It takes a lot of courage. Danielle Trussoni, Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how youre going to live your life. Joel Osteen, If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal. Norman Vincent Peale, There will always be obstacles and choices. Find something positive in your life. The moment you start viewing happiness as a choice is a moment when your life will take a turn for the better. Not only that community service cultivates compassion and strengthens bonds between neighbors, but it's also an excellent way to solve various problems that arise in your neighborhood, especially when local authorities might not have the resources to fix them. People who choose to recover from addiction choose to take proactive steps toward recovery. Let's say in the case of the job loss, you could either focus on the opportunities this couldpresent, such as the chance to explore new career paths, or we can focus on the negative aspects, such as the financial stress. There have been studies on rats that show that if the rat has the option of pushing a lever that will trigger happy chemicals in its brain it will continue to press the lever until it starves to death. Dont wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Earl Nightingale, Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too. Harbhajan Singh Yogi, Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself. Does choosing happiness mean that I can instantly change how I feel? Based on my observations, I came up with this more fitting definition of happiness: Happiness is being able to ride the wave of every emotion that life throws at you, knowing that you can come out the other side just a little better than what you were before because you have the skills (focus, courage, curiosity), the resources (a positive mindset), and the support structure (a community) to make that happen.. This disparity between income and happiness is called the Easterlin Paradox.[1]. The day you land that promotion youve been longing for might also be the day you suffer your first heartbreak. Sustainable Development Solutions Network releases the World Happiness Report. Reach your highest potential with coaching! Communities of people who give to each other and share the value of generosity, the value of lovea love which expects nothing in returnare the happiest. They can definitely bring you a lot of happiness. ; wellness success today! In essence, we are choosing happiness. 2023 Oldtown Publishing LLC 479 State Route 17 N Happiness is a Choice Free Essay Example - StudyMoose In other words, it's kinda' difficult to focus on pursuing happiness when you're running on an empty stomach or you don't have a roof over your head. Sometimes this choice isnt always possible. The goal isn't to eliminate unpleasant emotions they too have a purpose, and many of them might be triggered by events outside your control but strive towards achieving a healthy balance between positive and negative emotional experiences. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. When we are curious (What would happen if I take that job offer in London?), it helps us imagine a future that is different from what is easy or obvious. Unit #2007 Mahwah, NJ 07430, Happiness is Not About How Much Money You Have, 2. You may think that a fat bank account, a brand-new sports car, a designer dress, or an exotic vacation will make you happy (and they do), but just because these items and experiences are beyond your grasp doesn't mean you should give up. And they quickly discover there is always, always, something to be grateful for. Life is complex and uncertain. You must fight for it, strive for it, and insist upon it. Elizabeth Gilbert, One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Unknown, With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself, or treat what has happened as a gift. As social creatures, we share most of our positive experiences with other people. Try to lift the corners of your mouth towards your eyes, You become much more productive if you do this every day, You achieve the thing that could otherwise cause procrastination. If they refuse to cooperate, kindly tell them that you need to protect your energy unless they want to compromise. The people who felt the most fulfilled were the ones who had learned to let go of the need to feel happy all the time and had not only accepted the ups and downs that come with being alive but had also come to appreciate them. It is because happiness is a choice. Work-Life Integration vs Work-Life Balance: Is One Better Than the Other? The reality is that it is flawed. But once I arrived at that place, I still felt unfulfilled. Happiness Essay Examples - Free Research Papers on PapersOwl.com Happiness is a choice more often than we might recognize. Happy people are content being alone. I believe that happiness is not a choice, at least not when something . The first was my dad's terminal cancer diagnosis when I was 19 and me then not knowing what to do without him to help me and my . Maharishi Mahesh Yogi From Stoic philosophers to 21st-century scientists, experts across history have argued that happiness results from choices we make each day. