Happy Just Because

“Every morning when I wake up I have the choice to be happy or unhappy, and I choose to be happy.” - some old probably wise man.

Seems too easy? That would’ve been my initial thought a year or two ago.

Growing up we learn that being unhappy is the regular programming and it takes something extraordinary to be happy.

Happiness is this elusive magical thing, that is supposed to be felt through external events or people. Something extraordinary.

When I achieve this I’ll be happy. When I get this it’ll make me happy. Being with that person will make me the happiest. Being popular will make me happy. Having a six packs will make me happy. Money, success, objects. You get it.

Most days we choose to be sad, unhappy, miserable, angry, irritated.

Osho says there are two reasons for it:
1. From childhood we’re conditioned to be unhappy, to cry. This gains us attention, sympathy, love. A happy child is just let be. And then it becomes slowly about attention and importance.
2. When you’re joyful, ecstatic, happy - people get jealous. They wonder the source of all this happiness. They judge.

Being sad is easy. Being happy is tough. But what isn’t?

It’s easier to externalise happiness, but that doesn’t last. It makes it fleeting.

When working with my clients I tell them - You shouldn’t just be happy when you reach your goal weight, waist line, or “The Ideals”.

Even a small change is a progress. Progress as a word is a very positive word, it’s a win. Be happy in the process. At the progress. At the effort. At your mindset. In every moment. Celebrate each step, each day - that’s when you’ll keep at it.

Don’t externalise your happiness, internalise it. You don’t need a reason to be happy, just be happy. There’s no right or wrong. Good or bad. Rich or poor. Beautiful or ugly. It’s all perspective.

As Bobby said, “Don’t worry, be happy!”