You can be happy where you are. – Joel Osteen
Life is all about choices. Big choices and little choices, choices that change our lives for the better, and choices that make us wish we didn’t have to make choices. Really think about it, how many choices do you make on a daily basis? Some are no brainers and don’t take much thought, but others are a little more tricky. (Hey, deciding whether to get that extra shot of espresso can throw me into a fit.) In all seriousness though, when it comes down to it there are a lot of important choices in life. But, what if there was really only one choice that mattered at the end of the day? Even though I believe in a holistic approach to well-being, and there are many choices that can either improve or decline our mental health, I want you to really consider something. I want you to consider that no matter what you do, or how fast life moves, that none of your choices are as important as one simple, but incredibly fundamental choice you will be confronted with today. Today is the day, like every day, where you can choose to be happy, or not. This is the most important choice you have to make.
Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. – Abraham Lincoln
It’s not what to wear, it’s not what to have for lunch, and it’s not whether you get the extra shot of espresso. (It’s a daily battle, I know.) I know these things do matter in the overall scheme of things but they aren’t the real force behind your fulfillment and satisfaction. Think about it, if you make the shift to be happy, everything else falls in line. You will feel better, do better, and be better because of this one choice.
Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. – Helen Keller
Quick disclaimer: If you’re depressed or emotionally overwhelmed in your life right now, please don’t take this the wrong way. I am not trying to be insensitive and I know that we can’t just feel good at the snap of our fingers. So, if you find yourself in this category start here or reach out to a professional for help. But, for everyone else, no matter where you are in life, you can find freedom in deciding to take ownership of your attitude. You don’t have to feel stuck. Your well-being doesn’t have to be at the mercy of your circumstances. You have a choice. You are free to choose to be happy, and to do what helps you feel happy. Maybe you have a problem right now that is making the lighter side of life seem darker. Maybe you feel stuck, stressed, or disappointed. This is all a part of the game of life, and it’s your ability to keep perspective during these times that helps you have fun while playing the game. So, what are you going to choose to do? Are you willing to try to choose happiness? Are you willing to: – Make the choice to show kindness instead of malice. – Make the choice to bless others instead of judging them. – Make the choice to forgive instead of feeling bitter. – Make the choice to be grateful instead of greedy. This is really what our life comes down to. It comes down to making a choice today to live with greater joy, appreciation, and love. Happiness is an inside-out job. It always has been and always will be. Of course I know there are certain situations where happiness just doesn’t fit naturally. And I’m not saying making a choice to be happy is easy, because it isn’t, it’s a daily reminder. What I am saying however, is that happiness doesn’t exist in your future. It is not something to wait around for. It only exists right now in this moment. When I look back on my early twenties, it’s easy to have perspective and realize that I had everything I needed to be happy. If I only I could’ve enjoyed my life instead of trying to get to the next thing or worry about what was to come. I don’t want to reach forty years old and look back at my thirties saying, “If only I would’ve been more present and enjoyed life more fully.” I want to be present and enjoy life today. This is the simple, and difficult, choice you have to make. So, your mission if you choose to accept it is to let go of all the bull crap that you tell yourself about why you can’t be happy right now.
If you want to be happy, be. – Leo Tolstoy
There is nothing to get, obtain, or do. It is just about choosing to “be.” Happiness and contentment are a state of mind. Choose to elevate your state. Tell yourself, “I choose to be happy,” and make the choice!
Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. – Marcus Aurelius
