For me, happiness is a choice. I can CHOOSE to be happy or not happy, period. When things go “my way” I am not only happy but delighted, ecstatic, elated. And when things don’t go exactly the way I’ve planned or predicted, then I choose to be happy with the outcome; and I find ways to BE happy. That’s the “find the silver lining” gene in me. I share that as it’s a healthy, helpful way to live.
Abe Lincoln once said, “People are generally about as happy as they’re willing to be.” A Buddhist proverb tells us that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
I see people walking around with a sad face. Why? What on earth does that accomplish? It rained and I thought, “Cool, a new weather pattern!” People I passed on the street were scowling, rushing and generally griping about the rain. The way I see it, the trees and flowers took a drink; the atmosphere is cleaner; the streets got a bath; and we enjoyed a diverse weather hour.
Turn that frown upside down! Be happy, grateful and energized by the sun that followed the rain.
People are walking to work in the sunshine and getting exercise and fresh air. For those things they should BE happy. The secret is to find good in it all!
The two factors I attribute to happiness are: rewarding personal relationships and having a gratitude practice.
Surrounding yourself with optimistic, visionary friends offers so much in the way of council, enrichment, encouragement and peace. You can get through almost anything with good friends by your side. I share this example: I recently moved from a flat on the Corniche to the center of the city. With the unwavering help of our friend, all of our clothes, books, kitchen items, and rugs were moved in one day (actually from noon till dinner time) in his truck. He had a smile on his face every step of the way. It is through his generosity that we moved in glitch-less. I am uber grateful for him and his help. He could have complained, groaned and moaned, but he didn’t: he chose happiness instead. He was generous and grateful to help.
Another example involves choosing a practice of gratitude. When you look out the window, what do you see? Do you see buildings? The sea? The desert? Take a closer look and you see whatever you choose to see. I see buildings now where I used to see the ocean.I choose happiness because the buildings indicate homes for others, businesses for the city and streets of progress.
I choose happy as I experience the sunshine. This may sound corny and unrealistic, but I guarantee it helps to follow this philosophy rather than the opposite one of doom and gloom.
Newton’s third law of motion goes like this: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I believe this to be true regarding happiness.
You choose just how happy you will be. It really comes from within you. No one has the perfect day, year or life.
But everyone chooses the level of happiness they have. I choose happiness at every minute.
Not everything is fun, chores, work and taxes can drag your smile south. But if you spin it….doing chores can make you happy as you end up with a clean house, clean clothes and a lovely yard; work affords you cash flow, perhaps travel and friends; while taxes sustain your local economy.
Overall, choosing happiness is a winning way to live.
By Denise Schnitzer | @deniseschnitzer
