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Home » Think Fit

Happiness Is a Choice, Not an Emotion

Submitted by Leesa Barnes on Thursday, 3 July 200812 Comments

“Happiness is a choice, not an emotion.”

I believe this quote can be attributed to Joel Osteen. I say this because I actually heard a radio program where the host was paraphrased something she read from Joel’s most recent book. I’d have to read it to make sure.

Aside from that, I shared with my ezine subscribers the various things I’m doing to make happiness a choice. I’m interested in hearing from you. What are you happy about? Add your comments below.

12 Comments »

  • Nancy Sutherland said:

    I totally agree with you. As women one thing that we can count on is that we are either in the midst of a drama, coming out of one, or getting ready for another one. The key is to make the CHOICE to be happy regardless of circumstances. When I am in the pits, the easiest way to get out of it and feel better is to focus on others. Who can I add value to their life today? Who can I bless today? Who can I encourage today? It doesn’t take long to find someone who you would not want to trade places with! Having an attitude of gratitude is essential. That is just my opinion, of course, but it works for me! It is really hard to outgive a giver!

  • Nancy said:

    Ah, this is so timely! July 10 is International Happiness Day. http://www.internationalhappinessday.com. To celebrate, I’m choosing to be happy all month! It’s my own Happiness Project.

    Because I, too, believe happiness is a choice. And it fascinates me how often I still make the choice to be upset, worried, burdened or pressured when I CAN make the choice to be happy.

    I’ll be writing about my month of Happiness over at my blog, http://www.nancyoutloud.com, and I’ll definitely post an entry about what you are doing over here, Leesa.

  • Nancy said:

    The sound of my cat lapping water makes me happy. Drinking tea in the morning while writing and writing and writing. Singing well. Dancing in the kitchen. Learning new things. Doing nothing. Getting a new gig. A date with a friend. Tony Bennett. Discovering new music or a new artist. Abraham-Hicks. The sound of donkeys braying. Buying makeup.

  • Karey Shane said:

    I’m happy about the wonderful gift we all have at our fingertips: to go within.

    When I go within, and seek to know my purpose, the still, small voice provides direction, confirmation of a choice well made, or confusion when a choice isn’t the right one.

    I’m incredibly grateful–and happy–that I can navigate my purpose from the inside, instead of having to find on the outside in the flurry of a hectic world.

  • Jill Freeman said:

    the happiness I am choosing is to believe n myself and the ability I have to start my own business!

  • renee yarbrough said:

    I LOVE what you had to say about money. I’m going to begin that process of spending/saving/investing. I am also going to begin each day with what I am happy and grateful for.

    Thank you for your words…they really jump-started my day.

    As for getting healthy and staying motivated, check out what a group of us Nashville women did. Maybe you would like to join the next group in August!
    http://web.mac.com/thehealthquest/iWeb/Site/Home.html

  • Ninja said:

    Three percent of the world’s population (check snopes and wikipedia - do not trust the ninja) are naturally happy. Money or good health apparently have nothing to do with it. Just gobs and gobs of serotonin jumping from neuron to neuron I imagine. For the rest of us happiness is choice. And for everything else - of course - there’s mastercard.

    Not to diminish any of the other comments, but we women are famous for believing that doing for others makes us happy - that going within and finding our inner strength and loving ourselves are the keys. The menz don’t have to bother with all that because at any age, a red sports car and a looker on their arm is sufficient to make them happy. They really know how to live in the moment don’t they? (at least 3% of them anyway). I kind of like being a curmudgeon - that’s what makes me happy. ;-)

  • Happiness? I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Happiness. « No One is Reading This said:

    [...] left a comment on Leesa Barnes blog : http://www.leesabarnes.com/happiness-is-a-choice-not-an-emotion/#comment-5546 after she called for all of us to write about happiness.  Happiness is completely overrated.  [...]

  • Happiness? I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Happiness « NinjaRadio said:

    [...] left a comment on Leesa Barnes blog : http://www.leesabarnes.com/happiness-is-a-choice-not-an-emotion/#comment-5546 after she called for all of us to write about happiness.  Happiness is completely overrated.  [...]

  • Evelyn said:

    I agree that happiness is not something to be pursued, rather it is something that we must cultivate from within. If the world can give it, then the world can also take it away. Find the joy in your heart and you can be happy regardless of your current circumstances.

  • JPS said:

    I would love to be interested in helping people no matter what situations they are in. The most important thing in life is to genuinely show that you love and care for people irrespective of their creed, colour, or race.In helping others, you are being helped in some way or another.If everyone cares for everyone without being selfish, then the world would be a better place to live in.

  • Lillie said:

    Happiness is a choice, but I believe it is also an emotion.

    I am happy to have been led to this website. I aim to improve my podcasting ability. This site has made me very happy and hopeful.

    I am also always very happy for Truth and Love.

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