Happy as You Want to Be

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be ." - Abraham Lincoln

I like the hit single 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message of being happy to everyone. Of course being happy is a matter of choice. To be happy is relatively easy. Just choose to be.

One of the better things ever said is - 'The only thing in life that will always remain the same is change', and in our life we have the power to make the necessary changes if we want to. Even if we find ourselves in an unbearable situation we can always find solace in the knowledge that it too would change.

Happiness is actually found in everyone. Increasing it is a way to make a life more wonderful and also more healthy.

You can do this several ways:
 
Be grateful. We have so much to be thankful for and yet take so much for granted. Every day above ground is a good day. Are you still alive? Be thankful. Even if your body is wracked with pain, your financial outlook is dim, or you are alone, be grateful.

Religious connection. Belonging to a religious group with its singing, sacraments, chanting, prayers and meditations foster inner peace as well as provide a different outlook for some situations. Maybe your outlook was negative in the beginning. Your time in the presence of the Creator can change that.

Have a good laugh everyday. I prefer to watch comedies more so than dramas. Why? Because I like a good laugh. Especially the ones where my jaw hurt or I sense the oxygen leaving my brain. There is nothing like a laugh that eases tension.
 
Express yourself. Don't be afraid to express affections, friendship, and passion to people around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Don't hold onto toxic emotions like hate, anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Instead find ways of expressing them in a way that will not cause more injury or hurt to anyone.

Exercise. Just like milk, it does a body good. Do what works for you. I like to walk on the treadmill at the gym. Someone else may enjoy hiking or gardening. The objective is to move the body and feel alive.

Now that you know you have the choice to be happy, what will your choice be?