Quotes About Choosing Happiness
92"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Focus on Beauty
Happiness is a Choice
I used to think that people who exuded joy and happiness were blessed with an easy life and had been spared hardships, but experience has taught me that happiness can be a conscious choice, regardless of one's circumstances. According to the dictionary, the word "choose" means to:
- select from a number of possibilities
- prefer or decide (to do something)
- want; desire
- make a choice
- be inclined
Mindful, conscious choices can bring happiness into our lives and help us feel empowered rather than overwhelmed by our current life circumstances. This hub will highlight some famous quotes that can inspire us to make positive choices that will bring more happiness into our lives and the illustrations I've chosen will create a sense of appreciation for the beauty of nature and help us feel naturally joyful.
"True happiness is to enjoy the present... without anxious dependence upon the future." ~ Seneca
"We can go through our whole lives worrying about our future happiness, and totally miss where true peace lives- right here, right now." ~ Peter Russell
"The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." ~ Abraham Maslow."
How Lifestyle Choices Impact Happiness
Author William Holland, aka Billybuc, on HubPages has written a wonderful hub about choosing happiness and how it's related to the lifestyle choices that we make: http://billybuc.hubpages.com/hub/Lifestyle-Choices-Why-Am-I-So-Happy .
Mindfulness Leads to Happiness
Focusing our attention on the present moment breathes positive energy into our lives and helps us let go of the way things were in the past.
During the last 22 years my husband suffered several heart attacks and I used to spend much of my time worrying about losing him. Adjusting to his diagnosis taught me the importance of focusing on each moment, and the futility and waste of spending the precious time we do have together worrying about what may occur in the future. Some days that's still a challenge especially when new health crises or issues arise, but I've learned to cope through mindful meditation that returns my focus to the present and by being grateful for the time we do get to spend together.
When we choose to become more mindful of the present, we feel lighter, brighter and ready to move on. We don't waste time focusing on the things that might happen, but rather focus on being grateful for the things we have in the present moment.
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting what we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." ~ Frederick Koenig
"Simply being alive is the greatest blessing we can enjoy." ~ Rene Dubos.
"Don't judge by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Gratitude Quotes That Foster Happiness
When we choose to live in a state of gratitude we view life as the gift it is and appreciate all the positive things in our lives.
The first thing I do each morning is take a deep breath and thank God for the start of a brand new day. As a nurse, I've seen people with lung diseases and terminal diseases struggle for each breath and this taught me to fully appreciate the fact that the ability to simply breathe is a blessing which most take for granted.
Florence Nightingale said, "Live your life while you have it. Life is a splendid gift." Nurses are more aware than most of the fragility and preciousness of this thing we call the life force. One moment we're here, and in the next breath we could be gone. Various faiths explain what happens after death in different ways and those who have only their own personal beliefs may feel all existence ends at the time of death. Such things may be up for debate and no one knows for sure what happens when we die, but we all know that our time on earth is limited. The wise among us, celebrate life as a splendid gift to be savored, not wasted.
Robert Louis Stevenson said, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." I am grateful that I have the ability to plant seeds of joy wherever I go and make a conscious effort to do so whenever possible. Spreading smiles, love, kind words, kind thoughts and actions costs nothing and brings great joy into my own life and I've found that it's a natural antidote to depression. When I focus on helping others I am less focused on my own problems or worries.
In this regard, we can learn from the bees whose work ensures the beauty in our world by pollenating flowers.
"The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others." ~ Saint John Chrysotom.
"Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life" by Alexandra Stoddard
This book contains creative ideas and illuminating anecdotes that will help you make small but significant changes in your thoughts, heart and surroundings and discover the keys to a happy, joyful life.
In challenging times, it's easy to question whether joy is a choice but the author gently teaches us that happiness lies in the passions we pursue and the pressures we decline.
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Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life by Alexandra Stoddard
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Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life
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Seeking Our Highest Purpose is Key to Joy
We can all learn about highest purpose from the example that Mother Teresa gave us by the way she lived her life. Her life was devoted to tending the sick, poor and homeless, and we can also choose to honor our highest purpose by caring for our families, friends and strangers. We can engage in meaningful work whether through charity or paid employment. Even if we don't believe in God we can believe in having a purpose that goes beyond our own existence. I believe that doing so is key to our own joy.
The following quotes may help guide and inspire you to your highest purpose and joy:
- "Make your life something beautiful for God." Mother Teresa.
- "This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one." George Bernard Shaw.
- "There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that's your own self." Aldous Huxley
Quotes About Knowing Your True Self
In summary, the key to being truly happy is to know and accept your true self:
- "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation." Krishnamurti.
- "People should be beautiful in every way...in their thoughts and in their innermost selves." Anton Chekhov.
- "Our responsible concern is with our private destiny, after all." William James.
Your True Self is Glowingly Beautiful
Do you believe happiness is a choice?
