Photo by Kenny Eliason
Now, we’d like to start this blog by saying that although we believe that happiness is a choice and that someone has control over it, there are exceptions to this.
We do acknowledge that certain mental illnesses and physical diseases make it nearly impossible for a person to actively choose to be happy. Our sympathies go out to those who are suffering from any physical disease or mental illness that prevents them from being happy.
We hope that they eventually find the help they need and that they find happiness at some point. And while Robert Knapick’s book, Choose To Be Happy, may not be for them, they are more than welcome to get a copy.
With that said, what we’ll be talking about today are the reasons that make happiness a choice and how Choose To Be Happy by Knapick can help individuals choose to be happy.
Reason #1: Choosing Happiness Makes People Better Citizens
Social beings by nature, humans seek out pleasant experiences inside their social circles and thrive in groups. However, did you realize that contentment can also improve your civic virtues?
A recent study found that future civic engagement during the transition from childhood to adulthood and midlife is predicted by happiness. Put another way, you’re more inclined to participate in community service initiatives that advance the growth and general well-being of your neighborhood when you’re content and joyful with your life.
Additionally, doing community service fosters empathy and fortifies ties between neighbors. It also serves as a great method to address various issues in one’s neighborhood, particularly when local authorities don’t have the means to address them.
Put simply, content individuals lead happy citizens who unite to form content communities.
Reason #2: You Don’t Really Need Much to Live a Happy Life
Happiness is within your reach, as you have undoubtedly already recognized, and the best part is that you do not require much to get or maintain it.
Happiness can be found anywhere—at home, having a wonderful time with your lover, in the community, going out with friends, and when you do things you enjoy by yourself. The secret is to change your perspective and look for happiness in events within your reach and in individuals who are prepared to share it with you.
The reason why happiness is a choice is because if we want to, we can even find it in the most dire of situations. Choose To Be Happy by Knapick aims to help people actively make themselves happy instead of waiting for it to come. This is one of the best reasons why happiness is a decision that we must consciously and actively make for ourselves.
Reason #3: Believe It or Not, Happiness Keeps People Healthy
Happier people tend to be healthier. The fact that you’re in an upbeat state will inevitably increase the effectiveness of your immune system. It can also improve your motivation to take part in healthy activities. Your ability to cope with stress is also greatly enhanced.
Researchers have found that happy feelings are generally associated with good health, reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease and various other medical disorders. In summary, happiness isn’t the key to lifelong health or a panacea for pain and ailment. However, it can significantly increase your chances of leading a healthy life.
With that in mind, take some time to consider some pleasurable and healthful self-care routines and outdoor activities.
Reason #4: Being Happy Spreads Happiness to Everyone
When was the most recent time you attended a festival or concert? Do you remember what kind of mood it was? What was the general atmosphere of the occasion?
Remember those certain times when everyone was in a frenzy, and it was nearly hard to avoid getting sucked into the same energy? Other than that pure moment of bliss, nothing else mattered.
We may be inherently wired to pick up on the psychological vibe of a community we are a part of, or it may have to do with our basic need for belonging. Whatever the reasons underlying this occurrence, one thing is certain: happiness is highly contagious.
Happiness Is a Choice That We Must All Make
Knowing that we have a choice regarding happiness can be liberating for some, while others may find it counterintuitive. Nevertheless, if being happy is something we want for our lives, then we must eventually accept that the pursuit of happiness starts with us.
We hope you enjoyed this blog! Don’t forget to buy a copy of Choose To Be Happy by Knapick by clicking here. Read some of our other blogs, too, and learn how to constantly choose happiness on a daily basis!