friends, neighbors, brethren–look to listen. To understand. Not necessarily to reply or give advice. But to really hear. Feel. And empathize with others.

#11 Make a decision to be happy.

“Happiness is a choice,” wrote Dr. Frank Minirth and Dr. Paul Meier. Abraham Lincoln was right, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Be happy.

#12 Find time for solitude.

Spend some time thinking. Meditating. Reflecting. Go outside. Go for walk. Get somewhere alone. Get inside yourself to remember what’s really important. To think about who you are, and who you want to be. To consider some goals for 2024.

Well, that’s my list. Maybe you’d like to make your own list. If you do, make it mentally, emotionally , as well as spiritually helpful. And be sure to include others.

12 Days of Happiness. Following these suggestions has the potential for creating 12 months of happiness in the coming year.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman