…Happiness Is A Choice
6/4/2011. 10:31 PM
Today I realized happiness is a choice. It is not inherited. We are not genetically predisposed to it. We all know by now it cannot be bought, but there are millions of people trying every day to create the electricity of happiness through the friction of swiping an American Express. No, it cannot be bought.
Happiness is not given in birthday presents and it does not reside under the Christmas tree. What we feel when receiving something greatly desired is not happiness but thrill. Thrill is adrenaline that makes us smile. Happiness is receipt of the love and thought behind the material. Thrill fades because it is focused on the material.
Happiness is not vicarious. Contrary to most words of well-wishing we have ever said to one another, it is quite impossible to be happy for someone. Of course we all know in our hearts what is meant when someone says, “I am so happy for you.” We are proud of their accomplishment. We rejoice in their rejoicing. We find peace in their blessing. But if someone is not happy, I cannot graft my happiness into theirs. The discord within them will reject that foreign mass every time.
Happiness is a choice. It is the decision to focus on all the ways life is saying “yes” to you instead of dwelling in the defeat of the “no”s. It is treasuring the small things which never fail, instead of the big shiny things which almost always fall. It is loving every second like it is the most precious thing, because it is.
Happiness is a choice. Now, if only more of us would exercise our free will.
June 25, 2011 at 1:54 pm
I’m a little late in reading this (it’s been in my inbox for almost 3 weeks!) but I wanted to take a minute and tell you that I absolutely love your writing in this blog. Your way with words – “trying every day to create the electricity of happiness through the friction of swiping an American Express.” Very good. And you’ve made your point in succinct paragraphs.
Beyond the writing, which is striking in this blog, your message is right on-target. To take it a step further, when we practice the biblical imperative to “praise God” we are making that choice to focus on the good in our lives instead of dwelling on any perceived lack or hurt. Bless doing the sometimes hard work of choosing happiness.
June 27, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Hey Sandy!
I always enjoy reading your comments. You are so gracious and kind. I am so amazed you like my blog so much! haha. Once again you have made my day by being such an encouragement during a time when I REALLY need it. I just graduated from college, and have been looking for writing jobs for months. It’s difficult to keep believing in your talents while facing constant rejection. But I know God puts angels like you in my path to keep me from staying on the mat in this fight.
Glad I was able to add something positive to your day.
June 25, 2011 at 2:39 pm
[...] I read a blog that has been in my inbox for three weeks. Titled “Happiness is a Choice,” I expected the blog to be a bit too familiar – “there’s nothing new under the sun” was my [...]