Choosing Happiness
Life is a Choice
Life doesn’t just happen to us. Every day, we make countless choices, some small, some life-changing, all of these choices shape our path. But one of the most profound choices we can make is often overlooked… the choice to be happy.
Happiness isn’t something we stumble upon; it’s something we actively create. It requires us to engage both our body and mind, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against us. And let’s be honest, sometimes they are. Life can be messy, unfair, and overwhelming. But even in those moments, I truly believe, we have the power to choose how we respond.
The 10% Rule
One of the key lessons I’ve been learning in my Positive Intelligence program is the concept of finding the 10%. In every bad situation, every failed idea, or even in the darkest moments, there is always 10% that can be salvaged. This small percentage might hold a lesson, an opportunity, or the seed of a better idea.
It’s not about ignoring the bad; it’s about intentionally focusing on that sliver of good to spark change or evolution. Using this rule, we can take a seemingly insurmountable challenge and turn it into a stepping stone.
The Power of Presence
Choosing happiness isn’t about waking up one day and deciding that everything will suddenly be perfect. It’s about taking small, intentional steps to focus on the here and now. When we’re fully present, we can find moments of joy and clarity even in the toughest times. Here are three holistic ways to engage your mind and body:
Immerse Yourself in a Creative Activity: Find something that fully absorbs your attention, like dancing, painting, singing, journaling, or even a sport. When you’re lost in the flow of an activity, your mind has no space for worry or negativity. For me, creative endeavors like dancing, singing, and painting are my go-to activities that let me disconnect and fully immerse myself in the moment. I see it in the people I teach dancing to, they walk in heavy and leave so much lighter. It’s a great feeling for me to witness this change.
Reconnect with Nature: A simple walk in the fresh air can do wonders for your mindset. Pair it with a conversation with a friend, and you’ll experience the double benefit of movement and connection. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by nature, away from screens and daily distractions.
Try Guided Meditation: If meditation feels difficult, guided meditations on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music can make it more accessible. These help you relax, reconnect with your breath, and ground yourself in the present. Even a few minutes can make a difference and don’t beat yourself up if you forget to do it. Be proud when you do remember and try to focus on feeling better as a result. Celebrate the small wins.
Why Choose the Bright Side?
When times are tough, choosing to see the bright side can feel like climbing a mountain. It takes effort, and sometimes it feels easier to stay stuck in frustration or sadness. But if we don’t try to find the good, what are we living for? To be miserable?
The truth is, life will always throw challenges our way. The question is, how will we meet them? By choosing happiness, even in the smallest of ways, we give ourselves the chance to live with purpose, to grow, and to build the life we want. If you just let life happen to you, it will do just that. Things happen around us all the time, how we react and respond to them shapes our experiences and ultimately defines the direction of our lives. By choosing to engage intentionally, we take back control and steer life toward the outcomes we truly desire.
A Work in Progress
This mindset isn’t about perfection, and it’s not about suppressing your feelings. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or overwhelmed. The key is to acknowledge those emotions and then choose to move forward with intention without holding on to them. Then find the 10% that you can take forward and focus on that. Dwelling on the bad stuff doesn’t serve you.
Remember, happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a practice, a journey. It takes practice to be actively positive. So I challenge you, to find the 10% of something you can use, in any bad situation and make it work for you. A choice we make, moment by moment, to seek out the light even when the darkness feels overwhelming.
So, what will you choose today?
Fran x