Happiness is. . . .


Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There’s going to be stress in life, 
but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not. –Valerie Bertinelli


Recently a survey reportedly revealed that unmarried women without children live longer and are happier than any other demographic. Seriously?

Of course, people began lining up on all sides, defending the study or attacking it vigorously. At the end of the day, I am sure in a month or so there will be another study that affirms, once and for all, that Charlie Brown had it right all along.

Happiness is really a warm puppy.

But the truth is, there is no single definition of happiness that everyone can subscribe to. Some people find happiness in that first hot cup of coffee every morning; me, I can’t drink the stuff, and if I did, I would probably burn my mouth.

But that’s okay. Everyone’s definition of happiness doesn’t have to be the same. Just as everyone’s definition of love doesn’t have to be the same, either. Just because we find happiness (or love) in different places doesn’t mean we can’t still get along. Over time, our definitions may even change as we grow, or change, or simply learn new ways of thinking and living. Stop worrying about other people. Find your happy and live into it. And while you’re at it . . . let everyone else do the same.

I think the world is already starting to be a better, happier place!


Monday What makes you happy? Is it sunshine or raindrops? Ice cream or potato chips? A good book or a movie? Do that. Psalm 47

Tuesday, June 4 Ask someone you think you know well what makes them happy. Listen and if you hear something you weren’t expecting, ask more. Ephesians 1:15-23

Wednesday Try something different today, something you might not expect to enjoy. How did it go? Would you do it again? 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Thursday Is there someone you know whose tastes are dramatically different from your own, to the point you struggle with loving them? Pray about this. Psalm 113

Friday Find a recipe for a new dish. Be adventurous and open-minded as you experiment. How did it go? Will you make it again? Romans 12:9-16

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, ask God to work in a dark space where you might be harboring hatred or other negative feelings. Pray to be healed. Psalm 97

Sunday Come to worship the one who first taught us to love—and pass it on. Revelation 22:20-21

A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love and well-being. 
–James E. Faust

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