Happiness is a CHOICE...

What is happiness? The simple answer, it’s a Choice.

There’s a recipe for happiness. The ingredients are as follows:

By now you know I’m an “ole skool” kind of gal. Nostalgic candy, Swedish fish, sunflower seeds, candy corn, and walks in the park, the simple things in life, that’s me.

Like most of you, I’ve also had pain in my life. Some I’ve caused, some uninvited, and most just a victim of circumstance. Still, I found that happy place. I had to. Maybe it’s from my father or the strong spiritual women in my family. “Get busy living or get busy dying.” ~ Great line from Shawshank Redemption.

I like that expression. It echos a will and determination to do something, like a choice to find that happy place. Some circumstances can’t be changed. But YOU can change YOUR outlook. You can change how you choose to react. You can change how you want to handle it.

You’ve heard the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade?”

Wikipedia explains it: “It is a proverbial phrase used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity or misfortune. Lemons suggest sourness or difficulty in life; making lemonade is turning them into something positive or desirable.”

That’s a wonderful expression. I love that CAN DO attitude. Why? It’s POSITIVE. It’s ME. Along with prayer, it’s how we take control and turn the situation around in OUR favor. There’s the smile I’ve been waiting for. You see it plain as day. YOU have a choice. Therefore, HAPPINESS is a choice.

Now, I can't speak for you. But I choose to be happy.

There's a recipe for happiness. The ingredients are as follows:

Interesting story:

Back in the fourth grade, My elementary school invited a lovely young lady to class for music appreciation. Like most children that age, I looked forward to closing my textbook and learning a new song. Holiday time. The stage was set. We arrived at the nursing home early that afternoon. The semicircle formed around the day-room while the music teacher played the guitar.

It’s no surprise that our silver-haired crowns of beauty began to laugh, sway, conduct the “orchestra,” and dance. Why, because we made a choice to sing (off-key or not). It had an influence on them. They made a choice too. It was to be happy.

I leave you with the song we sang. As you read the words, think about how simple life was before things became complicated. I hope it leaves you in a happy place. Singing it again did for me.

HAPPINESS ~ You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.

Charlie Brown figures it out and says, “I’m so happy. That little red-headed girl dropped her pencil.

It has teeth marks all over it. She nibbles her pencil. She’s human! It hasn’t been such a bad day after all.”

(Charlie Brown sings) Happiness is finding a pencil.

Snoopy: Pizza with sausage.

Linus: Telling the time.

Schroeder: Happiness is learning to whistle.

Linus: Tying your shoe for the very first time.

Sally: Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band.

Charlie Brown: And happiness is walking hand in hand. Happiness is two kinds of ice cream.

Lucy: Knowing a secret.

Schroeder: Climbing a tree.

Charlie Brown: Happiness is five different crayons.

Schroeder: Catching a firefly.Setting him free.

Charlie Brown: Happiness is being alone every now and then.

All: And happiness is coming home again.

Charlie Brown: Happiness is morning and evening,day time and night time too. For happiness is anyone and anything at all that’s loved by you.

Linus: Happiness is having a sister.

Lucy: Sharing a sandwich.

Lucy And Linus: Getting along.

All:Happiness is singing together when day is through,and happiness is those who sing with you.Happiness is morning and evening,daytime and nighttime too.

Charlie Brown: For happiness is anyone and anything at all that’s loved by you.

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about… Being HAPPY!

I'm sure by now, you've added your own extras for being happy.

To all of my “Charlie Browns“ out there, What is happiness to you?

Love,

~Ms. Zipporah