Happiness - A Choice You Must Make

Over the course of my life's journey I have come to realize that happiness is much more something we must choose then something that simply comes and goes according to random events or obstacles that are thrown our way in life.

In the past I found myself under the illusion that if I attained certain goals, or succeeded at certain things then happiness would follow - which in the short term I'll concede that it often did.

The problem with this is that I was often left chasing my next batch of happiness, as though it were something that I could only have for short intervals in between accomplishments. The problem was that over time I realized that I wanted more - I wanted to feel joy on a more consistent basis. I didn't want it to be something I had to continuously chase after. In other words I wanted the kind of happiness that didn't require me to attain something in order to have the feeling.

Fortunately I've come to the realization that for the most part I can choose to be happy on a daily basis. In order to do this at times it may even mean faking it - better yet, forcing the feelings until the genuine happiness and gratitude sets in.

I've found that something as simple as smiling can do wonders to help me see that I have in me the ability to choose to be happy.

I believe one of the best things we can do is to live in the moment, it does wonders when it comes to cultivating a life filled with ongoing happiness. Taking the time to reflect and be grateful for the things we have accomplished can also have an enormous impact when it comes to lifting our moods.

I'd strongly encourage you to take breaks during the day to ponder those happy memories that you've collected in your life and make it a point to build new ones as well.

I believe it is also worth noting that sometimes in life we are just going to feel down. People are going to do things that disappoint or hurt us. We are going to have our hearts broken and we're going to have to deal with all sorts of loss. Life is not all smiles unfortunately.

However, while I believe we have to acknowledge that some days are filled with sadness -- I don't believe it does us any long-term good to spend any length of time dwelling on them, in doing so we are only giving power to things that we have no control over. Instead remind yourself that you are making the choice to choose happiness.

Deciding to move forward and choosing happiness over sorrow is a tough choice. Sometimes you may feel as though you are fighting an uphill battle. At other times it will seem that the dark clouds may never give way to the sunshine. It is at those very moments that we have to remind ourselves that somewhere amidst whatever chaos may surround us -- we still have the choice to decide on happiness.

Practice making this choice by doing things that make you smile, as well as bring joy to others. When you share kindness it always finds its way back to you.

-- May your life be filled with much happiness, Josh Hinds

Josh Hinds of

---

Choose To Integrate Body, Mind, & Soul

Our bodies were made in such a way that everything... Read More

The Underestimated Power of Kindness

It was a bright Saturday morning in the late fall.... Read More

Being Together

When it comes to happiness, togetherness is probably the most... Read More

Creating Better Relationships

The most important achievements you can ever have in this... Read More

Can Money Buy You Happiness?

Well, doesn't that depend on what's causing you to be... Read More

The American Dream ? At What Cost?

When people are asked, "How many of you are content... Read More

Happiness - Cause and Effect

Your reaction to the events around you determines how you... Read More

The Personal Cost of Shyness

Has someone nearby been sending you emails rather than calling... Read More

Conversational Negative Self-Talk

Most people don't even know they're doing it. Throughout the... Read More

10 Survival Strategies to Overcoming Adversity and Being Happy

If one thing is for certain, each of us will... Read More

Life Purpose: How To Be in Love with Life

Falling In Love with LifeThere is no feeling in the... Read More

Joy Is Sexy

Joy is sexy because in embracing our joy, we embrace... Read More

Happiness

What is happiness? If we mean by it a state... Read More

Inner Peace

Are you content and at inner peace?Or are you insecure... Read More

4 Steps to Use Fears as Friends: Don?t be a Thunder Dog!

Imagine humungous, bulbous, billowing alto-cumulus clouds building higher and higher... Read More

Happiness-Marriage-Love-Divorce-Suicide-Peace Within-college

Too many of us seem to think that there should... Read More

Keys to Happiness

"Happiness is the whole aim and end of human... Read More

Health and Medical Advice on the Internet: Use it Wisely to Overcome Illness and Find More Happiness

I've got a bit of a problem with depression and... Read More

You Need To Start To Like Yourself

If you have a very low self esteem or a... Read More

There is a Cure for the Summertime Blues

I have never lived anywhere else where when you walk... Read More

Happiness Is In Our Own Hands

Other people can bring tremendous happiness to our lives but... Read More

Increase Your Happiness - Look Forward With Hindsight

Six months ago you had trouble finding your keys and... Read More

What The Bleep Are You So Happy About?

Could you stand to have a lot more happiness in... Read More

What is the Ultimate Lifestyle?

Since the mission of this newsletter is to help you... Read More

Have Fun, Make Friends, Be Happy

I always marvel at the way people shine when they... Read More

What Does It Take To Be Happy?

What does it take to be happy? In our age... Read More

Your Perfect Partner

A woman we'll call "Jane" thought she was a great... Read More

Divining Your Life Path Number

The Life Path is determined by the sum that is... Read More

Today It Is ... Tomorrow It Will Be ...

What is your life like today? What do you want... Read More

Happiness

Without getting into the core basics of philosophy, I will... Read More

Personal Alchemy, Turn Your Suffering into Gold

I am sure it is safe to say that each... Read More

A Shortcut to Happiness -- Vote with Live 8

Did you see any of the Live 8 performances in... Read More

5 Keys to Understanding Why Your Life (probably) Sucks! #3

The outcome of Reason # 2 is that you become... Read More