I believe that happiness is a choice.
It is the result of the decisions we make every day, not something that merely falls on us by chance. In our culture, it is easy to assume that happiness is linked to material possessions. We often have thoughts like, “if I just had a nicer car… If I had more money… or if I had a boyfriend or girlfriend… then, I would be happy.” These thoughts relegate your happiness to some arbitrary event — but your happiness is too important to be left to chance.
People are often waiting for the flowers to bloom, but haven’t sown the seeds. They eventually realize that the happiness that comes from “things” does not last. Therefore, I submit to you that lasting happiness comes from within and is not based on external circumstances.
We have the power to choose, every day, to be happy. We should learn to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Take a moment and think of some of the happiest people you know. I bet they are grateful for what they have, and they appreciate the intangible things in life, such as family, health, someone to love and the weather. While none of these things are perfect, these people have learned to focus on the positive qualities. Take the weather, for example; some people complain when it rains, but others are thankful for it — because it makes your gardens grow. Some of the poorest people (by society’s standards) are the richest people I know, because they focus on the things that money can’t buy.
Everyone can learn to be happy. I guarantee that if you do the following three things every day for the next 21 days, you will develop the “habit of happiness:”
1. Before you get out of bed, think of one, and only one, thing that you’re thankful for. Then say out loud, something like, “I’m thankful for my wife, who loves me unconditionally,” or “I’m thankful for the opportunity to get an education.” It doesn’t matter what it is, just verbalize it.
2. Sometime during the day, give one person a sincere, heartfelt compliment. It doesn’t have to be over the top or flattery, just sincere.
3. Do one random act of kindness for someone. Write thank you notes, pay for the meal for the car behind you in the drive-through, create care packs for the needy or the military, give the gift of your time to a child or elderly person, whatever comes to mind. Just do something small, and expect nothing in return.
Don’t overthink the activities. They should not create more “work” for you. In fact, spontaneity is a good thing. Just be aware of the people around you and respond positively.
I believe there is a deeper kind of happiness; an inner joy that is sustainable through even the hardest times. Life does not pick favorites. It rains on the just and the unjust.
My name is Frank Williams, let me encourage you to choose to develop the habit of happiness.
Students are welcome to submit their own “This I believe” writing pieces.
The Clarion is open to other student-written opinion pieces that may have been written for a class.
If interested, submit your piece to clarion@sinclair.edu.
If submitted, we reserve the right to edit the writing piece before it is published. Students should also keep in mind that submission does not guarantee publication.