Did you know, joy and happiness can be found in something as simple as bumblebees gathering nectar?
Do you know someone who’s very negative? They constantly let you how bad everything is and never see any good. They suck the life, right out of you?
I remember a story about a guy named Sonny who had a friend who was very negative. He would constantly share his negative opinion with Sonny.
One day Sonny was able to purchase a dog that had a very special talent. It was able to walk on water. Sonny thought, there is no way his friend would have anything negative to say about his dog.
Sonny and his friend went duck hunting one day and they brought the dog with them. They shot their first duck and the dog jumped out of the boat and ran across the water to fetch the duck and bring it back to the men.
The negative friend didn’t say a word. The dog repeated this all day and the friend remained silent.
When the men returned home later that day Sonny asked his friend, did you notice or see anything about my new dog today? “Yes, I did,” answered the friend. “I notice your dog can’t swim!”
Recognize the good people and things in your life
Life has its challenges and I’m sure we all have had our moments. I know I have had mine. I believe one of the keys to enjoying life is to recognize the good people and good things that we have in our lives.
Moshe reminds us of this several times in Devarim. ושמחתה … Then you will rejoice with all the good that HaShem has given you and your household, you along with the Levite, and the proselyte. Devarim, 26:11. ושמחתם…You should rejoice before HaShem, your G-d: you, your sons, your daughters,… Devarim, 12:12. ואכלת ושבעת וברכת…You will eat and be satisfied. You must bless HaShem, your G-d, for the good land HaShem has given you. Devarim, 8:10.
Six things can increase happiness.
How can we bring happiness and joy into our lives? There are six things that can increase happiness in a person’s life according to an article in Healthline.
1. Eat a healthy diet. Studies have shown eating plenty of fruits and vegetables has helped increase happiness in life.
2. Exercise, especially aerobic or cardio can help increase happiness.
3. Do you enjoy being outdoors, a walk along the beach or maybe along a trail? Great, being outside can also increase your happiness.
4. How do you feel after a good night’s sleep? Getting adequate sleep can also increase your happiness.
5. Meditation and prayer can also increase your happiness by reducing stress.
6. One of the biggest ways to increase happiness is by being grateful.
In addition to reciting a blessing before we eat, we also recite ברבת המזן (blessing after eating) to express our gratitude and thanks to HaShem.
This article also listed several health benefits that you can experience by increasing happiness and joy in your life. Some of these benefits include:
1, a stronger immune system
2. reduction of stress
3. lower blood pressure
4. increased life expectancy.
Happiness and joy are very important. It can be difficult to experience joy and happiness, especially when we go through the struggles and challenges of life. However, something as simple as watching bumblebees gather nectar from sunflowers can bring you joy, as it did for my wife and me the other day.
Perhaps mending a broken relationship can add some happiness to your life. As we continue in this season of self- reflection, let us be mindful of all the things that we can be grateful for and appreciate. What are some things that you are grateful for?
Thank you for reading. Please check out my Youtube channel at Rabbi Gamliel Respes and become a part of my email community.
Rabbi Gamliel Respes is a life coach and writer. He lives with his wife in Philadelphia. He enjoys sharing his love of the Torah and inspiring people to be their best. He is available to lecture for your group.
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