If you want to know how to be happy again, first know that it’s possible. This one-minute practice can help you shift out of a bad mood and into a more positive frame of mind, no matter what's got you in a funk right now. Try it, so you can move forward.

“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.” – Steve Maraboli

How to Be Happy Again in One Minute

The moment you see yourself in a bad mood, take a timeout.

Whatever you’re holding right now — revenge, anger, impatience, self-doubt, self-pity, regret — there’s one antidote that can help you get back to happy: forgiveness.

Forgive yourself.

"Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself." – Tony Robbins

You’re not perfect, and neither is anyone else. Show yourself some grace. Forgiveness has the power to transform anything negative into something positive.

By forgiving yourself (or at least holding the desire to forgive, even if you can't get there yet) you decide not to let pain define you or shape your future. You decide instead to let your life be defined by this moment.

That's some powerful stuff.

"Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on." – Steve Maraboli

If you can’t get to the feeling of forgiving yourself, use the word willing.

Try phrasing your forgiveness a little differently, for instance...

"I am willing to forgive myself for…

• being in this bad mood.
• what I just said.
• having this judgmental thought.
• being in attack mode.
• not being kind to myself.
• letting someone else influence my mood.
• not being strong enough to be kind in the face of someone else's unkindness.
• letting my emotions get the best of me.
• what I’m holding on to.
• believing I’m anything less than amazing.
• not knowing what I didn’t know before I learned it.
• messing up.
• reliving, rehearsing, and re-analyzing past hurts and mistakes.
• not knowing everything.
• thinking I should know it all.
• falling off track."

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sour moods happen. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself in the present moment, again and again.

. . .

Tell me:

How do you get out of a bad mood?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I’d love to know!

With love,

Jen

P.S. Need to stop taking stress to bed with you? Get my book Sleep Rituals for 100 at-home practices that are all about you + the present moment. You get meditations, recipes, ways to take care of your body and space. You'll sleep, and feel... better. Give yourself that grace.