what do you choose?
it’s a lesson that took me a long time to learn. as colette said, “be happy. it’s one way of being wise.” some of us may be born smiling, others of us have to work at it. choose it. every. single. day.
caught in a spiral of depression, it’s easy to lose sight of happiness. you get stuck in your mind and caught in your own issues. you feel bad, so you think bad thoughts, which in turn make you feel worse. the thought of choosing to be happy at such a time can seem cuh-razy! thoughts become feelings and choosing happy thoughts is an option.
the media tells us that we need things to be happy, that we have to have this or that, or go here or there, else we couldn’t possibly be happy. we need to look like this, or own the latest gadget to be content. but in truth that is all rubbish. start today, make a decision to be happy. to be grateful for all that you have. to appreciate every single moment.
i’ve worked my way back up from rock bottom {more than once} and i make a conscious decision every day to choose happiness. there are times when it’s harder than others but it is always an option. i choose to focus on the good in my life instead of the bad. to be grateful for all that i have instead of yearning for what i don’t.
* make a list of wonderful things about your life. add to it every day.
* every morning when you wake up tell yourself you are happy
* give thanks for every day
* smile
* focus on the good things
it might be difficult to begin with…. but i promise you that it’s worth it. have you chosen happiness??
9 Comments
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Han
July 31, 2012 at 11:52I think some days it’s easier to be negative and takes a conscious effort to be positive but I know on the days when I try to be positive I’m often end up in a better mood and more like I can take on the world and deal with those things that make me feel negative,
a soulful life
July 31, 2012 at 11:32Loved this post. So true!
Making a thankful list is a great idea.
refinehere
July 31, 2012 at 12:14very inspiring post! me too … everyday is a blessing and smile is always a good way to start the day. cheers!
Miss Angie
July 31, 2012 at 14:40Great inspirational post! ♥
Manda Rave
July 31, 2012 at 16:22Something I always try to keep in mind. Thanks for the reminder. I will be happy today :)
Rachel @ lala Lists
July 31, 2012 at 15:47Really great post! Some people in my family struggle w/ depression and it is nice to hear the story of those who have triumphed.
Follower from the blog hop.
Rachel
http://www.lalalists.com
Julie
July 31, 2012 at 18:56I just LOVE your blog! I found you over at the GFC hop. Newest follower! I’d love for you to check out my blog and follow back. :)
Julie
http://www.jamscorner.com
Suki
August 1, 2012 at 07:20I love the idea of a thankful list added to every day – I think I’m going to do that as I can imagine it to be so rewarding. I agree that it is important and possible to choose happiness. I’d also add though – perhaps contraversially – that I believe we should also allow ourselves to be sad, unhappy and discontent sometimes, as there are times when this is simply an appropriate emotional response and I believe we should acknowledge those valid feelings… and then let them pass on! That of course is a completely different thing to getting stuck in a rut of depression – something I’ve also experienced. But I do believe there is a place for sadness in our lives as it is part of the human condition and part of what makes happiness so wonderful by contrast! :)
Polly Davies
August 1, 2012 at 08:25YES!! Sometimes it’s right to allow ourselves to feel the sadness…. you’re right there is a difference between that and depression. I’ve learnt to embrace and accept that sadness is part of life instead of worrying it’s the start of a bout of depression.