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Three Treatises Concerning Art, Music, Painting, Poetry and Happiness- 1744
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Great Hub by Hubber, Deeakanonna on "How to be Happy: Try This"
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Good Morning My beautiful friend,
What an awesome hub to read this morning..I so believe Happiness is a choice..our emotions change from hour to hour but when we choose to be happy..then it keeps us on a more balanced path, realizing even in hard times we can still be joyful..I loved all the quotes and I love Mother Teresa..so wise and kind. I am book marking this as I can always pull it out and reflect your wonderful thoughts here. Thank you.
Sunnie
What a great hub, beautiful all the way through.
I also loved Mother Teresa and here's to many more hubs for us to share here on Hubpages. i opften wonder to myself 'Was there really a time before HubPages ?"
It would be strange without it now, no great hubs like this one to share and read.
Thank you for being one of the great writers on here.
Take care
Eiddwen.
You're right, happiness is a choice. Because when we are facing a true problem that makes us unhappy. We can choose to always think positive in the face of these problems, so despite being in trouble, we are happy.
I have to confess that during extremely personal trying times, it can be a challenge. But heaven knows I much rather choose happiness!
Hi A.A. Zavala,
Thanks so much for your feedback and ongoing support of my writing. It really means a lot to me.
Positive affirmations help lift our spirit and I'm glad to hear you'll be using some of these quotes as a road map to lead you in your always unique direction.
I admire your active imagination, wonderful originality, wit and humor which brings joy to HP readers like me.
Hi Sunnie Day, I'm so thrilled you like it and that you're going to bookmark it for future reference. I was thinking of the brightness of so many of your own hubs as I wrote it, and wanted to give readers a happy, positive way to start their day.
It took me a long time to realize that no matter what my life's circumstances are, I can always choose happiness by intentionally focusing on simple things that bring me joy in the present moment. For me that means spending time in nature, especially when I'm stressed.
Good Morning Eiddwen,
"Ditto" right back to you, your sentiments about HP. We are so blessed to be able to share our writings here. Am heading over to your latest hub in a few moments.
Blessings and Hugs,
Gail
Welcome Paypalku,
So glad you enjoyed my hub and took time to leave a comment. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Welcome Tarrka1089,
Thanks for reading my hub and leaving a comment. I still have challenging times when I have to remind myself of the things I've written here, but the more I follow the actions I've outlined, the more I'm able to connect with inner joy. It's an ongoing, daily practice.
What an emotionally up lifting HUB. I agree and have seen that happiness is a personal choice. Happiness is also a personal thought pattern that one can choose, change and empower themselves with. Keep choosing Happiness!!!!
Isn't that the truth; you're only as happy as you allow yourself to be and that is a BIG 'letting go' of control. Time to BE Annie
Welcome Dr. Bill, am thrilled to "see" you here!
So glad you found this hub up lifting. I agree that happiness is also a personal thought pattern that one can choose, change and empower themselves with. I am continually learning how to "fine tune" my thought patterns to foster happiness, peace and love.
Thanks for your insightful comment. Your ongoing support of my writing means a lot to me as I highly value your opinions.
Hi Annie,
I noticed you used your real name to comment with and not your usual HubPages profile name which identifies you with nursing. Yes, the true Annie is so much greater than her nursing background. It will be exciting to see what hubs come into "Being" when Annie accepts and embraces the totality of her being.
Thanks so much for your ongoing support and following. It means a lot to me.
Oh! I want be be a butterfly fly from a flower to flower soaking up nectar.
I'm happier this year with my husband feeling strong.
I love this hub and your photos - that first one really caught my attention.
I agree that happiness is a choice. Unfortunately, I live with someone who isn't most of the time although it's gotten much better since medication has been started. I find that staying in the present as much as possible helps so as not to focus on events that may not come to pass (not easy for a news junkie!)
I also find focusing on gratitude helps too.
This was such a Nice, Upbeat Hub on Happiness Gail...I Loved what Lincoln said, "Most Folks are as Happy as they make up their Minds to Be"...Such a simple thought and statement, but oh so very True. Of course the reality is, some people are just not Happy, no matter what, so Yes, sometimes Medication is the only answer when there are hidden problems.
Welcome Writer20,
Loved your whimsical comment about wanting to be a butterfly!
Yes, it's much easier to be happy when our spouse is feeling better.
Thanks for taking time to read my hub and leave a comment.
Your Hub radiates peace and joy and the photographs added a beautiful dimension.
Hi Danette,
Thanks for noticing my photos. I had great fun taking them. There's a nursery/farm nearby and when the acres of sunflowers bloomed I just had to get some shots. Didn't know what I was going to do with them until I started writing this hub and needed a photo. Then I remembered your instructional hub about adding visual interest through photos and side bars and I was able to jazz this hub up!
It is hard to live with someone who suffers from depression as it can easily drag our own mood down. I'm glad that medication is helping your significant other and that you've learned how to take care of your own mental health by staying physically fit and remaining focused on the present.