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression may experience a lot of trouble choosing happiness in situations that the average person would have no problem doing. Scroll down to continue reading article , What Is Productivity And How to Take Charge of Time, Why am I so Tired and How to Boost My Energy, Happiness Isn't an Idea, It's an Experience, What Makes PeopleHappy? Why Happiness is a Choice (And a Smart One to Make) - LifeHack " Elizabeth Gilbert, Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. Nathaniel Hawthorne, If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. Dont buy (a lot of) unhealthy processed things. Through my workshops in large corporations, I discovered that when we normalize fear and failure by sharing it openly with our peers, we realize that many of our fears are shared and that we are not alone. We learn that fear is never as bad or as big as we can make it in our heads. 21 Happy Quotes About the Meaning of True Happiness - LifeHack Its not a mindset of just getting by but one of intentionality. This includes family, friends, and hobbies.) Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha, Some days are just bad days, thats all. Change is inevitable in life. It means that youve decided to look beyond the imperfections. Gerard Way, Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy, and rewarding life. Marilu Henner, Whatever creates or increases happiness or some part of happiness, we ought to do; whatever destroys or hampers happiness, or gives rise to its opposite, we ought not to do. Aristotle, Don't stay in a bad situation, whether it is a relationship or a job, out of fear of failure. Happiness is a Choice: 15 Simple Ways to Choose Happiness The Ultimate Guide to Finding Happiness Alone, 60 Quotes to Inspire You to Be Yourself And Celebrate Your Uniqueness. People choose many creeds, philosophies, and religions in the pursuit of happiness. I can choose which it shall be. [2]. Sometimes I like to imagine what I would do if I was a billionaire and one of my ideas was to open up a happiness research lab. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile! The three dimensions of happiness. Happiness Is a Choice by Barry Neil Kaufman | Goodreads When you choose the positive path, you cultivate a more optimistic outlook and increase our overall sense of well-being. Happiness is a state of mind: 8 ways you can achieve it Were taught in our society that if we can achieve enough we will be happy for the rest of our lives. Its amazing what choosing kindness and small acts of love can do for a person. How do you experience happiness if you dont know sadness and pain? In this article, Ill break down the basics of how you can lead a happier life, just by following a few basic principals. But even if you have achieved a high level you still have to put in the work to stay there. As you've probably realized by now, happiness is within your grasp, and the good news is that you don't need much to achieve and sustain it. Amanda Pinnock chose to experience another culture even though she was worried about fitting in. Share This I Believe: Happiness Is a Choice Essay Exclusively available on IvyPanda Updated: Jan 2nd, 2022 I believe that everybody can be happy. Your life may not be a life where you dont have to work a day in your life, but it can still be a life you love. Upon expressing disappointment or sadness, someone may respond that "happiness is a choice." This suggests that if someone is feeling negative emotions, it's their own fault for . You cannot pour from an empty cup. Its raved about in many podcasts and self-help books alike. Dye your hair a funky color or try thrifting some clothes. [8]. Give your time, your talents, a few kind words. go ahead and stand up for what you believe in. 11) Happiness is a choice, but so is everything else. Courage helps you step into fear knowing it is a universal, biological human emotion, and one that you can embrace and use to shape the change youre trying to make. I gift myself 15 minutes of learning each morning before I do any work at all. This might involve pursuing a career that aligns with our values, volunteering for causes we care about, or just finding and doing things that bring us joy. Finding some of those people to be toxic friends or family? Because it Helps You Cope with Stress Better, 4. I will guide and coach your deepest desires to transform you into all you desire. Saying "Happiness Is A Choice" Can Make Those Who Are Unhappy Feel Worse Telling an unhappy person their mood is within their control can do more harm. Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important. You need vision, a plan, resources, effort, and patience. We discussed whether or not happiness is in fact a choice and some simple practices for enhancing happiness. In one study,published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers discovered that intentionally practicing gratitude and positive thinking increased happiness levels. Try removing the word busy from your vocabulary for just one week and observe how it impacts your mindset, your behavior, and the connection you have with others. And that's because a good portion of your everyday actions converge towards cultivating an overall pleasant mood. Happiness is generally linked to experiencing more positive feelings than negative ones. Think about the last time you went to a concert or festival. Happiness is a Choice: 15 Simple Ways to Choose Happiness, 10 Effective Ways to Validate Someones Feelings, 12 Telling Signs You Should Leave Your Partner, How to Write a Life Plan: A Clear and Confident Guide, 10 Common Infatuation Symptoms You Need to Know. As you can see, happiness is ultimately a choice. [5] A. Steptoe and J. Wardle, Positive