Happiness is a choice.
Joy is a choice.
Optimism is a choice.
Yes, some are biologically more likely to skew toward these. And yes, some have the circumstances (where they were born, who they were born to) that make it more conducive more these choices. Privilege helps.
But, and here’s that but, choosing these requires perspective.
And perspective cannot be handed from one person to the other, it is earned. It is the gift at the end of adversity and reflection.
There’s always a reason to be glum. There’s always a reason to complain. Things are never perfect. We’re constantly dancing with the suboptimal – balancing risk and uncertainty.
That is when that earned perspective that helps us take stock and consistently find reasons to be optimistic and grateful… and find the joy, peace, and equanimity that we seek.
