Emotional pain can be as sharp and bitter as physical pain, and no one gets through life without experiencing it. Is it possible to be happy while you’re hurting? Is happiness a result of circumstances, or is it a choice?

I choose happiness. There. I’ve said it. I choose it. So now what? Does it follow that my choice alone will make me happy? Or must I take action to make my choice a reality in my life? Think about this. You might choose to be wealthy or live a long, healthy life. You might choose to be a doctor, lawyer, policeman or (gulp) writer. You choice is the first step in a process. To reach your goal, you must take the next step, and the next.

This article appeared on my news feed this morning, and my happiness gauge jumped when I read it. I hope yours does, too!

12 Things I See Happy People Do (that unhappy people do not)

—- Rev. Shane L. Bishop

May 22, 2017

I have been thinking a lot about happiness of late, partially because so many people seem unhappy. I think that was my first epiphany upon entering the world of Social Media; people are unhappy and there are a lot of them. Now don’t get me wrong, we all know some people who wouldn’t be happy, were they not unhappy but I am not talking about them. We will just let them be. I am also not thinking theologically here (i.e. juxtaposing happiness and joy), today I am going to err on the practical and pragmatic side of things. With that being said, let’s get going.

I think most people want to be happy; they are just not quite sure how to get there from their present location. Many people honestly believe that happiness is a lucky bounce; a sunny disposition or favorable circumstances but I disagree. Happiness is a choice. I believe the best route to happiness is found by following the footsteps of those who have already arrived.

Here are my observations on the topic that have been formed by watching happy people for decades.

What do you think?