My mood lifters are walking, meditation and gratitude.
Hi b. Malin,
Thanks so much for your kind, compassionate comment. I agree that some people suffering from depression may need medication to help lift their mood and gain control of their thoughts and emotions.
I also agree that some people are just not happy no matter what. They're not depressed, but revel in complaint and dissatisfaction. That's their choice and I never try to talk someone like that out of their misery. I just go about being my cheery self and hope some of it will wear off on them! If not, it's their problem, not mine.
Hi Mckbirdbks,
Thanks so much for your feedback. That's exactly what I was hoping to accomplish with this hub and your comment really made me smile.
I firmly believe we are in charge of our happiness or misery. Thank you HBN for inspiration and conviction.
Thank YOU, Hyphenbird, for bringing happiness into my life with your delightful childhood stories. I saw that Simone has made a Podcast out of Pirate's Gold!
Even though I knew what the ending was, I couldn't help but laugh again when it was read aloud.
I am glad you enjoyed it. I laughed myself . She did a fantastic job.
he who has a why to live can bear almost any how. - nietzsche
It is a choice, what a great hub, very inspiring, no matter how many times I hear it happiness is definitely the way to go - great photos too!
Chatkath,
Thanks so much for your positive feedback. So glad you found it inspiring and liked the photos. I really appreciate you taking time to comment and your ongoing support.
Nurse, I love this one! This is another beautiful inspiring hub from you that I am putting in my inspirational file. This really cheered me up and was what I needed to read this morning. I especially like the quote about looking at the seeds we plant, not the harvest we reap. Some days it feels like everything is going wrong, but if we start to plant good seeds again, it will get better. Cheers and blessings, my dear!
Hi HBN, What a wonderful, happy, upbeat hub.
Some very inspiring quotes here, my favourite is by Rene Dubos.
The photos are awesome, thank you for sharing and spreading some happiness.
Hi Gail,
I love the photographs in this hub, particularly the closeup of the very first sunflower! I'm so glad to see that you are sharing more of your photography as it is certainly beautiful and nature pictures are a perfect complement to your subject here, choosing happiness.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the value of choosing to be happy. You've given us much to think about in this hub. Voted up, beautiful and across the board.
HBN.....I love this hub and couldn't agree more. We make choices to be happy or sad...some people love that gary cloud over them but not me. My Mom taught me to smile and its amazing how many doors it has opened for me. One sure thing is that people will always smile back.
I absolutely loved this hub, Happyboomernurse. It was very uplifting. Being positive and surrounding yourself with positive people is so important to a happy life. I could not possibly agree nore with your opinions on this topic. Voted up, useful, and beautiful. Happiness to you and yours.
Thank you, happyboomernurse. This article reflects your name well. I am glad to come across it when I did. And, I have chosen for today - happiness, contrasting my feelings during the waking hour(s). Now, I begin the 'new' adventure of this day!
Hi Prairieprincess,
Am so glad you were cheered by my hub and found it inspirational and am truly honored that you are saving it in your inspirational file. I also appreciate your ongoing support and insightful comments.
Blessings today and always.
Welcome Movie Master,
Am delighted that you enjoyed my hub and left such an upbeat comment.
Blessings and joy,
Happyboomernurse
Hi Stephanie,
Wow! Am so thrilled you enjoyed the photos. I've been having fun usng my own photos and it's nice to get feedback on them from someone whose own nature photography I admire so much.
Thanks so much for the vote up. Hope you're enjoying your summer.
Hi Marellen,
I agree with you about the power of smiles. I was born with the propensity to smile and my Mom told me she used to put me outside in my playpen and I used to smile at passersby and yell out "Hiya" to everyone. I think it's true that when you smile, most everyone smiles back at you and I'm glad I learned that lesson so young.
Cheers and Blessings,
Happyboomernurse
Hi Husky1970,
Am so glad you enjoyed this hub and were uplifted by it and I greatly appreciate the vote up.
Cheers and Blessings to you and your family and I hope you're enjoying your summer.
Welcome tsmog,
How wonderful that this hub lifted your spirits and helped you look forward to a "new" adventure for the day. I so appreciate your lovely comment which raised my own spirits.
Blessings and Joy,
Happyboomernurse
very nice hub.what i really love most is you selected the rite pics for the words.Thanks for your hub.
You are right. I believe that if we focus on being grateful for what we have, dwell on the positive, rather than the negative, then it improves our attitude towards life. And yes, smiling really helps. I notice that when I smile, it makes others smile, and I feel so good inside. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Beautiful hub, Gail. I LOVED the photos of the butterfly and black eyed susan...great photo shoot-did you have fun chasing those butterflies around? LOL
I love your words of wisdom (yours) and enjoyed the quotes as well. You are a wonderful role model for positive thinking. BTW-I put a vote in the awards for you re: the most cheerful hubber.
Hi Maxravi,
So glad you liked the hub and photos. Thanks for taking time to leave a comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi Lindaclarke,
I appreciate you taking time to leave an insightful comment and am glad you enjoyed this hub.
