Why Not Just Choose Happiness?
These days, it feels like everywhere we turn, there’s another disaster waiting to grab our attention. Whether it’s political turmoil, economic worries, natural catastrophes, or even personal struggles, the weight of it all can be overwhelming. News outlets, workplace conversations, and social media constantly remind us of everything that’s going wrong.
But what if, for a moment, we paused? What if we gave ourselves permission to breathe, slow down, and simply choose happiness?
This message echoes from an unexpected place—a 1906 holiday article titled “Why Not Be Happy?” originally published in Vibrant Life. While the language may feel old-fashioned, the sentiment remains surprisingly relevant. The article gently reminds us that we still have control over how we feel, no matter what’s going on around us. At its heart, it encourages us to choose happiness, even when the world feels heavy.
It’s All Still Here
The article opens with a simple but profound truth: “You have everything in this big, wide world to make you happy.” And that’s exactly where choosing happiness begins. It’s not about having a perfect life or waiting for things to get better. It’s about noticing the good that already surrounds us—and sometimes, going out and creating even more of it.
We’re encouraged to seek love, peace, and joy—not by sitting back, but by actively working toward them. If we can shift our perspective, we may find that the world is not as harsh as it sometimes appears. When we choose happiness, we start to see kindness, beauty, and warmth that were hidden in plain sight.
Start With Your Health
Let’s be honest—it’s hard to feel happy if you’re not feeling well. That’s why the first recommendation is to take care of your health. When your body feels good, your mind has a better chance of feeling good, too. If your energy is low or you’re feeling off, it could be your body asking for some attention. Eating well, moving your body, getting rest—all of these help set the stage to choose happiness.
Quiet the Chaos
Maybe your health is fine, but your mind won’t stop racing. That constant hum of anxiety and nervousness can make happiness feel out of reach. If that’s the case, it might be time to prioritize peace. Get outside. Breathe fresh air. Take solo walks. Surround yourself with calm, positive people—and if you can’t find any, become one. Even when others around you are stressed or combative, refuse to be dragged down. Hold onto your ability to choose happiness.
Don’t Take It All So Personally
Sometimes, our unhappiness comes from overthinking or being overly sensitive. We imagine slights or focus on negativity that may not even be real. When this happens, it’s time to lean into common sense. Most people aren’t going out of their way to hurt you—they’re just busy living their own lives. Remind yourself of this, and try to let go of the small stuff.
Choosing happiness means not letting every comment, every look, every mistake ruin your day. Be kind to yourself. Be understanding of others. And most importantly, choose happiness over unnecessary worry.
Do Something Good
One of the most powerful ways to lift your spirits is to lift someone else’s. The article suggests simple acts of kindness—like bringing flowers or books to the sick. These small gestures can have a big impact, both on others and on your own heart. When you help someone else feel better, you can’t help but feel better too. That’s the magic that happens when you choose happiness through service.
Happiness Is a Choice
In the end, the message is clear: happiness isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we choose. Even in times of hardship, we can decide how we respond. We can focus on what’s missing, or we can look for what’s still beautiful. We can dwell in our worries, or we can choose happiness in spite of them.
Conclusion:
Life will never be perfect. There will always be struggles, fears, and bad days. But woven into all of that are opportunities to smile, to connect, to love, and to grow. When we take control of our mindset, care for our health, extend kindness, and stop taking everything so personally, we open the door to something wonderful.
So today, and every day, why not choose happiness?
