Your happiness should not be dependent on any person but yourself. If you’re feeling down, these twenty thoughts about happiness should improve your mood.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
Memories will forever live in your heart, no matter how brief the experience might have been, so be thankful that you can reminisce at any time you choose.
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” ― Dalai Lama
Complaining is a fool’s errand, because you can’t expect your dreams to come true if you’re not willing to pursue them relentlessly.
“To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.” ― Albert Camus
The secret to happiness is to appreciate the people who “get” you, while having no concern with the rest.
“Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness.” ― Harold Kushner
It is understandable to be afraid of opening up if you’ve been hurt in the past, but authentic connection cannot be established if you’re not willing to be vulnerable.
“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” ― Abraham Lincoln
Happiness isn’t a destination, but rather a choice.
“It’s so hard to forget pain, but it’s even harder to remember sweetness. We have no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace.” ― Chuck Palahniuk
Painful experiences tend to stick out more vividly than peaceful ones, so pursue an art or craft that allows you to release your pain in a productive way.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Strive for harmony in your thoughts and actions, because behaving in a way that opposes our beliefs can produce a hell of an identity crisis.
“Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” ― Ernest Hemingway
I often wish I could forget about injustices and troubling facts about the society we live in… when thinking about this makes me depressed, I remind myself of this affirmation: positive actions trump negative thoughts every time.
“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” ― Martha Washington
When it seems like a dark cloud is overhead, remember that even the most severe storms are temporary.
“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” ― George Burns
Appreciating your family is essential, but it is also wise to distance yourself as necessary for your mental health and sanity.
“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” ― Helen Keller
Before you complain about first world problems, consider that many people living in third world countries are more satisfied with their life than you are.
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” ― Ashley Montagu
Life is not meant to be a choreographed routine, but rather an exciting adventure.
“You can’t be happy unless you’re unhappy sometimes.” ― Lauren Oliver
How do you propose you would appreciate the emotional “highs” of your life without some “lows” to put them in perspective?
“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” ― Winnie the Pooh
If you feel like you always have to be doing something, then you will never comprehend how freeing silence can be.
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh
Smile (even if you don’t feel like it), because it is scientifically proven to make you feel better.
“Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results.” ― Dennis Waitley
The result of your work will never reflect your expectations, so it is better to focus on enjoying the process than achieving a specific result.
“The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.” ― Mark Twain
Brightening another person’s day will make you feel infinitely better than wallowing in your own misery.
“Nobody really cares if you’re miserable, so you might as well be happy.” ― Cynthia Nelms
Letting people get to you will only encourage them to bother you, while smiling in the face of criticism will show them how powerful you really are.
“There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.” ― Lady Blessington
A loving spirit and positive attitude will make you more attractive than any amount of weight-loss ever could.
“A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.” ― Author Unknown
Don’t be afraid of the unexpected, because life comes equipped with twists and turns you will never be able to predict.
Click the share button if you want to give your friends a healthy dose of happiness. :)
Featured photo credit: Enjoying autumn / Vintage style photo from a beautiful woman in autumn via shutterstock.com
