Choose greater Happiness.

The pursuit of happiness has been a timeless endeavor. For decades, scholars and researchers have been digging into the tapestry of human emotions in an attempt to unravel the elusive concept of happiness. Is it a fleeting condition dependent on external circumstances or is it an internal state resulting from personal choices and mindset? The science of happiness explores this dichotomy, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of humans and what most often results in happiness. 

Happiness is a complex amalgamation of factors—biological, psychological, and social. Studies in neuroscience have shown that our brains play a pivotal role in shaping our emotional experiences. There is a biological component to happiness. Brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin contribute to feelings of joy and contentment, but the root of happiness extends beyond neurotransmitters.

Psychological factors such as personality traits, mindset, and resilience play a significant role in our ability to experience and sustain happiness. If we have an optimistic outlook, we are more likely to navigate and overcome challenges and obstacles with a positive mindset. While some see only the obstacle, others will also see the opportunity. Our social connections and the quality of our relationships are also a major contributing factor to our sense of well-being. If we continue to have positive interactions with friends, family, and our community, it will amplify our feelings of happiness.

The debate over whether happiness is a condition or a choice is ongoing. It is a reflection of the complex interplay between external circumstances and our internal attitudes. If we are experiencing instability, health issues, financial instability, and unsettling life events, that will undoubtedly impact our feelings and well-being. But, time and time again, when we examine the root of happiness, we continue to discover that it is our response to these circumstances that is pivotal. 

In research conducted on happiness, psychologist Sonja Lyumbomirsky suggested that there is a genetic “happiness set point” which is our baseline level of happiness. That set point accounts for 50% of our happiness, while the remaining 50% is determined by our intentions, actions, and choices. So, while external conditions influence our baseline happiness, we have the power to significantly shape our well-being through our choices and behaviors.

As humans, we possess a remarkable capacity to adapt to positive and negative changes in our lives. This ability to adapt reminds us that we have the potential to influence our well-being through intentional choices. It is not what happens to us as much as it is how we respond to it

I remember reading a study years ago where they focused on families—siblings with identical upbringings (same parents, environment, community, etc). The study was conducted on families with diverse financial conditions; some families would be considered highly economically disadvantaged, while others would be considered affluent. The conclusion over time was that ultimately financial condition had little influence on the level of happiness. In the same family, one sibling would be happy while the other was not, in both the well-to-do and more economically disadvantaged families, illustrating that happiness is, in large part, a matter of attitude and choice. Naturally, other considerations such as chemical imbalances, mental health issues, etc must be taken into account, but, overall the conclusions were empowering. We can actually choose happiness.  

Choosing happiness is a discipline, however. For most of us, given the nature of some very real-life challenges, it might take a little work. One very powerful avenue is gratitude. When we practice gratitude as part of our daily routine, it leads to increased positive emotions and greater life satisfaction. Keeping a daily gratitude journal where we regularly take note of specific things for which we are thankful has been linked to a more positive outlook on life.

Similarly, engaging in “flow experiences” (activities aligned with our strengths and values) results in a heightened feeling of happiness. When we are fully immersed in activities that challenge and fulfill us, it feeds our sense of purpose and accomplishment. That makes us feel good! 

Mindfulness and meditation practices are also instrumental in cultivating happiness. When we learn to embrace the present moment, it reduces the grip of incessant worry about what is to come. It enables us to find and foster a greater sense of peace and contentment.

Happiness is nuanced. I wish that I could say that there is a single recipe that is universally effective. The roots of well-being are an intricate mix of biology, psychology, and external circumstances.  External circumstances undeniably play a role in shaping our happiness, but the power of our choices and the actions that follow should never be underestimated. 

Happiness is not only the result of favorable life circumstances. It is also the product of the decisions that we make in response to those circumstances.

Success or sabotage? If we create positive habits, nurture relationships, and cultivate a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness, we will actively contribute to our own happiness.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Each day we are given the power to say “yes” to something better by choosing to unlock the door to greater happiness and well-being. So, say “YES!"

Nurture your Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive. It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience, or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are now sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, nice office, or productive work area? Do you have a computer, phone, or tablet that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which you are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all you have, notice how your heart expands.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy in what you have or DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words, and actions.

Own your Success.

When you subscribe to a belief that others control your destiny, you surrender your power and allow fear to manage your life. Your thoughts are the rulers of your experience. No one has more power than you to create your experience. Be mindful not to get caught in the validation of your emotions. If you feel it, it is valid. If you are not pleased with how you feel, if it is not the ideal, then exert your energy on how you are going to move beyond it. If you are going to invest in the assumption of what might be, invest in the one that serves you rather than fearfully submitting to the negative story.

