Jay's Guide to Happy Life

This is kind of an awkward subject to talk about, but I feel compelled to share it.  A few weeks ago, I had a bit of a mini-revelation, realizing that I'd let my busy schedule, my stress about school, the constant digging up of emotion we do in class, and the self-consciousness that comes with living in this city and being a performer get to me.  I'm not always the person I really want to be; sometimes I look at myself (my attitude, the way I act toward others) and I'm a bit disappointed. So I spent that night praying and thinking, and I came up with this list:

JAY'S GUIDE TO HAPPY LIFE

1. Wear a rubber band on your wrist- Each time a negative thought enters your mind, snap the rubber band against your wrist. It's gonna sting. But you'll be amazed how quickly you stop thinking negatively. And it will help you realize how much negative thoughts you could get rid of during a day.
2. Devote yourself to what you do, whether it be school or work. No one can be fully satisfied halfway doing anything (If you can, you've got bigger problems than me). Take time each day to genuinely work on your 'craft' (And if you don't have a 'craft', get one!)
3. Confidence. You were created- CREATED, different from anyone else in the world. Special. Believe it.
4. Caring, Sympathetic kindness. Make an effort to become known for the good person you are.
5. Low, steady voice. This is kind of a personal one for me. Letting your voice give over to higher pitches shows insecurity. It's a problem of mine.... You can ignore it if you want. Awkward.
6. Exercise. DO IT. IT MAKES YOU HAPPIER, I PROMISE.
7. Smile! Make constant eye contact. Don't be afraid to touch people.
8. Be mysterious. It makes you all the more interesting.
9. Run from stereotype- Defy it!
10. Express yourself. It's a cliche, sure. But get out what you're feeling in some way: Sing, play, embrace your emotions.
11. Never be bored. Play a game. Ride a bike. Fly a kite. Make a painting. Read a book. Write a book. Etc.
12. Move on. One of my favorite quotes: "I chose and my world was shaken- So what? The choice may have been mistaken. The choosing was not. You keep moving on."
13. Trust in God. I guess if you're not 'religious', you can skip this one... but I wouldn't recommend it. There is nothing more true or real in my life than this. There is no one that gives me more comfort or hope or joy. "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

There you go. Take it or leave it. It's a big list with some tall orders, I know. And I definitely can't say I've been successfully living by each rule and having a perfect life since. But I put it up on my wall. And I will be reminded of it during the day (usually when I'm messing up!). And step by step I'm working on it. And maybe, hopefully I can display the person I was created to be, the person He wants me to be, just a little bit better each day.

Video/Song I'm currently listening to on replay: