Pursuit of Happiness

"There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do."

 

This has been one of my favorite quotes for a long time.

My mom Annette has had this quote somewhere in our house (or car) for as long as I can remember and it is as true as ever!

 

I have been thinking about how it is that people are happy and I have decided that happiness is very much related to doing (in a balanced way of course).

Being happy takes work and effort, which can be hard for some people.

Happiness is not the easy way out.  You have to make it happen.

The feeling of having no purpose and getting stuck not doing anything or not caring is what I think leads to most unhappiness.  Becoming to comfortable with being in one place keeps us from progressing and moving forward.  Those people who don't want to try to do anything hard or want the easy way out will never feel fulfilled in their life.

A little bit of stress in life is good! It is what moves us to success.

The bad times we go through help make the good times even better and we will appreciate the happiness that we had to pursue in order to attain.  Our attitude towards trials defines our sense of joy.  We are to endure WELL. 
Deciding to see the big picture and focus on what is really important brings happiness. 

Having goals to work towards and accomplishing things that help us progress brings happiness. 
"The happiest people are those who do the most for others."
 

I believe that true happiness in this life can only be achieved by living the teachings of the gospel.

Living worthy to enter the temple is not easy sometimes, but knowing that that is our purpose in life can make it easier.
The path we choose to be on matters so much when we have somewhere we want to get to.

The blessings we receive from going to the temple are worth every effort and sacrifice.
Eternal life and exaltation,  comfort and guidance from the Holy Ghost, access to the Atonement through repentance, eternal families, strength and comfort to overcome trials, and knowing that you are a loved child of God are priceless!

The plan of happiness is just that, it's a plan of things to DO in order to be happy.

"Teach me all that I must DO, to live with Him someday."

 

Families are forever = FALSE

Families can be together forever = TRUE

Eternal families don't just happen.  They take a lifetime of sacrifice and effort to continue after this life.  Why?  Because they bring us happiness and that is worth it!  If someone doesn't meet the conditions of the promise of eternal families then God can't hold up his end of it.  That is why it is so important to help each person to become like Heavenly Father.

Believe that God loves you and recognize His hand in your life, then do what it takes to show Him that you love Him.  There is no opinion more important than His in your life.
Live what you believe, if not for God then at least for your own happiness :)