How are you showing up in the world? How do you carry yourself as you leave your home every day? What words do you use when you speak with others? Are you owning all of your gifts, talents, and choices or are you investing in a victim consciousness where outside circumstances and people manage your destiny?

Success or sabotage? You own your success--it cannot be stolen by anyone or anything.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Who are you and how are you responding to the circumstances in which you find yourself?

Seize your Happiness.

There is a moment in the 2002 film, "The Hours," where Meryl Streep's character speaks of a day in her youth when she awakened with so much joy and possibility. She is excited about the future, thinking that it is the beginning of her happiness. It is not until later that she concludes that the moment was "THE moment." It was her moment of happiness.

 I do not believe that happiness is limited in its capacity but the opportunity can be missed if we are not mindful. So often, we spend our time evaluating circumstances or life experiences on a "what-if scale," wishing that it was just a little bit more. We may find ourselves postponing our appreciation and joy until the time when everything is in place (according to our judgment).

Life is a gift too precious to squander. Today is indeed the only day that we have for happiness. We do not know what tomorrow brings. As long as you are a living, breathing, thinking person, you are provided with the opportunity to choose to live in this moment in any way that you see fit.

Success or sabotage? Happiness is a choice; the same is true for success.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Why not be fully conscious of your choice?

Practice choosing Happiness.

It is so easy to be a malcontent--criticizing the state of the world, your life circumstances, and limited opportunities. This effortless exercise of futility has become an acceptable hobby. We think nothing of speaking to friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers about the misery of our lives. It seems as if we have a greater sense of identity and connection with shared grief than the endless possibilities of joy that surround us.

Happiness is a choice that requires great discipline and practice. Today, notice how often your thoughts swing to the negative side of the equation. Are you paying more attention to what is NOT instead of what IS?  Notice the negative emphasis of the conversations of those around you. What is the cost of giving in to negativity? How does it impede your productivity and performance?

Success or sabotage? Success can only be achieved if it is recognized; if you are always focusing on "lack," you will create more of the same.

Is this going to be an incredible day? The choice is yours to make.

Choose your Happiness.

Happiness is not something that you seek; it is something that you choose. It is not a result of circumstances, but, rather, of discipline. A happy person is one who has chosen to be so regardless of what is going on in his/her life; they know that circumstances are like the weather--storms and sunshine come and go. Eternal happiness begins with a choice and the discipline to be effective in response to your intention. If you were to ask someone what is wrong in their life, they would most likely be able to express (with great fervor) a number of things that they would happily change. If you ask someone what is going well in their life, you will often be greeted with a pause, as if it is an unsettling inquiry. Why does it seem so much easier to focus on what IS NOT instead of WHAT IS?

Take a moment to take inventory of your week. What are six things that have been great about this week? What are six things that have made you happy this week? If you cannot answer, it is an indication that you are focusing on the "wrong things." You may be sabotaging yourself by always focusing on the lack and limitation in your life.

Success or sabotage? Success can only be appreciated if you notice it; what are you doing well?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day is incredible if you will simply get out of the way!

Nurture your Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive.  It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are now sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, a nice office or productive work area? Do you have a computer that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all that you have, notice how your heart seems to expand.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy in what you have or what you DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words, and actions.

Relish your Happiness.

There is a moment in the 2002 film, "The Hours," where Meryl Streep's character speaks of a day in her youth when she awakened with so much joy and possibility. She is excited about the future, thinking that it is the beginning of her happiness. It is not until later that she concludes that the moment was "THE moment." It was her moment of happiness.

 I do not believe that happiness is limited in its capacity but the opportunity can be missed if we are not mindful. So often, we spend our time evaluating circumstances or life experiences on a "what-if scale," wishing that it was just a little bit more. We may find ourselves postponing our appreciation and joy until the time when everything is in place (according to our judgment).

Life is a gift too precious to squander. Today is indeed the only day that we have for happiness. We do not know what tomorrow brings. As long as you are a living, breathing, thinking person, you are provided with the opportunity to choose to live in this moment in any way that you see fit.

Success or sabotage? Happiness is a choice; the same is true for success.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Why not be fully conscious of your choice?

