5 ways to find happiness in life through the darkness

Life has taught us that living is not easy. Even our great Bible heroes experienced struggles and suffered. With God's love, darkness is not endless; it is a part of life that makes us stronger and encourages us to live brighter lives.

 MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Margaret Feinberg, a woman of great faith, has written a book containing inspirational tips for fighting pain and anguish, including examples of how she overcame a diagnoses with a difficult disease.

She chose to "Fight Back with Joy" and did not succumb to her weakening health. Instead she used positivity to fight back and drive her sense of well-being.

Here are a few tips she shared on how not to live in darkness, as highlighted on Crosswalk.com.

1. Genuinely smile at everyone.

Start by smiling at your reflection as you look into a mirror. Smile at everyone during breakfast. Studies show that smiling genuinely makes us more happy and productive. Offer that toothy grin to everyone you meet and work with, encouraging and making their day as well.

2. Laugh to your heart's content.

One way of making our bodies feel like we are enjoying life is to laugh -it is one of God's great miracles professed in our physicality. When we laugh, friendly chemicals in our brain, oxytocin and endorphin are released, which helps us better handle stress, pain and suffering.

3. Go with the music.

Hum, sing or rock out to your all-time favorite worship songs; it works much like laughter and can remedy feelings of loneliness and depression. In Feinberg's words, "Allow God's joy to flow in and through you."

4. Mourn to know joy.

Denying pain will not help you feel better. It is fine to mourn and pour out everything from the heart. Talk to Him about how you feel and He'll listen as a Father and as a true friend. Trust in God and you'll experience grief's stages with Him by your side until, together, you reawaken to your heart's happiness.

5. Give love.

Happiness is contagious and is something we can share freely. The more we spread joy, the more light we feel together and as individuals. With everyone smiling, darkness must leave!

Cheer up! God and all of us are here for you.

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