The secret lies in work but not working toward a specific thing.

How many times have you told yourself, "I will be happy when I get the job of my dreams"? Or "I will be happy when I can finally get him to commit"?

According to Arthur Brooks in a talk about the secret to happiness, 40 percent of people's happiness comes from life-changing events, such as getting married or landing a dream job. However, he also states that kind of happiness isn't long-lasting. On average it will only last six months.

The secret to happiness is working to create successful habits in your everyday life. Working a little harder in these four specific areas can change your life for the better:

1. Strengthen your faith

Strengthening your faith takes work. Waiting around and looking at the sky isn't going to give you strong enough faith to find happiness. It takes effort, by creating some simple everyday habits.

These habits include daily prayer and Bible study, as well as meditating on the things you learn and the answers you receive. It also includes going to church and learning from others. The more daily effort you put into growing your faith the happier your life will be.

In an article by W. Bradford Wilcox about religion, he explains that recent research shows people who are actively pursuing their faith are 10 percent more likely to say they are "very happy" in their marriages and in their lives.

Work to build your faith, and you will slowly recognize how much happier you are.

2. Make your marriage your top priority

Your spouse is your No. 1 priority. He or she should be at the forefront of all your thoughts and actions. Having a happy marriage takes work. Arguments always arise and something will always annoy you. Communicate with your spouse and work through your issues together. Take her on dates. Tell him how much you appreciate him. Make a daily effort to fall in love with your spouse every day. Then the old saying will ring true: "Happy marriage, happy life."

3. Serve in your community

Serving others is the fastest way to bring happiness into your life. The challenge comes with constant service. It takes consistent service to have a lasting impact.

Set aside one hour a week to serve others. It can be as simple as helping your elderly neighbor do her grocery shopping, volunteering at a local food bank or writing get-well cards for children who are sick in the hospital.

If you consistently give one hour a week you will gradually see an improvement in your life and your happiness.

4. Find a job you love

Find a job that allows you to create value in your life and value in the lives of others. This will bring you the greatest amount of happiness, not the amount of money you earn.

In the same talk by Brooks, he says money only creates happiness for those who live below the poverty line. For those who are financially stable, happiness is not found in money but in earning success or creating a benefit in your life and the lives of others.

When looking for a job, find a job that you can't wait to jump out of bed in the morning to go to. Work to create value for yourself and for others, and happiness will soon follow.

The secret to happiness lies in work. If you put in a little extra effort to create everyday habits that improve your faith, marriage, community and job, you will soon realize you are a happy person.

To learn more about how you can achieve happiness, check out the American Enterprise Institute on Facebook. It is an organization devoted to providing information so people can improve not just their lives and those of their families, but society as a whole.

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Have you ever had those slumps of unhappiness? Slumps of time where all you see around you are happy people and you are sitting there thinking why I can't have their life. They seem so happy.

The thing to remember is their life is no easier than yours. Everyone has their own trials. What makes the difference is remembering that this life is meant to be amazing. Life is meant to be enjoyed through the good and hard times.

To help you find the joy you are missing take note of these seven things that happy people do every single day:

1. Meditate

Many times in the hustle and bustle of the everyday, you can get lost in all of the "have to-dos" that you can become stressed and upset. Finding at least 10 minutes where you can sit and clear your mind can change your day from stressful to peaceful. People who are sincerely happy know this to be true.

Look for a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Then begin to focus on your breathing. Slowly breathe in and out. Then slowly, but surely, your mind will begin to clear. At the end of a 10 minute period, you will be relaxed and strengthened.

2. Pray for something more than themselves

Happy people are always wishing that their friends and family can have wonderful lives as well. So, every day they get on their knees and pray for them more than themselves.

This is a good way to remember all those in your life who support and love you. Then the feeling of loneliness will be swept away because you truly know that you are not alone. Try it!

Tonight as you kneel to pray, spend more time praying for those who you love more than yourself. Then spend time afterwards reminding yourself that those people are by your side no matter what happens. Yes, a smile will soon appear on your face.

3. Show gratitude to everyone they meet

Have you ever met a person who tells everyone they meet thank you, and they mean it? This person seems to radiate kindness everywhere they go. You probably sit there asking yourself, why he or she can't stop smiling?!

Well, showing gratitude and seeing people for who they really are (a person with thoughts and feelings) does bring happiness. The moment you realize that the person you are speaking to matters brightens your life.

Once again give it a try. Spend an entire day treating every person you talk to like they matter. Listen to what they have to say. Compliment them on how they look. Treat them like human beings. Then at the end of the day, take note on how you feel. It is almost guaranteed that you will be happy.

