Being joyful about our lives can be a challenge, despite all of the good things we have. It’s all too easy to let the bad overshadow the good.

It seems like in the times that I should be thankful and praying even harder, I tend to let my prayer life slide. I let the things that are going wrong almost consume me. That’s no way to live.

In our lives, attitude is everything. People in history have accomplished amazing things, despite all odds being against them. They’ve accomplished these things because they had the right attitude. They chose to not let the things that were going wrong discourage them.

If joy is so essential, how can we maintain it?

• Refuse to let outside factors affect you. When things go wrong, we choose how much energy and effort we give to that thing. Our response effects how we respond to everything else in that moment. So when something bad happens to you, don’t let it ruin the rest of your day.
• Stay in a loving mindset. While there are many things in our lives that we cannot control, our mindset is one that we can. It’s a challenge, especially in the face of adversity, but it can be done.
• Remember that joy is essential in the spiritual life. Although we’re very reverent and reserved at Mass, let’s keep in mind that the Christian life is essentially meant to be a joyful one. Even though times may be tough, the battle is already won. We are not meant to be somber and sad, death is conquered!

Choose joy!

Tags: Virtue