Hi Denise,
I actually did have fun trying to capture those butterflies on film. They were all over the place and I was really excited, but every time I moved up close they flew away untill I realized I needed to just stay still and be focused on the flower until they came in for a landing.
Thanks so much for the vote for most cheerful. I appreciate that.
Great Hub, Happyboomernurse!
You've beautifully shared with us 4 keys to happiness:
* Knowing & Accepting Your True Self
* Serving a Cause Greater Than Yourself
* Being Grateful for the Gift of Life
* Living in the Present
They're all at our disposal for us to use them. It's just a matter of choice.
Thanks so much for sharing.
hello Happyboomernurse,
I really appreciate this hub, especially that you share the challenges of your husband’s health and the need to continually remake the choice to focus on the present moment and be grateful for the time you have together.
As you say happiness is a choice, and yet many people in your position don’t feel able to make that choice. It’s easy to feel undeserving of happiness if others around us are suffering, and yet that doesn’t ease their suffering one bit. For that reason I think what you write here is helpful for others going through challenging times.
I so agree with you on this. It is truly a choice to be happy in life or not, no matter what happens, it is still a choice in how we respond to it. You can see this in people who have suffered much, but they still chose to smile and find the blessings somewhere outside of their own suffering. My mother taught me this and it stuck with me as I've had a lot of suffering, but still praise the Lord in spite of it. Great hub!
Hi Stolive,
So glad you stopped by and left a comment that so effectively and efficiently summed up what I was saying in this hub. Love the way you distilled it to 4 keys of happiness:
* Knowing & Accepting Your True Self
* Serving a Cause Greater Than Yourself
* Being Grateful for the Gift of Life
* Living in the Present
Thanks so much for your ongoing support of my writing. It's always a pleasure to read your insightful comments.
Hi Melovy,
As your insightful and compassionate comment pointed out, choosing happiness isn't always easy and requires ongoing conscious intention, especially when loved ones and those we care about are facing health challenges.
It’s easy to feel undeserving of happiness if others around us are suffering, and yet that doesn’t ease their suffering one bit. It may seem paradoxical, but I've learned that when we choose to smile, bring flowers, hug, tell jokes or do something to brighten our loved one's day it eases their pain and suffering, but if we dwell in the suffering with them it intensifies their pain. Once we realize that, we can help them, as well as ourselves, feel momentary happiness despite the difficult circumstances.
Thanks so much for your ongoing support. It means alot to me and your comments always seem to deepen my thoughts on the subject matter.
Hi Jseven,
Am glad to see that your mother taught you such a powerful way to handle suffering. We feel empowered when we realize that although we don't always have a choice about what happens to us, we do have a choice in our response. Jack Canfield states it this way:
Event + response = outcome. In other words, our positive response to a challenging or painful circumstance is what creates the final outcome.
I am glad you meet life's challenges head on and still maintain your faith.
May God Continue to Bless You in Good Times and Tough Times.
Best of wishes for recovery and good health in the time ahead for your husband and yourself as a more than interested caretaker. This hub is like a shaft of sunlight coming into our houses and souls. Your advice is stellar, the quotes...excellent and your wonderful photos added to the overall delight. Reading this hub should brighten anyone's day! Hitting the buttons and also sending to FB and tweeting this. Great job! Thanks!
Hi Peggy,
Thanks so much for your kind, supportive wishes and positive feedback on this hub- they really made my day. I also appreciate the vote up and feel honored that you liked the hub enough to pass it on to others.
This great. I am so happy I found the secret to happiness...do I have "unnecessary days of bad attitude"? Yes I am human but they are few and far, far between. I watch my daughter-in-law and her young friends and the drama they can create. I do remember that when I was that age I didn't have time for drama but I could have an occasional lapse in judgement. Looking back I know I learned a great deal, but wish I had not missed so much time.
Hi Dee aka Nonna,
It's great to see you here as I so enjoyed your hub on happiness titled, "How to be Happy: Try This" and have created a link to it.
Thanks for adding such an insightful comment. I agree that once we realize how to choose happiness it's hard not to look back and wish we'd learned how to do so earlier. We also want to impart our wisdom to others, especially our loved ones who are unconsciously creating misery and drama without realizing that they're doing so. Unfortunately, all we can do is try to be good role models for them, as your mother was for you, and hope that someday they'll figure it out for themselves and we can verbally pass on our wisdom planting seeds that may eventually grow into a garden of happiness for them.
I love this hub, you have hit the mark on choosing to be happy. When we live in the moment and take time to really appreciate how lucky we are to be alive and breath in this beautiful air, we truly have found happiness. I stop everyday and just give thanks for every experience I've ever had, the people I've known and the life I've been given.
We can choose to be happy, our thoughts are so powerful, most people just don't realize that they hold the power to change their lives. They just have to learn right thinking. Thanks for sharing your expertise on this, really really good!