4. Exercise

Getting up and moving the body helps relieve stress and helps improve self-esteem no matter the body type. This is why people who run experience a "runner's high." Getting up and moving the body brings happiness. People who enjoy life are definitely not sitting on their couch watching others enjoy it. They are up moving.

Get off the couch and put down the Netflix. Go for a walk, a hike, or a swim. Do some yoga, weightlifting, or ride a bike. Whatever it is get up and move. After you exercise, you will feel better. The more you do it the happier you will be.

5. Find joy in their work

There is an old saying that says, "If you find a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life." That for the most part is true. Working brings more value and gratification to someone's life than any other thing. People who are happy love their job, and they can't wait to get out of bed in the morning to go to work.

Find a job that you love. Look for work that brings value to your life. If you do, you will see that your life will automatically become a life full of happiness.

6. Spend time doing something absolutely silly

Laughter is life's best medicine. People who are happy try to laugh as much as possible. They will even go to great lengths to do something silly so that everyone can join in on the fun.

Spend at least 10 minutes every day doing something that is absolutely silly. This could be having a dance party in your living room, having a nerf gun fight in the office, or inventing a song based on the thoughts you are having. Let loose and have fun. Not only will you create memories that you will never forget, but you will have something to look forward to everyday that will make you laugh.

7. Bring a smile to at least one person

Nothing will change your life faster than giving of your time to help someone in need. Happy people always look to serve and bring happiness to others. This is what brings them the greatest joy. Whether it is helping their children with their homework, or helping the widow down the street do her grocery shopping, they find joy in the moments to serve. This is what truly warms their heart.

Everyday look to find someone in which you can serve. It doesn't have to be big. It can be simply opening the door for everyone you meet, or saying hi and smiling to everyone you walk past on your walk into the office. It could even be helping your four year-old master tying his or her shoes. Just look for moments to step out of your bubble and help.

Not only will you have helped someone who needed it, but you will also see that serving is what brings you the most happiness.

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Nothing is more romantic than sharing an adventure with the love of your life. These adventures are moments that bring you closer together. When you are old and grey, you both will be able to look back and say the life you shared was truly something of a legend.

Here are 15 adventures to add to the love story you are currently writing:

1. Do something completely outside of the box (like having a date while hanging from a tree).

2. Camp out on the beach

3. Share a breathtaking moment under the stars

4. Travel to a foreign land together

5. Cook a meal together

6. Go on a moonlight boat ride

7. Raise a puppy together

8. Take an epic road trip

9. Have a romantic dinner for two at a fancy restaurant

10. Go on a hike to a secluded place

11. Share a romantic kiss on top of a ferris wheel

12. Travel to a waterfall (nothing more romantic than that)

13. Experience something thrilling together

14. Go on a trip to the wild together

15. Go on a crazy motorcycle ride

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Every person has things they want to do before they "kick the bucket." Every woman deserves to have a life full of unforgettable moments-moments that range from taking your breath away to moments that add to the person you are. Don't hesitate to start creating and checking off your bucket list.

Here are 19 things that should be included on your bucket list to make your life incredible:

1. Have a pit-in-your-stomach kind of moment

2. Travel somewhere amazing

3. Conquer a mountain

4. Chill on a beach

5. Paraglide above Hawaii

6. Take a selfie with an elephant

7. Enjoy floating lanterns like this

8. Ride in a hot air balloon

9. Learn a new talent

10. Have a breathtaking moment with the man you love

11. Go on a crazy adventure with a group of friends

12. Eat something outrageous

13. Be sure to have a furry friend

14. Drive a fancy car at least once

15. Grow old with the love of your life

16. Have a family of your very own

17. Witness as many sunsets as possible

18. Take a once-in-a-lifetime road trip

19. Grow something nutritious

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If you find that you're a little rusty, VISR created a free app to help you monitor your child's social media use. Equipped with easy-to-use features, VISR alerts you about any inappropriate content you child posts or is posted about them. Download VISR in the App Store or Google Play today!

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It can be difficult to know what God wants from you. It is even more difficult when everyone around you have gotten answers to their prayers....but you feel and hear nothing.

The thing to remember is that God is always talking. The little things we do everyday are the things that can prevent us from hearing Him.

Take note of these seven things keeping you from receiving answers to your prayers:

Withholding forgiveness

Jesus himself taught that we must forgive 7 X 70 times. Withholding forgiveness prevents you from progressing towards God. It also slowly damages your spirit.

