“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi
Believe it or not, it’s possible to wake up happy everyday, well almost everyday. One of the greatest discoveries I’ve made is the realization that my happiness depends entirely on me. Keeping that in mind has completely changed my life.
Unfortunately, there’s a widespread belief that life is supposed to go according to our plans and expectations. That’s why people ask “why me?” when bad things happen to them.
I’m not sure where we got that idea from but it’s obviously nonsense. One only needs to look around to see that everybody on earth will get their own share of trouble at one point or the other. You can’t avoid trying times, so you might as well prepare yourself.
How can a person wake up happy no matter their circumstances? By making a firm decision and building a set of habits to support that decision. I made that decision years ago, and here are three habits that have helped me sustain it:
1. Dance as often as you can
“The rule is you have to dance a little bit in the morning before you leave the house because it changes the way you walk out in the world.” – Sandra Bullock.
When I woke up this morning, I could feel the beginnings of a foul mood. I had two options; succumb and spend the day feeling sorry for myself or do something to shift my mood so I could have a good day. I chose the latter.
So I borrowed my brother’s Bluetooth speaker and after 5 minutes of dancing to Joeboy’s “Celebration,” I’m happy to report that I feel excited and ready to start my day. Dancing is a guaranteed mood shifter, so create a playlist specially for this and dance as much and as often as you can.
2. Be grateful for the little things
“…I started out giving thanks for the small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased…” – Oprah Winfrey
There’s always something to be grateful for, and gratitude is scientifically proven to change your life. In 2019, after a particularly rough month, I fell into the pit of despair. I was so sad that I avoided all my friends. Thankfully, one of them sensed something was wrong and when she reached out, I told her everything.
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Her advice was unconventional, but it was the solution I needed. She told me to write down everything good that happened to me that year and by the time I was done, I saw how truly blessed I was. I know it’s not easy to look past everything that’s going wrong and focus on what’s working, but it is what you focus on that will expand. Be grateful for the little things, and you’ll have more. If you are intentional about gratitude, you will wake up happy everyday.
3. Surround yourself with hope and positivity
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu
The past year was really rough for me. There were days when I couldn’t imagine how things would get better. I’m not going to pretend that it’s been easy to stay hopeful, but I’m doing my best. One thing that’s helped me is surrounding myself with positivity. I unfollowed everyone on social media who made me sad. I avoid bingeing on the news.
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I watch movies and shows that inspire me and read books and articles that encourage me. I’ve been deliberate about maintaining a cocoon of positive vibes and it has saved my life, literally. There will be dark times, but we can choose to see the light and keep hope alive. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
These three habits that help me wake up happy show that happiness is a choice. You might not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. So here’s hoping you make the decision to be as happy as you can and live a life you love everyday. Well, almost everyday.
Bonus point: Laugh as hard as you can, as often as you can. Laughter is indeed medicine for the soul.
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