Strengthen your Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive. It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience, or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are now sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, nice office, or productive work area? Do you have a computer, phone, or tablet that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which you are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all you have, notice how your heart expands.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy in what you have or DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words, and actions.

Appreciate this Moment.

We often deny the present for thoughts of the past or hopes of the future, failing to realize that there is no greater gift than the NOW. It is the present that truly provides us with an opportunity to take note of all that we have created in our lives. Each day we are awarded with the power to choose where we want to go. What is the next step that we wish to take to create the life that we desire? There is no better place to be than where we are at this very moment.

Take some time today to truly appreciate this day. Consider all of the gifts and blessings in your life and all that you have been able to learn. Acknowledge the perfection of your life to date—knowing that even if things haven’t gone as you hoped, each experience (however uncomfortable) provided greater wisdom and clarity for the days ahead. Sometimes the greatest path to clarity is the experience of what you don’t want (so that you may be clear about what you do want instead). It all works together for good, should you allow it to do so.

Success or sabotage? Keeping both feet in the past and your eyes on the future prevents you from fully appreciating the beauty of today. Don’t cheat yourself out of the gift.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Stop, look around you, and notice all of the beauty that surrounds you, realizing that this day will never come again.

Nurture your Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive. It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience, or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are currently sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, nice office, or productive work area? Do you have a computer that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all that you have, notice how your heart seems to expand.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy in what you have or what you DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words, and actions.

Share the Joy.

It is so easily to be a malcontent--criticizing the state of the world, your life circumstances and limited opportunities. This effortless exercise of futility has become an acceptable hobby. We think of nothing of speaking to friends, family, co-workers and even strangers about the misery of our lives. It seems as if we have a greater sense of identity and connection with shared grief than the endless possibilities of joy that surround us.

Happiness is a choice that requires great discipline and practice. Today, notice how often your thoughts swing to the negative side of the equation. Are you paying more attention to what is NOT instead of what IS? Notice the negative emphasis of the conversations of those around you. What is the cost of giving into negativity? How does it impede your productivity and performance?

Success or sabotage? Success can only be achieved if it is recognized; if you are always focusing on "lack," you will create more of the same.

Is this going to be an incredible day? The choice is yours to make.

Manifest your Vision.

The future is waiting for you. You are a creative being blessed with the ability to construct the life of your dreams. It will not, however, happen on its own. You must choose who you want to be and how you want that to be reflected in your life. Once you have concluded on a framework for your life (a goal or objective), you must do whatever you can to manifest that vision. It requires a delicate balance. You must be clear about what you want and be willing to release all expectations.  Do not allow your willful nature or perception to limit your possibility; you must release the "when?" "where?" "when?" and "how?" that often plagues are consciousness. Know that your dream will come true (or something even better) if you simply get out of the way. You do what you know and are lead to do and you leave the rest to the universe.

What is your vision for the future? What are you doing TODAY to create the space for that vision to come into this reality?

Success or sabotage?  Success is the result of creative power in action; it is never accidental.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  How do you wish for the day to unfold?

Surrender to Appreciation.

I am happy because I want to be happy. I am not allowing myself to fall into the incessant societal temptation that inspires us to believe that the happiness that we desire is only available if our life meets certain conditions or if we acquire certain desires. This is accomplished by surrendering to the appreciation of what already is, rather than permitting focus on what is not yet in my experience. 

I am disciplined in my focus. I reframe my experience. I tell my story from the perspective of one who is completely fulfilled (not in delusional resistance to the limitations that may indeed exist in my present experience, but in celebration of the good that already exists). I direct my faith to the certainty that everything is always working out for me (no matter how things may appear in a single moment). I awaken with an appreciation for the gift of my breath, knowing, accepting, and ready to receive the gifts that this day will provide. I love my life because I allow my life to love me and my love for my life continues to increase the flow of the love that provides the evidence for me to love it.  

You get what you want when you want what you have. When you are focused on your desire for a change that you have decided is necessary for you to be happy, satisfied, comfortable and fulfilled, you are actually putting a greater investment on that which is lacking (rather than that which you wish to create). Shift your thoughts, words, energy, and attention to that which you appreciate in your current experience. Open your heart up to relish in the fullness and luxury of all that is already in existence. Feel that. Enjoy that. Nurture that.

Success or sabotage?  Success is the natural result of realizing that sabotage is always self-inflicted and never something that is perpetrated upon you by an outside force or influence. 

Is this going to be an incredible day? When you realize that this question is rhetorical, you are ready to receive and experience all of the gifts that life has in store for you. 