Forgiveness is hard to do, however. If you make the goal to forgive those who have hurt you, you will feel more of the Spirit of God in your heart. As you work towards that goal, you will be able to feel His love for you, and receive the answers you long to hear.

Pride

Thinking, "I can do it myself" lets God know that He isn't important in your life. You must look to Him and trust in Him daily. The number one thing God wants is for you to make a conscious effort to choose Him every day.

Though you might be a strong and capable person, put aside your pride and kneel in prayer every day and discuss with God everything that is happening in your life. He wants to hear about your troubles and your successes. He won't make a move to help until you humble yourself and ask.

Everyday distractions

With the hustle and bustle of the everyday, it's difficult to think straight let alone listen to what God has to say. There is an old saying that says if we are too busy to pray and study the Bible, then we are far busier than God ever intended for us to be.

Take the time to kneel down every day to pour out your heart to God. Then sit and listen afterwards. God wants to answer your prayers, but many times we rush through our prayers and do not give Him the time He deserves. Give God the time He needs to talk to you, and you will notice His guiding hand.

Feelings inadequate

Everyone is human. Many times we take the wrong road and make mistakes. Sinning doesn't mean all is lost. Don't let feelings of inadequacy prevent you from reaching out to God. He loves you no matter what you have done. He will always be there for you. By reaching out to Him and opening your heart, He will comfort you during your hardships and help heal you.

Lack of Trust

If you don't believe an answer will come, God won't send one. You must act in faith. This means acting and knowing that He will eventually answer and lead you to where you need to be. At times, it is difficult to trust someone you can't see, but it is worth the leap. God wants to be by your side. Trusting Him with your whole heart will open your ears to what He needs to tell you.

Misunderstanding how God speaks

Several times when we pray, we are expecting a grand gesture or huge sign from God. God usually doesn't speak like that. He speaks through thoughts and feelings.

When you pray and immediately feel peace and calmness, that is God telling you He is there. When you ask for something and feel uncomfortable, then maybe He is telling you "no" or "not now". If a thought comes to your mind telling you to do something, it could be God telling you to do it.

Pay attention to the little things you do each day that could be preventing you from hearing God. When you study the Bible and pray, pay attention to your feelings and thoughts. That is when God will speak to you the most. By cutting out distractions and eliminating bad habits like pride, you will hear God. Over time, you will know that God is talking to you everyday, and that He loves and cares for you.

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Your husband is a pretty great person. The moment you said "I do," he became yours for forever. You wouldn't have it any other way.

Here are nine romantic quotes that perfectly describe your one true love:

1. " And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you. " - The Chaos of Stars

Your husband is the kind of man who chooses to spend time with you. He can't wait to see you after a long day at work. When he walks through the door, all he wants to do is give you a giant hug and kiss.

2. " It feels amazing to be touched by the person who understands your mind, the person who acknowledges your flaws and loves your soul." - Unknown

Your husband knows you. He knows all your flaws and still thinks you are an amazing woman. He always wonders why he got so lucky to be the man who got to marry you.

3. " What I have with you, I don't want to have with anyone else." - Unknown

Your man only has eyes for you. He thinks his life is perfect with you by his side. Life with you is all the happiness he would ever need or want.

4. " Imagine a man so focused on God that the only reason he looked up to see you is because he heard God say, 'That's her.'" - Unknown

He is a man that finds strength in his faith. While he looks to God, he is overjoyed that you are by his side. He knows that God had to make you for him to ever find happiness in this life.

5. " When I look into his eyes, I don't see a perfection. I don't see a love story that would necessarily be something people would watch a big screen and dream about. I see someone who will fight for me and protect me and love me in spite of all the ways I am still a wreck. I see home. Wherever he is, that's my home." - Melanie Shankle

Your husband is a man that fights for you, all he wants is to protect you from all the bad that exists. Your love story might not be perfect, but in his eyes you are home and you are his perfect someone.

6. " If he makes you laugh, kisses your forehead, says he's sorry, makes an effort, holds your hand, works hard and attempts to understand you then, believe it or not, he's quite perfect." - Unknown

You always laugh around him. He always admits when he is wrong and makes a sincere effort to be the man you need. Making you happy is what he lives for.

7. " No matter how serious life gets, you still gotta have that one person you can be completely stupid with." - Unknown

You can be your true self around him. You both are silly people, and having fun together is what makes his life extraordinary. Make sure to document all the crazy adventures you both share.

8. " There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live just a little bit better." - Unknown

When you are around him, life is better. He is the guy who makes you laugh and smile and enjoy everything life has to offer.