affect and biological function in everyday life, Neurobiology of Aging, vol. He gives examples of how winning or losing an election, gaining or losing a romantic partner, and finding or being fired from a dream job has far less impact on an individual's long-term happiness than most people expect it to. Exercise the body: there isnt a better way to fire up your day than exercising. Wise Choices & Happiness | Student Engagement, Retention & Success Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy." - Ralph Marston "Don't forget to tell yourself positive things daily! As they processed those negative emotions, it helped them uncover what truly mattered to them. But as each of us knows from experience, life's unexpected turns can often throw us off course in our pursuit of happiness. Happy people engage in deep, meaningful conversations. What You Were Taught About "Happiness" Isn't True Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times, said the ancient Greek author Aeschylus. When we ask questions (Why cant I move somewhere new? Jobs come with ups and downs just like life does. It is also important to note that choosing happiness can be more difficult for some versus others. What was I missing? You thrive through self-motivated, pro-active adaptation, the kind my mother and Sheree experienced. When it comes down to it, we all have a choice to be happy or not. I think choosing happiness means making hundreds of little choices that take my days in the direction of overall happy life. #2 Cultivating gratitude: Another way we choose happiness has become quite a la mode and for good reason. Happiness is not a destination. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression may experience a lot of trouble choosing happiness in situations that the average person would have no problem doing. It's a message that you probably come across fairly often. Happiness is a Choice, So Choose It! - Possibility Change Take me for example, for many . Get your own copy of these cards here; put the up around the home and office and remember you can choose to be happy! It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us. Ashley Montagu, One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats. Iris Murdoch, People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest. George Matthew Allen, The happiness of life is made up of minute fractionsthe little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, , and the countless other infinitesimal of pleasurable thought and genial feeling. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, I am more and more convinced that our happiness or unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life, than on the nature of those events themselves. Baron Alexander von Humboldt, Happiness consists in activity: such is the constitution of our nature; it is a running stream, and not a stagnant pool. John M. Good, Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. (To clarify, when I say things I dont necessarily mean material things but just anything that could make us happy. Does it mean that even though I might be going through a mental illness, I can choose to be happy can heal miraculously? 7 Important Reasons Why Happiness is a Choice - Happier Human But when you change your understanding of what it means to be happy, you may notice that you start to feel it much more. Happy folks tend to find the good aspects of a situation, no matter how grueling it can look on the outside. The environment in which you live can have a real impact on your mood and happiness. These are easy to implement in your own life, which means happiness is just around the corner! But research suggests that our mindset and our behaviours can also play a significant role in shaping our experience of happiness. But even in my imagination this never worked out. We are taught that, once we finally find it, well be forever satisfied in our lives, and so we live feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, chasing this dream, never stopping to question if it is, in fact, flawed. There's a good chance their vibe will stick' to you as well. However, just because you CHOOSE to be happy doesnt mean that you will necessarily experience happiness right away. It's called Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman, an American psychologist, researcher, and leading expert in relationships and marriage. Exercise helps you cope with stress, structure your day, and improve your physical fitness. You can choose to accept the most excruciating challenge as an opportunity to be good now and to create happiness. What does it mean when they say happiness is a choice? When you - Quora The Importance of Time Management: 6 Ways It Matters, Poor Sleep Quality Comes from All the Things You Do Since Morning, 12 Time Wasters That Suck Your Productivity While You Work, How to Live a Full Life (Without Compromising on What Truly Matters), Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2022, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated (Your Ultimate Guide), How to Increase Mental Focus and Stay Sharp, How To Get Fit If You Have a Busy Schedule, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated, What Is Procrastination And How To Stop It, Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving in 2023, Why Am I So Tired And How To Boost My Energy. It could be getting a job, a promotion, a spouse, a kid; the possibilities are endless. In a two-phase online experiment, 15 pairs of options were randomly presented one at a time, and . "Happiness is a choice, not a result. This can help us feel less overwhelmed about our to-do list (I have too much to do!) and more in control of our time (Im doing things that truly matter.). I'm afraid so. " + 78 relevant experts are online Hire writer This was something my dad always brought up. You might make a daily habit of listing things you're thankful for, or just taking time to savor the positive experiences in our lives. Readers should consult with a licensed professional to get advice for their individual situation. 