“Happiness is a choice, not a result of how life treats you.”
Recently, while reading, this quote caught my attention. It caused me to pause for a moment to determine if I agreed with the statement. Turns out I do.
Life certainly has a way of getting your attention, doesn’t it? Take COVID-19 for example. One moment we’re busy living our best lives, next, life as we knew it came to a screeching halt!
I can only speak for myself when I say, the circumstances of the last few months have brought me to my knees. With uncertainty swirling all around me, I’ve been humbled at best and filled with feelings of dread at worst. But here’s the good news. Each day I had the ability to choose how I wanted to feel.
Now in the spirit of transparency, I didn’t always choose to feel good. To be clear, this was not a conscious decision. It never is. You see, my thoughts dictated my feelings each day, and my actions followed. I thought I needed to stay informed. So I watched the news for hours on end. And we know there is very little good news in the news, right!?
I thought I needed to keep myself busy, so I created things for my hands to do. All that did was tire me out more. I found myself walking around sad and depressed most days. And it didn’t take much for the waterworks (tears) to turn on at some point before the day was over. Let’s just say my thoughts and ultimately my actions did not lend themselves to me feeling happy, joyous, and full of hope.
It wasn’t until I began to journal and spend time practicing self-reflection that the doom and gloom cloud, which was following me like it did Pigpen in Charlie Brown, began to lift. Which brings me back to the statement, “Happiness is a choice, not a result of how life treats you.” I had to decide that I wanted to feel better before I actually did. I had to make the choice to change my mood and lift my spirits before any of that could take place.
This is not unique to me. We all have a part to play in our own well-being. Gaining control over your thought life is a great place to start. And self-reflection is the tool I’d recommend to get you moving in the right direction.
Self-Reflection Is All About Choices
- It’s good practice to check-in with yourself from time to time to discover what you do or don’t want in your life.
- One of the best self-care practices is knowing what to say yes to and more importantly when to say no!
- Slowing down and getting quiet is one of the most self-loving things you can do. By doing so you will begin to recognize that you have options!
- Having choices is a blessing and a gift. Treasure it!
- Having choices means you don’t have to stay where you are if where you are doesn’t bring you joy!
- Having choices means you don’t have to stay stuck, and if you stay stuck…that is a choice.
To help you get started on your self-reflection journey, be sure to grab your free copy of the 21 Day Reset Your Life Reflective Journal.
Your Turn To Share
How often do you take time to reflect on your life? In what ways do you practice self-reflection?