Hi Carcro,
I just left a comment on your "How to Build a Waterfall Meditation Pond" hub which goes well with my happiness hub as mindful meditation is a wonderful practice for promoting happiness.
Thanks so much for your kind words and insightful comment that augments my hub. Choosing happiness is empowering and starts to become part of our nature when we do so on a regular basis. I agree that it's a matter of learning how to adjust our thoughts.
Hi dear heart what a beautiful and encouraging hub you have written. It beggars belief that some people do not recognise their own worth or understand that they have the power to change what lies ahead of them. If only they could open their eyes and their hearts to what is surrounding them in beauty and trust to move forwards they could find happiness in every corner of their lives. Thank you for sharing today. x
Hi Bluestar,
Thanks so much for your insightful comment. My hope and my prayer is that people do open their eyes and hearts to the beauty surrounding them and to the fact that what they choose to think, say, do and focus on in the present can have a positive impact on their level of happiness both now and in the future. Am so glad you enjoyed my hub and I appreciate your support. Your comment has added a bright spot to my day.
You are right about happiness being a choice and to waste time worrying about things which may not happen is pointless. It is,however, one of the daily things I try not to do. I have to talk with myself to get out of the habit. Some days are better than others but I hope it is getting easier. Great hub thanks
Welcome Poshcoffeeco,
Thanks for taking time to read my hub and leave a heartfelt comment. As you say, it's easy to slide back into old habits, but the more we practice awareness and consciously make choices, the easier it becomes and eventually our "habit" becomes the choice for joy.
Great post...Awesome
Hi htodd,
So glad you enjoyed it.
HBN - this is a wonderful, WONDERFUL article!!! I loved every graph, and the content is right on the mark. It's very much needed insight and it's coming from one who's got the goods to bring it!
God bless!
Hi Femmeflashpoint,
Am so glad you enjoyed this article. I've had much help and support throughout the years in learning how to make choices that impact my life in a positive way and for that I am very grateful.
I appreciate your lovely comment. It really got my day off to a bright start.
Thanks for your uplifting hub. I loved your sunflower pictures, they make me so Happy! I also believe that being happy and positive is a choice. Life is too short to be miserable. Your husband is in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad you've learned how to use the positivity and living in the moment to help you deal with your husband's health struggles.
Hi Minnetonka Twin,
Thanks so much for your kind words and support. They really mean a lot to me. So glad you enjoyed the hub and that the sunflower photos made you feel happy.
On the one hand, I wish I had noticed this hub a few weeks ago. On the other hand, I'm really glad I've noticed it now:) This hub is so you - the essence of Happyboomernurse. The theme of joy and the gorgeous photography of cheerful flowers written so skillfully I was barely aware that I was reading the hub - just taking in photographs and captions that captured exactly what the words were saying. This is now my favorite bedtime story:) Good Night, Gail.
Hi Kim,
So glad you went to bed with visions of joy in your heart and mind. I woke to your wonderful comment and began my day with a smile and that warm feeling one gets from knowing that their intentions in sharing a hub have been realized. Your comment was a gift to me this morning and I thank you for it.
May you have a blessed day.
What an absolutely stunning article. I so believe that happiness can be of our own making. We always feel so much better when we smile, people generally smile back. It makes one feel good inside and I believe is the essence of happiness.
Voting up and pressing your buttons too!
Hi Acaetnna,
Ah yes, smiling is a wonderful thing and I am always happy to see your wonderful smile. I know you spread sunshine wherever you go.
So glad you enjoyed my hub and I greatly appreciate the vote up.
Blessings.
Such an inspiring hub! This is one of my favorites which I will bookmark. Love your photos too. They project your thoughts perfectly. Just love you!
Welcome Vocalcoach,
Am so glad you enjoyed the hub and photos and really appreciate you taking time to leave such a lovely comment. It really made my day.
This is a very helpful, inspiring and needed hub. It makes me feel that their is hope. The choices and decisions that we make, definitely affect the way that we feel in life. Lovely hub. Voted up Take Care. :)
Regards,
A.CreativeThinker
Welcome A.Creative Thinker,
So glad you found this hup inspiring and I appreciate the vote up. Yes, making conscious choices can be very empowering and helps us remember that although we don't have control over what happens to us, we always have control over our response.
Great hub! I love all the photos too!
Hi MsHoliday,
Am glad you enjoyed this hub and photos.
Thanks so much for the kind words.
Love the content, love the quotes, love the pics. Love it. I am bookmarking this. I definitely want to read again.
Welcome LABrashear,
Thanks for the lovely feedback. Am so glad you enjoyed this hub and the photos. Your smile looks like you already choose an attitude of joy.
This is indeed an upbeat article, and very inspiring, thankyou for posting it.
At the risk of being seen as a ‘down’ commenter, I have to say that I’m disappointed at the assumption reflected by some of your commenters; that Depression is the problem to which you are here providing the antidote. And, that making the decision to ‘choose to be happy’ is as simple as it sounds – for everyone and anyone.