8, 2018. Cultivating focus is about learning how to step away from the constant white noise of busyness. Building courage is centered around letting go of the conditioned belief that fear should be used as an alarm bell to run away rather than lean into possibility. All you need to do is tune into it. But the happiness we can derive from hard work at it will be very much worth it. How many times have you received an email urging you to use your downtime to learn a new language or try a new hobby? But is that so terrible? For example, I like to play airsoft. Choosing happiness is somewhat of an ethical decision. Choose to not dwell on it. But did you know that happiness can also make you a better citizen? Do things that make you happy, and you will be happy. Why our pursuit of happiness may be flawed - BBC Future Quotes on Finding Happiness "Happiness is a choice." "Happiness is not trying or finding, it's deciding." What it means: You have no doubt heard the first one before. We hypothesized that people will choose the options that they believe will make them happier and that this effect of. This lab would figure out a way for people to be happy simply by taking supplements. She has identifiedthree primary skills to become more adaptable: focus, courage, and curiosity. You realize that you want to take the high road. If you never question yourself, others, or the world around you, you will never see the possibilities, paths, or opinions that lie beyond what is most immediately available to you. But as current research indicates, money does buy happiness, but only to a certain point. At first it did take some effort to get used to but over time I came to love it because I met so many interesting people who were all very loving towards me. Organizational Psychologist, Exec Coach, Resilience Practitioner, Writer, and continuous learner. #5 Taking responsibility for our own happiness: Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that external factors like money, relationships, or material possessions will turn on the happy switch in our brains. So, I decided to disrupt the status quo. She says: They live off the earth and they all help one another They may not have had nearly as much money as an average American, but they are wealthy in their lives, and I think Americans can learn a lot from that. 2. But what if I told you that you can actually choose happiness? Micro bravery is essentially building courage by doing small things each day that push you out of your comfort zone. Nothing else mattered except that pure moment of joy. "I thought I was doing everything right. A great way to do this is by practicing micro bravery. If you express gratitude, do acts of kindness and savor positive experiences, you could experience higher levels of happiness, This is what researchers found in a study theypublished in the Journal of Happiness Studies. Makes you a better life partner, coworker, and citizen. Its just up to you to know when you have the opportunity to choose happiness over everything else. #3 Doing things that make us happy. By Shawn Achor | March 14, 2012 | Health Happiness or success: Which comes first for you? (Layous & Lyubomirsky, 2014). Thoughts of the past can bring brooding and depression, and thoughts of the future can bring anxiety. It's making the choice of taking care of my health, using my time and energy in a way that works for my welfare and core values, staying close to my inner child, it is learning to say "NO", it's accepting myself, it's about focusing on gratitude, and so much more! Exercise helps you sleep better and increases feelings of well-being. Happy people smile and laugh more. It is a great chance to clear your mind, whether you hike at a state park or simply go to your own backyard. Maybe it has something to do with our fundamental need for belonging, or perhaps we're somehow wired to involuntarily tune into the emotional vibe of a group we're part of. Leaning into fear (that is non-life threatening) enables us to creatively process and remove barriers that stand between wanting something and acting on it. 20 Secrets of AlwaysHappy People, How to Always ChooseHappinessEven During Tough Times, How to HaveHappyThoughts and Train Your Brain to BeHappy, People Make Time For What They Want And You Should Too, How to Say No Nicely Over Text (Examples For Different Scenarios), How to Focus With ADHD: 7 Practical Strategies, How To Say No At Work Without Making Enemies, How to Prioritize Goals When You Have a Lot to Achieve. Surround yourself with healthy snacks like fruits. Long story short, the more you invest in actions, practices, and choices that contribute to your overall sense of well-being, the more equipped you are to handle stress. Live as if you'll die today. James Dean, It's not that life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as expected. However, since I was no longer depressed I had some energy so I decided to put that energy to work by working at achieving happiness. 