Happiness Is a Choice-Why Not Choose It?
Happiness is a choice because it depends on how we interpret and react to the events in our lives. Happiness is not something that happens to us, but something that we create for ourselves.
All of us have met people who just seem to be happy most of the time. Perhaps you have assumed that these people are just naturally happy, or that they are the lucky people who have an easy life, or they had loving parents. Most of the time, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Happiness is not determined by our genes, our circumstances, or our money, but by our practices and activities that cultivate positive emotions and well-being. re: Happiness.com ¹
What Happy People Do That Make It Seem So Easy
Happy people make specific choices regarding their thinking and behavior. The people who seem to be overwhelmed with happiness consciously choose to think and behave in ways that result in happiness.
Some of the practices and activities that the happiest of people choose for their happiness are:
- Finding a purpose or meaning in life that aligns with our values and passions.3
- Expressing gratitude for what we have and who we are, rather than focusing on what we lack or what we wish we had.4
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation to calm our minds and increase our awareness of the present moment. 5
- Cultivating positive relationships with others who support us, inspire us, and challenge us to grow.
- Engaging in hobbies and interests that bring us joy and fulfillment, such as art, music, sports, or learning.
- Taking care of our physical health by eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and avoiding substances that harm us.
- Seeking professional help or therapy when we struggle with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
- Developing a positive mindset and attitude that embraces challenges, learns from failures, and celebrates successes.
Choosing happiness is not always easy, but it is possible and rewarding. Happiness is a state of mind that we can cultivate and maintain with consistent effort and intention. Happiness is a choice that we can make every day.
The Following Are Detailed and Specifics About The Choices That Happy People Make:
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Being Optimistic
Optimistic people see the glass as half full, while unhappy people choose to be pessimistic – to see the glass as half empty. Optimistic thinking does not just happen – it is a choice regarding how you see life.
Optimistic people are optimistic because they CHOOSE to be optimistic. Instead of allowing their ego-wounded self to be in charge with all its doom and gloom. These people put their loving adult selves in charge and are open to the wonderful possibilities that life has to offer.
Happy people realize that their thinking is the beginning of a creative process that leads to manifestation. By thinking in positive ways, they move themselves to act in ways that manifest their dreams.
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Kindness Does Not Cost Anything But a Decision To Display It
Being kind is also a choice, and the happiest people choose to be kind and compassionate toward themselves and others. These people who make the choice have learned that how they treat themselves and others determines much of how they feel.
People who choose to be happy do not wait to be happy before being kind to themselves and others. They realize that their happiness is the RESULT of their caring behavior, not the CAUSE of it. They are kind, caring, and compassionate whether or not they feel like it. They have chosen this way of being, and their happiness is the result.
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To Be Forgiven-One Must Forgive- Forgiveness is Necessary
People with responsibility for their happiness do not harbor resentment toward others, even others who have been mean and hurtful toward them. They realize that resentment makes them unhappy, so they choose to allow people their humanness and forgive them for their hurtful behavior.
Because happy people tend not to take others’ uncaring behavior, they don’t get their feelings hurt in the same way that people who take others’ behavior personally. Individuals who have chosen to be happy recognize
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Acceptance is Understanding What You Cannot Change
A person who has it all together with their happiness level realizes what they can control and what they can’t. They live by the Serenity Prayer, accepting the things they cannot change and changing the things they can.
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There is Always Something To Be Grateful For- Simply look around you…
Finally, as stated above, but in more depth, people who are consistently grateful for what they have, rather than complaining about what they don’t have, are going to experience more happiness.
They notice the many gifts and blessings that come their way and they frequently express gratitude for the everyday things in their lives. These include the beauty of nature, the food they eat, the smile on a friend’s face, and their ability to see, hear, walk, and talk.
Even many disabled people who may not have the blessings of eyesight, hearing, speech, or legs are often happy because they focus on what they do have and what they can do, rather than focusing on what they are missing out on.
Unhappy People Are Unconsciously…
Unhappy people are unconsciously thinking and behaving in ways that create unhappiness. Their choices are not disciplined or given accurate processes.
The individuals who are seemingly trying to be happy are constantly trying to change people and circumstances and do not accept their lack of control. As a result, they are constantly frustrated.
Happy people realize they cannot control others and outcomes, so they focus on what they can control – their thinking and behavior. Acceptance of what they can and cannot control leads to happiness and inner peace.
Consistently Being Happy Is Within Your Reach-
If you want to be happy, then you need to recognize that happiness is the result of your thinking and behavior, not the cause of it. If you choose to focus on becoming conscious of what thoughts and behaviors make you feel happy, you can become a happy person – regardless of your present circumstances.
Happiness does not just happen – it takes work!
EndNote: Happiness.com, ¹ ² Happier Humans.com ³ Its Psychology.com³