I don’t think that’s what you’re saying at all, but it’s such a predictable, simplistic, and dismissive way for many people who’ve not “felt the wind of the wings of madness” (Author William Styron, on suddenly falling into depression) to lessen the efforts of many clinically, and chronically, depressed people for whom inner happiness is an almost unreachable goal; yet who (I’m speaking personally here) pretend sufficiently well, that they’re seen by others as happy, outgoing, well-adjusted, sharing, caring people. Even, in fact, well-known for their smile!
My point is that all is not always as it seems, and a smile that fails to light up a room, or shine brightly in response to a smile from a stranger, may still be the best effort a seriously depressed person can make. It, and they, shouldn’t be undervalued. Life shouldn’t be about who has the biggest smile. It should be about who has the biggest heart (imo).
I suspect you didn’t include the truism by which I try and maintain a balanced outlook, because it’s become something of a cliché. But, on the off-chance.., my daily reminder is; “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow’s a mystery. Today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present.”
Cheers
Welcome Writeronline,
Your comment, as always, was deeply profound and insightful and you raised some excellent points that add some much needed balance to this hub.
There is of course a vast difference between the experience of inner joy versus successfully appearing to be joyful to the world while hurting deeply from within. I have experienced both of those scenarios during my life and the latter situation is extremely painful because we are acting in a manner that is totally disconnected from our authentic self. There are times when we are sad and it is more healing to allow that sadness to be seen so that others may hopefully reach out to us with compassion and love.
Severe clinical depression generally requires treatment with medications and professional assistance and it is, as you say, important that others refrain from seeing the depressed person as simply being unwilling to lift their own spirits up. For a severely depressed person the option of simply choosing to be happy may very well be out of reach until they're being successfully treated for their depression. Thanks for that reminder.
I like the daily reminder that you use and the only reason it wasn't in this hub is that I didn't think of it while I was writing: “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow's a mystery. Today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present.”
Hi HBN, I felt a bit bad about loading your hub with that other perspective; but I felt sure you'd know what I was talking about. So, thanks for acknowledging my comment, as graciously as you always do.
Perhaps you'd also feel OK with leaving this comment in place (please deny at will though, I won't be offended) including the link to a hub I recently posted, which may help to add balance to anyone else reading your hub, and feeling it's all just a matter of 'snapping yourself out of it'
http://writeronline.hubpages.com/hub/Are-You-OK-Th
Cheers :)
Hi Writeronline,
I just finished reading your hub about having compassion for those who may be depressed and keeping the lines of communication open and I feel the hub is very well written and thought-provoking so I'm leaving your comment and link here.
This is a great source of insightful thoughts and inspirational quotes. reading it is like feeding my mind of the most important words ever. Happiness is a choice, we only have to enjoy it at the present time and don't waste our time worrying for tomorrow and pent in the past. Smile and everything will be alright.
Hi Naturalsolutions,
Thanks so much for reading this hub and taking time to leave a heartfelt comment. So glad you found the hub inspirational.
The quotes were awesome. But mine is: you have to be happy with what you have and not what you wish for.
Welcome Vinaya Ghimire,
I love your quote and am glad you added it. I so agree that being happy with what you have is one of the most important keys to experiencing happiness.
Thanks for your insightful comment.
Thank you for sharing this. I love the way you laid out this Hub and how you included the photos also - I found it easy to read and very encouraging.
Welcome Glassvisage,
So glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for leaving feedback. It's greatly appreciated.
Excellent! I've seen people living in miserable circumstances, beaming inner joy. To be happy - not meaning laughing all the time, but to be filled with inner joy - is a choice. If we want to be unhappy, we will find a thousand reasons to be unhappy, and if we want to be happy, we will also find a thousand reasons. So why not choose happiness? After my breakdown in 1999-2000 - where I was actually saved on the point of suicide - I've decided to ban all negative thoughts, to immediately replace it with a positive one, even if it is only to be grateful for the oxygen I am able to inhale. And really, positive thoughts are one of Depression's best medicine - it does stimulate serotonin production. You are what you think. Excellent hub, Happyboomer. Voted up and awesome.
Welcome Martie,
Thanks so much for leaving such a personal and powerful comment that adds much to this hub. I greatly appreciate it and agree with what you said.
Great, awesome and sensational quotes. Lovely from a great woman. Bless you
Hi Ubanichijioke,
So glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your lovely comments. They really made my day.
Voted up. Your work is incredible HBN. You defined happiness quite well. We can't go through life living unhappy. If need be, we should find what makes us happy or search til we are. Great work.
Hi Thelyricwriter,
Yes, exploring what makes us happy is very important to our physical and emotional well being and it also helps us develop our passion and purpose in life.
Your lovely and supportive comments have really put a smile on my face today. It always makes me feel good when someone lets me know that they enjoyed my writing.
