Choose Happiness

I decided to change a bit from my usual topics and talk about happiness today. Since I made this decision, I have been plagued by happiness all day. To the unsuspecting this may seem like a fine problem to have but ‘tis not so. Before my eyes were truly open this morning the television was talking about a new study on happiness. Of course, my first thought was “Crap, I have to write my blog on happiness today” – not exactly a happy thought. As usual when I am trying to gather my thoughts on a topic, I carried a pen and paper for jotting notes. Unfortunately, my pad is empty and my pen is full.

Therefore, I have decided to consult a guru on the topic. This naturally means I looked up happiness on wikipedia; and learned that happiness is a state of mind or feeling such as contentment, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy. While expanding my knowledge of happiness via wikipedia, I did avail myself of The Oxford Happiness Inventory, which is touted as a good tool for quantifying happiness. I am proud to report that I scored a 75% on the happiness scale. I do believe I am happy at least 75% of the time. However, it still did not tell me what makes me happy.  I sat down to compile a list of things which made me happy.

My list included the love of a dog; a fine writing pen; really good coffee; the warmth of snuggling; a book I can become totally lost in; being so silly I collapse into laughter that ends in tears; holding hands; quiet; driving a 5 speed; floating in a pool; perfect parallel parking;  fixing something rather than buying new; a clean house; electronics;  eating at the table;  Mountain Dew in a can; friends who know you and love you anyway.

In making my list I realized – it is rarely the things, which make us happy. It is the living creatures in our lives – the people – the events – the times. Enjoy who YOU are. Enjoy those you love and especially those who love you. Being happy is a choice. You can choose to be happy. You can choose to look at those around you and find the happiness.

Try it! Choose happiness!

Today, find some quiet time and make a list of all the things which make you happy. Begin to seek those things out and participate in them regularly.