Create more Happiness.

When asked if he had a religion, His Holiness, the Dali Lama responded by stating "No, I have no religion, but if I did, it would be KINDNESS."  It is a simple and profound response. If only a portion of the 6 billion people on the planet practiced kindness today, imagine the transformative power! It is an engaging thought and a feasible possibility. If you believe this to be true, how much are you willing to do to bring this into reality today. How will you assist in the creation of greater happiness, freedom and peace of mind for another? 

I invite you TODAY to perform strategic, focused, inspirational acts of kindness for others today. Do not limit your self to the comfort of those you know. Extend your self to those with whom you have no obvious connection. Invite others that you know--friends, family and acquaintances to join you (us) in this effort. As you perform these acts, invite the recipients to do their own version for another. Create a chain of happiness with your actions today.

Success or sabotage? There is little value to success if you are not willing to assist in creating greater success for another.

Is this going to be an incredible day? As you give, so shall ye receive. There is a reason why this "do unto me" philosophy exists in every culture and religion. It is truth!

Nurture your Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive.  It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are now sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, a nice office or productive work area? Do you have a computer that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all that you have, notice how your heart seems to expand.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy in what you have or what you DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words, and actions.

Own your Happiness.

In the film Jerry Maquire, Tom Cruise tells Renee Zellweger "you complete me. " This single line won the hearts of millions of female movie fans and placed this film in the top ten lists of most romantic films. It makes for a great movie, but a very bad reality.  NO ONE OR NO THING OUTSIDE OF YOU can complete you.  The romantic myth of finding "the one" must be overturned for the psychological health of the world (if you are looking for "the one" to fill the void that you feel in your heart). It is one of the greatest myths and weapons of self-sabotage.

Relationships of any kind are best served when two "whole" entities come together.  You are not joining together for purposes of getting something that you need, but rather coming together to become more of who you are. The moment that you begin looking outside of yourself for happiness is the moment that you are destined for failure or disappointment.  Is your happiness really the responsibility of your partner, friends or boss?  If it was their responsibility, would they be able to manage it effectively?

Are your relationships based on sharing or need?  If it is based on need, does it feed or drain your energy? 

Success or sabotage?  Where do you place the responsibility for your happiness? Is it dependent upon specific actions, outcomes or people?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  What do you need to be happy today? What are you going to do to get it?

Invite more Joy.

An old customer service trick that is used in the training of those who staff telephone hotlines is to smile when answering the phone (regardless of their personal demeanor at the time).  It has been proven that if you smile long enough, your emotional climate will catch up and you will become happier.

There are days in our lives when we doubt the possibility of joy in our lives.  We may believe that the joy will come once <insert to-do list here> all is completed. Do you really want to wait? Is it really your intention to withhold joy from your life until you have reached a certain pinnacle? Is your happiness dependent upon circumstances or is it a state of being?  If you truly want to be happy, for what are you waiting?

You are more likely to experience joy in your life if you make it one of your aims. Are joy and happiness on your list of daily goals?  This should not be a secondary goal.  When you feel happy and joyful, it feeds your productivity and sharpens your focus. What will you do to inspire greater joy in your life today?

Success or sabotage?  The best way to achieve success is to "be successful." Act it out and watch reality catch up!

Is this going to be an incredible day?  It is COMPLETELY up to you.

Choose some Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive.  It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are now sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, nice office or productive work area? Do you have a computer that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all that you have, notice how your heart seems to expand.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy on what you have or what you DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words and actions.

Nurture your Happiness.

Happiness is a choice that must be nurtured if it is going to survive.  It is only dependent upon the condition of our lives as much as we allow it to be. Happiness can withstand any circumstance, life experience or challenge. Happiness is a condition that is developed much like physical strength. It may take a lot of discipline to develop, but once you have "flexed the muscle," it will become an integral part of your being.

Take a moment right now for appreciation. Look around the room where you are now sitting. What do you appreciate about your surroundings? Do you have a comfortable home, nice office or productive work area? Do you have a computer that functions effectively most of the time? Is the chair on which are sitting a good means of support? Do you have a roof that keeps the sun and rain off your head? How do your clothes feel? Do you like what you are wearing? Do you have people in your life that love and care about you? As you continue to focus on all that you have, notice how your heart seems to expand.

Success or sabotage? Does your level of happiness influence your level of success? Do you invest your energy on what you have or what you DO NOT have?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day has the potential for happiness. It begins with your choice and is defined by your thoughts, words and actions.