You
can find a hack for just about anything these days. The term “hack”
in this instance is used to describe taking something that already
exists for one purpose and either improving it or finding another use
for it. It’s basically rethinking the way you use the common
things around you.
Over
the past several years these ideas have been dubbed “life
hacks” because they make life better. Their popularity has
increased so much that you can take just about any object, google it
with the word “hack,” and find an easy way to turn it
into something else.
If
you can hack (rethink) the way you use simple objects to make life
better, then you can also rework who you are by hacking what you do.
Instead of using life hacks on things, you can hack meaning into your
life.
Hack
what you listen to. Music can bring a wide range of thoughts and
emotions into a person’s mind and body. Hack your music library
to bring positive messages into your life.
Have
you paid attention to the lyrics of the songs in your playlist? How
about the songs on your kids’ playlists? Finding the lyrics to
songs online is easy and you may be surprised at how some of the
upbeat songs you thought were fun, are actually kind of depressing.
The reverse can also be true, so listen to the beat and melody and
hack those that are not uplifting.
Hack
your food. What you eat affects your health. Do you eat a wide
variety of foods and drink plenty of water? Are you aware of what
triggers you to eat? Do you eat only when you are hungry or at other
times as well? Are there foods you should stop buying so you will eat
more healthy ones? You don’t need to be obsessed with organic
food, cut out desserts, or read every label. Just find a nice
balance.
Hack
your habits. Think about your everyday routines. Are you getting
enough sleep or staying up too late? Do you keep yourself and your
surroundings clean? Is there anything that you need to keep
functioning? Has it become an addiction? Are you aware of how you
spend your money?
Do
those around you consider you an optimist or pessimist? You can
improve your relationships with others by evaluating and improving
your behavior.
Hack
what you look at. Everything you look at determines what you will
think about. Are you reading thoughtful, imaginative, spiritual, or
well-informed writing? How do the images you see on your screens make
you feel? Do they invite peace or discontent to your soul?
Do
the shows and movies you are watching bring a good spirit? Are the
games you play improving your mind? Your thoughts control what you
say and do, so watch for things that reinforce who you want to be.
Hack
the way you spend your time. What you do is the best indicator of who
you really are. Do you exercise your mind and body? Have you found a
hobby or activity that you find rewarding? Is there a time you allow
yourself to relax?
Do
you go to spiritual places like the church and temple? When do you
pray and read scriptures? How do you keep in touch with friends and
family? Schedule something you want to enjoy doing more often on your
calendar so you will be sure to do it.
If
what you want is a happier life: There’s a hack for that.
Amy Stevenson grew up in central California but ventured to Utah to receive a bachelor's degree
in human development from Brigham Young University. She has been using her degree every
day since then as a stay-at-home-mom to her son and three daughters.
She believes that parenting is more than telling children, "Be good!" It is about surrounding
ourselves with good things, and then acting in a way that reflects the good we have found. She
has always enjoyed discovering how people become who they are and has a blog where she
shares clean, good, uplifting ideas and resources for children and families in hopes of helping
them become their best selves.
Along with her husband and children she has lived in nine different cities in three states, which
has taught her that people are good everywhere and there is something to learn from every
experience. She and her family now live in Simi Valley, California -- and hope to stay there.
Amy serves as a ward missionary and teaches the gospel principles class.