Happiness is a Decision

I once heard someone say that sometimes you can't always choose happiness, and it really made me think. Is that actually true? Are there circumstances or individuals who make it impossible for us to choose happiness? Well, certainly there are circumstances and people that may certainly make it difficult. But difficult is not impossible.

For example, an unspeakable tragedy may befall you and your family. The circumstance is dire. There is nothing happy about it. And yet, does that circumstance control your emotions? Well, it does if you let it. Some people may say, "Come on, you're not being real here. Something terrible happens to you and you decide you're going to choose to be happy about it?! That just doesn't make sense!"

Let me ask you this: Does it have to make sense? Does it have to make sense that I will choose to be happy regardless of the circumstances or what others may decide makes sense or not? Does it matter what such individuals think - those who would say that it makes no sense to be happy in dire circumstances?

Here are the facts: Other people and the circumstances and events of your life do not control your emotions. YOU control your emotions. You are the one steering the boat! You are the one with ultimate responsibility in your life. And even if any number of people will say that it makes no sense to be happy after you've picked yourself up off the floor after an extremely difficult time in your life, what truly does make sense is that you choose to think thoughts and feel feelings that are supportive to you.

Awareness is the first step in making lasting changes in your life. Take special note of your thoughts throughout the day. Are you thinking supportive thoughts or negative thoughts? Remember that your thoughts will lead into your emotions. Think depressing thoughts and you'll become depressed. Think happy thoughts and you'll become happy. This will happen regardless of whether you believe this is true, and regardless of what is going on in your life.

Choose the positive perspective, the one that supports you, lets you grow and move forward. And remember that happiness is a choice. It is a decision you get to make every day.