There are some people who seem to think that happiness is the result of all the right wheels turning at just the right time. You are walking down the street, find twenty dollars, get a compliment from a stranger, meet the perfect guy or girl (and do not totally make a fool of yourself) or go to your favourite shop and get 50% off.
It is easy to be happy when everything seems to be going your way, but defining happiness that way reduces it to be a by product of luck, or an accident, which in fact, it is not. We could even argue that luck is a byproduct of happiness.
Happiness Does Not Just Happen
Some days are good, but there are probably more days that are just mediocre or plain bad, and it is on those days that the true nature of happiness is revealed. Have you ever met someone who stayed positive, even when they are having a bad day, and everything that can go wrong seems to be going wrong? If you are having a bad day, too, just being near someone that can be uplifting (although for others it is annoying, but that usually just stems from jealousy).
People who are able to smile even through the worst of times have learned a very important lesson, the same lesson as stated above. Happiness does not just happen.
Happiness Is A Choice
That is right, a choice. Not an accident, not a charitable gift from the universe. Of course, it is nice to receive these gifts, and easy to be happy when you do, but happiness is about choosing to see the adventure in every moment. Choosing to understand that there will always be a light after the dark, that there is always good in every situation and every person, no matter how grim things may seem.
This is the key to happiness, choosing it. It is not an easy choice all the time, and it may very well be the last thing you want to do sometimes. When grief strikes, or when you just cannot seem to catch a break, sometimes you just want to sulk and stay upset, perpetuate the sadness. It is a natural response, but it is not a required behaviour, it is a choice. And choosing to be happy will make you a better, stronger, wiser and more long suffering person.
You always have the choice to be happy. Learning to change your attitude is frustrating, but worth it in the end. When you choose to be happy, things tend to work in your favour, and luck seems to be on your side; and even if things do not happen the way you want them to, if you choose to be happy, you can accept situations for what they are and make the most of life, no matter the hand it deals to you.
With thanks to Mariana Ashley https://possibilitychange.com/happiness-is-a-choice/
No comments:
Post a Comment