9. " And just like that he picked her up and dusted her off, without even trying. That's how their love was. When she was at her worst, he saw her at her best." - Unknown

No matter how you see yourself, in his eyes you will always be the amazing woman he married. He can't wait to spend forever with you, and every day to him is a lucky day because he begins it with you by his side.

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VISR works to help facilitate discussions with your children about their social media use, no matter what social media persona they are. Full of easy to use features and usage alerts, the VISR app will help you become a better parent in the ever-changing world of social media.

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Here are 6 ways you are disrespecting others and you don't even realize it:

1. Sarcasm

Sarcasm can be witty, but there is a fine line between humorous and hurtful. Once you cross that line, you are no longer funny. It is disrespectful.

Pay attention to the recipient's reaction. The moment you say something that hurts them, their mannerisms will shift. They might throw their head back in shock, turn their body slightly away from you or cross their arms.

If you see any of these signs, ask them if you went to far. If they say yes, quickly apologize and explain that you meant no harm by what you said.

2. Yelling

Nothing is more frustrating for a parent than when a child is disobedient. But you can't teach a child respect while yelling at them. You would never think about yelling at another adult, but you might yell at your kids for not being good. The moment you begin to raise your voice in anger, you have crossed the line from respect to disrespect.

Try to stay calm when speaking to your children. They are more willing to listen when you are calm than when you are angry. The best way to teach a child about respect is by being respectful.

3. Complaining

Everyone likes a good gab session. A night out with friends is the perfect opportunity to talk about life and catch up on the latest gossip. However, you need to be careful, because the moment you begin to speak badly about your spouse is the moment you disrespect your partner.

It is always a good rule of thumb to keep your marriage problems within your marriage. No matter how much you want to talk about how annoying your spouse can be, avoid it at all costs. Respect your spouse in and out of his or her presence.

4. Unknowingly Advising

How many times have you been in a conversation when the person you're talking to is only looking for a way to interrupt and say what he or she wants to say? Or they only want to give you advice, but it is far from what you wanted or needed. If they had only sat and listened, they would have understood what you actually needed.

If someone comes to you with a problem, looking for advice, pay close attention to his or her words. Try to understand the problem. Don't interrupt or only think of your reply - just sit and listen.

5. Texting

One of the most disrespectful things you can do is to let yourself be distracted by your phone while someone is trying to talk to you. It shows that you really don't care about the conversation. Is the text you just received really more important than the person you're talking to?

In a world where everyone is attached to his or her phone, these moments are bound to happen. It is a problem we all face. If you're in a conversation, and you hear a notification, just silence your phone. Whatever it is can wait five minutes until the conversation is over.

6. Domineering

Have you ever been in a conversation when you wanted to say something, but never could? Or you mention something about your life, but the other person just shrugs it off?

A conversation is always two-sided. One person speaks, then the other responds. It's all about sharing ideas and experiences. It isn't fair or respectful to keep the conversation one-sided.

Take interest in the life and concerns of the other person. Definitely take the time to talk about yourself, but always give the other person the opportunity to speak and talk about their life as well.

_At Brigham Young University (BYU), we believe in showing respect to all people. By creating a unique environment where everyone can be heard and respected, BYU has become the premier location to continue your education. With 85 plus graduate programs, and a small student to teacher ratio, BYU aims to equip every student with the necessary tools to find success in their professional and personal lives. For more information visit graduatestudies.byu.edu.

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In the hustle and bustle of everyday, days can run together and become bland. Then, when you least expect it, years have passed, and all you have is regrets. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Even during the hardest of trials, there is always something positive that you can hold on to.

Here are 11 quotes to help you let go of the everyday stress and busyness so that you can enjoy everything life has to offer.

"Enjoy every single moment. The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the inspiring, the not-so-glamorous moments, and thank God through it all."- Unknown

"The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself so you might as well enjoy the company."-Diane Von Furstenberg

"Every time you get upset at something, ask yourself if you were to die tomorrow, was it worth wasting your time being angry?"- Unknown

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

- Mother Teresa

"You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens." - Unknown

"The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you: your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write, and draw, and build, and play, and dance and live only as you can."- Unknown

"I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life."- Kerry Washington

"Life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride."

- Gary Allan

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while you could miss it."- Ferris Bueller

"Worrying won't stop bad stuff from happening; it just stops you from enjoying the good."-Unknown

"Take it all one day at a time and enjoy the journey."

- Kristi Bartlett

Take the time to enjoy the small moments. Whether it's a giant kiss on the cheek from your kids, or a walk along the riverside throwing rocks in the river as you go. Take a break, and remember that life only happens once. So, make it the best life ever.

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