Thanks for taking time to leave feedback.
Happiness I believe is finding meaning in little or big things coming along our way. It takes a heart, a big heart to welcome happiness and appreciation to his side.
Welcome Don Balderas,
I love the image of a big heart welcoming happiness and appreciation. Thanks for instilling that image into my mind this morning and thank you for taking time to comment.
I am so pleased you commented on my hub otherwise I may never had found the truly wonderful hub of yours. Even when we are sad or hurting all we need do is look around us and see the beauty to find calm and peace.
Your hub is full of peace and tranquility.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Rosemay50,
So glad you enjoyed this hub and I thank you for leaving such an insightful and lovely comment.
Will definitely be going back to read more of your hubs and poetry.
Yes to the power of choosing positive feelings, positive thoughts, positive actions, and positive beliefs. This is the process of emotional recovery that I have devoted my life to learning and passing it forward to others in need. Great Hub. We think alike on many things. Peace and Light...Gary.
Welcome Gary,
Thanks for stopping by, leaving such a great comment and verifying from your personal experience and training that choosing positive feelings, actions, thoughts and beliefs empowers us. It took me a long time to come to that realization but once I did it made a big difference in my life.
I always appreciate and look forward to your comments.
Who would want to choose to be sad and miserable, yet many do. Have you ever know someone who couldn't seem to function unless they were complaining about something? Got to be a terrible way to live. Great hub! Really enjoyed reading it.
Hi Dee aka Nonna,
Unfortunately I have known people who have been very depressed and unable to feel joy. It's a terrible way to live and when I see someone like that I try to encourage them to seek counseling but if they're unwilling I feel compassion and pray for them.
Thanks for taking time to read my hub and for leaving an insightful comment. It's greatly appreciated.
Very useful hub. Thank you!
Hi PDXKaraokeGuy,
Glad you found it useful. It took me a long time to realize I could choose happiness in present moments even when going through challenging events and experiences. And once I realized that, it was very empowering.
You deserve the comments HBN. You have always been equally supportive. You reaaly make good points on this article. As you said, the state of gratitude someone applies to their life can be real rewarding. I know, personally, helping others is fulfilling to myself. I get happy when I help people. That is what life is about. I walk to work right now cause I have no vehicle. I met a new friend at work and his mom gives me a ride home. Yesterday, as I always do, I try to express how thankful I am. I told her once again and she stated, "We are here to carry out the Lord's work. It is all about helping others. In due time, we are rewarded for are good heart and good deeds". Then, I reread this and it was almost like I was meant to. You are very wise and as you are in the medical field, I am sure you have helped many people in your life. It really is what life is about. It would be such a special place if we all adapted and acted upon this. What an article.
Hi Lyricwriter,
I believe you WERE meant to read this article today as it reinforces the path you are already on- one of gratitude even in a time of difficult circumstance. Thank you so much for sharing your transportation example in this hub as it is a perfect illustration of the point I was trying to get across. I love the fact that another's helpfulness has resulted in a means for you to get to and from work and I also love that you shared what she said to you which was beautiful, inspiring and wise. I believe each act of kindness does carry out the Lord's work and that we each help shift the world in a more positive direction whenever we are kind to others.
Sending Hub Hugs your way,
Gail
YEAH, Gail got a "100..."-- You go girl!!
"experience has taught me that hapiness can be a conscious choice"
Thank you for this spiritually enriching hub, Gail. I needed to pause and reprioritize for a bit. This has helped greatly.
I am glad to have found this so late as the comments are beautiful and inspiring/ showing how valuable your contributions to us are. This is a keeper-- to be bookmarked!
Voted UP & UABI-- see you around HubCampus..., mar!
Hi Mar,
That score keeps bouncing up and down like a rubber ball, but it's fun to see it when it has 3 digits. Thanks for noticing.
I just re-read this myself and thought how similar it is to your recent mantra series and your new series. I think we've each reached similar conclusions about happiness through our life experiences.
But I do find that one must practice these spiritual lessons on a daily basis or it's easy to get mired in the day to day challenges that face every one of us.
Thanks so much for your ongoing support and friendship. Seeing your photo in the comment section always lifts my spirits.
Sending Hub Hugs,
Gail
"Nurses are more aware than most of the fragility and preciousness of this thing we call the life force". I am a nurse and I think this is true. We have more occasions than other to think about life, death, health, happiness and our job is an opportunity to grow.
Great Hub!
Welcome Fuscia,
So glad you enjoyed the hub and you are so right about nursing being an opportunity to grow. It's a difficult job both physically and emotionally but at the end of the day you know you've made a difference in the lives of your patients.
Thanks for leaving such an insightful comment. It's greatly appreciated.
HappyBoomerNurse, I agree. Happiness is largely a choice. Thanks for the reminder!
Hi PDXKaraokeGuy,
Glad you enjoyed it.
SECRETS OF HAPPINESS By BERNARD LEVINE
Kindness is the most
beautiful jewel in the world.