1. [9]. 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Happiness is finding joy in everyday experiences. Sisu is also about powering through exercises that are challenging and uncomfortable, such as taking a swim in an ice-cold river, running a marathon, or biking to work in the rain. Making small changes to drink more water, move your body, and eat more whole nutrient-dense foods can work wonders. In short, if you want to be a happier human, share your joys with others and also spend time around people who radiate positive emotions. Mutual respect: you respect the ideas, values, and beliefs of the other person and vice versa. It is important to experience all emotions, including the negative ones. Earlier we discussed why life is hard and that suffering is a part of life. Each inhalation is essential, and with every inhalation, exhalation must follow. But even though happiness is generally a universal goal, we know so little about achieving and sustaining it. This is what choosing happiness truly means. Then there were the locals in Fiji, the country shed chosen for the program. People make choices among different options for different reasons. Happiness is the smart choice because deep down its what your being strives for; its what other people want, too. When you choose to include other people in your happiness, then with it comes communityin both social networks and shared experiences. We rely on advertisers to help support our free coaching advice. Trust the discomfort of not accepting the first answer that presents itself. Valerie Bertinelli Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you. But even if we do have manythings in our lives to make us happy we still have to work at being grateful for them. Solving this dilemma seems complex it is a paradox, after all. As it turns out, exercise benefits recovery in a number of ways: Even if you dont take it to that extent, start small and exercise on a regular basis, then build up to greater challenges. Ok so that's a lot of science. Two key components of happiness (or subjective well-being) are: The balance of emotions: Everyone experiences both positive and negative emotions, feelings, and moods. Through these experiments, I noticed a few consistent themes. The Finns have made a point of recovering by embracing a philosophy called sisu, which is a shared value of grit, determination, and rational action, even when life is painful. They welcomed us with open arms and made sure we were fed and had the accommodations we needed. You can choose to trust others and do things that help them to trust you. Thats just the way it is! Dita Von Teese, At any moment, you have a choice that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it. Thich Nhat Hanh, True self-acceptance shows up at that moment when you realize that peace cannot co-exist with war. Where does happiness come from? Thats why, according to the World Happiness Report, generosity and social support networks are two key factors that lead to happiness. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. Dalai Lama, How simple it is to see that we can only be happy now, and there will never be a time when it is not now. Gerald Jampolsky, Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony. Thomas Merton, Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. Mahatma Gandhi, But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads? Albert Camus, The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. Because You Don't Need Much to Enjoy a Happy Life, Final Thoughts on Why Happiness is a Choice, learn to appreciate the small pleasures of life, 9 Steps to Feel Happy Again After a Life Challenge, 101 Things To Be Grateful For In Your Life, 35 Calming Bible Verses About Overcoming Anger Issues, 5 Best Vitamins for Anxiety & Depression [2023 Update]. 4, p. 425433, 2018. The answer to this question can help you understand what happiness is. I for one happen to be one of those insanely lucky people who love life, but that doesnt mean that I can just stop working at it. For example, the "glass half full or half empty." Looking at the glass as half-empty can bring despair and sadness, making you feel like you need to start from scratch to fill the glass . Search. [9] S. Fang, N. L. Galambos, M. D. Johnson and H. J. Krahn, Happiness is the way: Paths to civic engagement between young adulthood and midlife., International Journal of Behavioral Development, vol. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. Productive Procrastination: Is It Good or Bad? Final Thoughts. Take the example of my mother. It is important to note that while we are talking about this topic, know that not everything is black and white. Happiness is finding joy in everyday experiences. " Denis Waitley, "It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. But the trick is to adjust your mindset and seek happiness in people who are willing to share this emotion with you and in experiences that are accessible to you. Happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision. [11] R. M. Ryan and E. L. Deci, On Happiness and Human Potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being., Annual Reviews Psychology, vol. A VIRTUOUS CIRCLE. Work? But he's not the only one who viewed happiness as the result of conscious, voluntary actions. Lets dive in further to gain a deeper understanding.