Things to ignore to be genuinely happy

No one wants to be unhappy. But some things around us affect our feelings and hinder us from becoming genuinely happy. 

Most of us ask ourselves about the things that could make us happy. However, have you ever wondered what makes you feel negative about life and yourself?

Moreover, we need to practice some habits to enjoy life with the people we love truly. The world is full of distractions, stress, and anxiety. 

Thus, it is our choice whether these factors devour us or ignore them and be happy.

Things we need to ignore to be genuinely happy

Things are out of control

One of the most significant hindrances to experiencing genuine happiness is that we try to control things beyond our control and capacity. 

We worry too much and think we can do everything to change the situation.

Nevertheless, when we try to surrender these things to God, it could lighten our burden. 

We must stop wasting our time and energy on things we cannot change. This way, we could avoid developing more severe conditions because of stress. 

Moreover, we cannot control how people behave and treat us, so why do we bother so much about them? 

The more we worry about their self-righteousness and manipulative behavior, the more we stop ourselves from being happy.

Comparing yourself to others

We see our lives as better than others whenever we compare them to others. 

Besides, we can never experience genuine happiness if we are too focused on counting on the blessings of others. 

We are unconsciously developing envy towards them, and we are pleased if something terrible happens to them. 

Thus, we must ignore comparisons to others because they also have struggles they may not show to the public. 

Stop comparing your life and what you have to others, and then you can appreciate your blessings. 

You would realize that there are many things for which you could be thankful every day. 

Ignore other’s opinion

If others’ opinions did not help you succeed, you must ignore them. The more we listen to them, the more we are eager to prove ourselves to them. 

More so, negative opinions about us would only lessen our self-esteem and demotivate us to achieve our goals. 

It is difficult to be happy when we lose self-confidence because of what other people think about us. 

Remember that people will never be satisfied; the more you please them, the more they will demand. 

Another, you cannot please everybody, so start ignoring opinions that would not make you a better person.

Ignore competition with others

Another factor hindering us from experiencing genuine happiness is competing with others. 

Some compete with their siblings, colleagues, or churchmates to prove they are better. 

However, the question is, does it make you happy when you feel you are better than anyone else? This behavior could only lead to distractions and might hurt others.

Furthermore, we do not get real happiness when others are hurt because of us. 

Those who compete with others are insecure about themselves. They think they must prove their worth so others may like and feel good about them.

Also, competing with others does not give you peace of mind or confidence in your identity.

Thus, ignore competing with others and compete with yourself. You have to think that you should be a better person than you were yesterday. 

The more you improve your personality, the closer you are to becoming genuinely happy about who you are.

Ignore your past

We can never undo our past, so why do you have to spend your time feeling guilty about your mistakes? 

We cannot move on if we keep dwelling on our history. Choose to step forward and leave what is behind. 

Isaiah 43:18 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” 

Your past could prevent you from experiencing genuine happiness. 

You do not have to keep punishing yourself for the things God has already forgiven you for since you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. 

Remember what happened on the cross two thousand years ago whenever your guilty feelings bother you. Jesus Christ died and was resurrected for us to be forgiven. 

God’s unfailing love had washed our sins away and kept no record of our wrongs.

Therefore, ignore your past and focus on your present to prepare for the future. 

Ignore petty things

Traffic jams, noisy neighbors, annoying colleagues, and stormy weather are some petty things that sometimes stop us from enjoying our day. 

There are many reasons for us to complain about life daily, yet when we ignore them, we realize there are many reasons to be grateful for. 

Our choice is ours, not our circumstances or the people around us. How we respond to situations and people could make us happy or not. 

Moreover, the more we entertain petty things daily, they grow more extensive, and we become frustrated every day. 

So, we must ignore them now rather than allow them to grow. Life is much more beautiful and meaningful when we forget petty things.

Ignore manipulative people

Every person knows someone manipulative. We get tired and annoyed whenever we use our time and energy to deal with these people. 

We are so affected by their presence, but they do not care at all about our feelings. So, why bother to think of them?

Ignoring manipulative people could mean setting boundaries so that you do not allow yourself to be affected by them. 

The best way to deal with manipulative and self-righteous people is to avoid them as much as possible.

You do not want to waste your time and energy listening to them when you know you have more important things to do.

Ignore overthinking

Overthinking is another reason why you cannot be genuinely happy. 

For instance, your husband may be making all the effort to make you happy, yet you still think he does that because he is cheating. 

Moreover, there is nothing good in overthinking since it could only make you insane and destroy your good relationships with your loved ones and other people. 

Try to filter your mind with good things instead of negative thoughts and take a break when you are starting to overthink about your future. 

Relax and take it easy to help you enjoy what is in front of you.

Ignore hatred

We could not help but be hurt by others. Ignoring being resentful towards others who broke us does not mean our feelings are invalid. 

However, the more we entertain ourselves and think about what they did, the more it stops us from becoming truly happy.

They say resentment or hatred is like drinking poison and wishing others will be killed. The person who has hurt us might not even remember what they did, but you cannot sleep because of them.

Though this may not be easy and would take time, choosing to ignore it daily could help us find peace and genuine happiness free from hatred. 

Little progress is better than no progress at all

The key to genuine happiness is more about being wise in every choice. Our decisions determine our joy. It is better to ignore these things daily until they become a habit.

More importantly, the beauty of life is knowing that God is real and present to help you overcome negative things and behaviors so you can live life to the fullest.