If you’ve ever seen someone who always looks unhappy and mournful, it may be because of their attitude. God gave life as a gift; He wants us to enjoy it and make the most of it. A positive frame of mind enriches all of our friendships and dating relationships; more people want to be around a happy person than a miserable one. Someone who makes lemonade when life gives them lemons may be allowing biblical principles to govern their attitude.

Life will always have its ups and downs. How we process what happens colors our perceptions. God wants us to be happy, but He lets us decide whether we are or aren’t. “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19, NLT). We can either view our lives as a series of unfortunate events or as an exciting adventure.

Maintaining a good attitude makes each day go by smoother. Giving our best effort in everything we do causes us to stand out. Regardless of how others treat us, letting the proper motives guide us often sets us apart from others. “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23, AMPC). A joyful heart affects how we view our surroundings and the people around us. “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).

Our outlook determines the quality of our lives. The proverbial glass can either be half full or half empty, depending on whether we choose to be optimistic or pessimistic. When we face disappointment, counting our blessings helps us keep our perspective. “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another” (John 1:16, NLT). Sometimes it even helps to pause and make a list of all the good things we have but take for granted, and give thanks for them.

God’s blessings come in many different forms, and whether or not we recognize them can depend on whether we’re actively looking for them. Joy and peace of mind are blessings that many people don’t have because of a mindset that goes against His will for us. When we ask God to guide us in every situation and in all our friendships, and we trust Him in this area, He’ll honor that request. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

We can lose our joy when we get so caught up in our busy schedules that we forget to stop and notice the little things. If we’re focused on what makes us stressed and anxious, we might completely overlook something like a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a field of flowers, a rainbow, or a warm spring breeze. These aren’t just small, insignificant details, but God’s way of reminding us of His presence. “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the Lord…” (Psalm 96:11-13). Capturing some of that joy just when we need it makes life sweeter.