Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it. ~ Groucho Marx
Happiness is a choice you make from within.
Choosing to be happy is like finding and buying a new pair shoes; you want them to fit well, feel good, look great and make a statement about who you are.
If the shoes were uncomfortable and looked bad on your feet, purchasing them would not be a choice you would make. So why choose emotions that make you feel as if you are wearing the wrong shoes?
Sometimes something or someone in your life elicits feeling of unhappiness or anger. That is only natural. We are only human, after all. It isn’t wrong to feel angry or upset. Dwelling on the bad feelings or allowing anger to simmer for too long is when the problems arise.
In the midst of anger, making a conscious decision to find something to be happy about can be beneficial and change the tide. By acknowledging your anger, then choosing to move on, you become the one in control – not the other person, not your emotions – YOU.
When controlling your choices, you are more likely to act instead of React. More often than not, reactions are fear based and are our natural defense mechanism. However, they rarely serve you well.
By making mindful choices and finding something happy, you are taking back control.
We can all always choose happiness and here are some tips.
Enjoy the little things – Nature provides so many opportunities. A beautiful sunrise or sunset, hearing children at play, a flower garden, time spent with our beloved animals, a walk in the rain, on the beach, the list is endless when we really think about it. One of my greatest joys is seeing my child smile, even more especially if I was somehow responsible for that smile! ::giggle::
Be around happy people – Moods and feelings are extremely contagious. When we choose to hang around happy people, it rubs off on us. Or decide to become one of them.
Embrace change – Change unnerves some people; however, change happens whether we want it to or not. Practice being open and flexible and change will no longer be perturbing. Once we concede change is inevitable, it is easier to go with the flow and even embrace it.
Be grateful – When we engage in noticing and enjoying the small things, the next step is to acknowledge and assign gratitude. Once you begin this practice, it’s amazing how many more wonderful things will pop into your day giving you even more reasons for being grateful.
SLEEP – I cannot stress this enough. Sleep is important on so many levels. A well-rested person is a HAPPY person. Prioritize your need for sleep.
Identify what brings you out of funk – Make a list of favorites. Build a songs playlist and dance like no one is watching, take a bubble bath, light a scented candle, etc. or consider these 9 things.
Imitate kids – They love life and live it to the fullest. Children run, jump, laugh and are perpetually happy. They have no idea of any limitations and are willing to try almost anything. Strip off all your perceived limitations and enjoy life with them!
Life will still throw some curves balls. However, making up one’s mind to find the good and to be happy, centers our focus on what brings joy and lifts our spirit.
Perhaps consider the wisdom of octogenarian Nadine Stair who wrote the poem I’d Pick More Daisies.
Cast off the old shoes and buy yourself an awesome looking new pair.
