Happiness is a Choice

I suppose it’s easy to say “I just want to be happy” We all have that hunger to be happy. But what does “happy” look like to you? It’s different for everyone. Before you can even think of being happy, you must be able to define it and make the conscious choice to be happy. Some may set goals and say “Once I lose 20 lbs, I’ll be happy” or “Once I am successful, I’ll be happy”. Really??  What you will eventually realize, is that you are just chasing after happiness and never being able to grab a hold and enjoy it.

Ask yourself “Is my glass half empty or half full?” Well… the answer is it really makes no difference. The reason being, is you have the pitcher to fill your glass as much as you desire. You are in charge.

If you think you’re not happy, you have the power to change that! What triggers you? Once you have defined “happiness” then change your mind set, your base line. Manifest what it looks like to you and cultivate that. You have to practice that mindset every day. It’s not based on your DNA or even your dreams. You can’t chase it. You visualize it and choose it. When you choose to be happy, there is a sense of contentment, and it has a trickle-down effect on others. You being joyful can cause others to feel joy as well. It goes full circle and activates and releases your endorphins.

There are times when life may seem to be an unfriendly and sinister place. You aren’t going to be happy all of the time and that’s not unhealthy. Be aware of the sadness or apathy. It’s okay. It’s all part of life. Its how you choose to move and navigate through it that will make a difference. You get to choose!

A famous author by the name of Shawn Achor talks about “Happiness Hygiene” He talks about things you can do every day to change your mind set. Here are just a few.

1. Create one single positive change in your life, each day and write it down.
2. Smile or say hello when passing someone, it changes your brain energy, and theirs.
3. Think of one meaningful experience that has happened,( it can be just a simple thing, like opening a door for someone) write it down.
4. Thank someone or acknowledge a job well done, via email, text, phone, or better yet face to face if available.
5. Find a few moments to be still and reflect. Write down three things that you are grateful for.

You may be reading this and thinking how will these things make ME happy? Well, all of these little tasks are conscious efforts that you are making, and you will actually feel gratified after doing them. It’s all in the mind set. Remember that happiness in your life starts and depends on the quality of your thoughts.