Love means having consideration
for each other.
The seeds you sow today
will be your fruit of tomorrow.
Fill your day with prayer
and your life with blessings.
Happiness is contentment
from within.
Find a dream to follow
that will stimulate your mind.
Make laughter your partner
through life.
Be prepared to fight
for what you want or believe in.
Remember - every day is a new beginning.
© Bernard Levine
Welcome Bernard Levine,
Wow!!! What a lovely gift you gave any reader of this hub, but especially myself, by gracing it with your "Secrets of Happiness" poem. So much wisdom in so few words all strung together like a necklace of pearls. Thank you.
Absolutely loved this hub! "If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation." Krishnamurti. That is my mantra for this week!
Welcome Vdelarosa,
Am thrilled that you enjoyed the hub and found a new mantra for the week. It's always a blessing to instill great quotes in our thoughts and mind.
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment.
I love this article and the thoughts behind it. We all need to remember to choose joy! Sure we have low moments in our lives... that is the human experience. But...you can lift yourself to a greater understanding and focus.
Hi Starstream,
Am thrilled that you enjoyed the hub and appreciate your insightful comment which I totally agree with.
Make your life something beautiful for God." Mother Teresa.
this is an excellent saying.. thank you so much for sharing and writing this wonderful HUB..
Have a great New Year
I voted up and awesome
Hi Deborah Brooks,
Thanks so much for taking time to leave such a beautiful comment. It's greatly appreciated.
I apologize for taking so long to respond. My computer internet service was down for several days.
Hope you have a great New Year, also.
Best Regards,
Gail
Hello Gail, I truly loved reading every word of this hub. Thank you, it is a gift in itself. The philosophy and message here is perfect for all people to ponder. I am often thinking too of how precious every day is, how relatively short life really is and its all we know for sure. I have my ideas on what comes after, and there is so much hope to be had. I like the Abraham Lincoln quote, it always makes me smile, and the Mother Teresa one as well, that really touched me. What could be more important? I am thankful to have you as a friend on Hubpages. Hubs like this are a breath of fresh air in a way. It gives some life and joy, in a world struggling to "breathe" so to speak, sometimes. (If that makes sense...) God Bless you Gail. :)
Hi Oceansnsunsets,
Thank you so much for your insightful and beautiful comment that felt like a gift to me this morning as I read what you had written.
I appreciate your heartfelt feedback and am thankful that we have become friends and share many hubs with each other.
What joy it is to be able to write on topics that are near and dear to our hearts.
May God bless you, too, as you continue to post your work in Hub Pages.
Gail
Hi Happyboomernurse!
Thank you for the confirmation! This is marvelous. Well said, well researched, well presented. Wish I had done it this way!
And to top it all off, I simply adore the photo's. My wife loves bees, butterflies and Sunflowers. So good.
Voted up all the way around!
Bruce
Hi Born2care2001,
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. It really brightened my day and I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub and photos.
Thanks also, for the vote up which is very much appreciated.
Beautiful hub :)
Welcome The Stages of Me,
I'm glad you enjoyed the hub.
Thanks for leaving such a nice comment. It's greatly appreciated.
This advice is good to read time and time again. Sometimes we forget how to be happy. Not on purpose, but because our life and schedules. It all makes perfect sense HBN.
Hi Lyricwriter,
Thanks so much for the return visit! I so agree with what you said and appreciate your ongoing support.
It's always great to see a comment that you've written.
A brilliant hub, well researched and I so enjoyed reading it. Voting up and pressing those buttons too!
Hi Acaetnna,
Am so glad that you enjoyed it and I really appreciate the vote up.
Amazing article, lovely photos...great message. Happiness is so difficult to define and so easy go keep if we understand the basis of it. Thank you for sharing. Vote up
Hi AnnaCia,
Thanks so much for the lovely feedback and the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
Many great quotes and thanks for sharing your experiences. Very beautiful hub on being in control of your life. Inspiring and thoughtful writing, voted up, beautiful, and interesting.
Welcome Olde Cashmere,
Thanks so much for your specific comment, feedback and the vote up. I really appreciate it.
Hi Boomer, ??? ve gathered great quotes. Awesome work!
Hi Ubanichijioke,
How wonderful to see your name in the comment section of this hub! You've been missed but I'm thrilled to hear from you now.
Thanks for the kind words.
Sending Hub Hugs Across the Miles
Flower & the Butterfly/ Honey bee' a perfect example of symbiosis, you live for me & i live for you..this is the basic principal of life and these creatures know this fact very well thus choosing the Happiness their own way !
Hi Shara63,
Thank you for leaving such an observant and and profound comment and metaphor.
Cool hub! I love quotes and the pictures are pretty.
Hi Caramellatte,
Am so glad that you enjoyed the quotes and pictures.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment.
A.A. Zavala Level 7 Commenter 9 months ago
A road map to positive affirmations. I will use it to lead me in the right direction. Awesome...