Can You Achieve Happiness by Faking It?

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Have you ever smiled when you really felt like crying? Smiling in the midst of personal hardship is difficult to do but the results are much better than if you frown.

There situational events that occur in life that truly tests your strength, courage, and fortitude. These life events threaten to destroy the happiness you've worked so hard to find.

Although the word, “fake” implies that you’re being deceitful, it may be a good tactic to use when you’re feeling low in spirit and need a boost to your well-being.

Being Uncomfortable

Most of us are uncomfortable with not telling the truth so the idea of smiling like everything in your life is peachy may feel a bit uneasy at first. But, going through the day while fighting internally to remain positive – even though you may feel the complete opposite – can actually ignite feelings of happiness.

“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” by Budda

Do any of these phrases sound familiar? “Grin and bear it,” and “Turn your smile upside down,” are just a couple of cliché phrases that indicate you should smile when you don’t really feel it – but eventually the feeling will begin to feel real.

Research Shows

Dozens of studies have been performed on the topic of happiness. One telling study required individuals to hold a pencil in their teeth which caused them to smile – while other persons were asked to hold the pencil with their lips, mimicking a frown.

Then, both groups were asked to look at cartoons. Those with the fake smiles rated the cartoons much funnier than those with frowns, indicating that even fake smiles can cause a higher level of happiness.

A recent test on those whose abilities to frown were impaired by Botox injections were happier than those who could frown easily. That study also indicates that even a fake smile is better than none at all.

At All Costs – Be Happy

Those who lack confidence are sometimes told by counselors and life coaches to fake self-esteem and confidence – just to see how it feels. Those who act more confidently than they feel are better able to project confidence to others.

Know that you don’t need to be happy all the time. Having periods of being unhappy can better help you focus on what needs to be changed in your life so you can recognize happiness when you do find it.

“We can’t control the world. We can only (barely) control our own reactions to it. Happiness is largely a choice, not a right or entitlement.”
– David C. Hill

Finding a “happy balance” is a better way to pursue happiness and help you cope with anything that comes your way. By recognizing the emotions you’re feeling, you will become much better at coping with them.

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Victoria M. Parham

Victoria Parham (VP) is a woman of compassion, vision, faith, and purpose, she believes in meeting people where they are in their lives and offers a no-nonsense approach in her message, training, and coaching style.

Outspoken, wise, direct, thoughtful, and sometimes provocative, her message is always with love and respect. Victoria knows from her own experiences that we all have the power within us to make decisions and choices that can lead to living an authentic life that is enriching, filled with purpose, personal satisfaction, on-going growth, joy, and gratitude.Victoria believes that when we discover who we truly are, only then can we become our most authentic selves.

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