As humans, we make choices every day. Some of those increase our happiness. Others seem to defy logic and go against our wishes.

Life doesn’t always go the way we want

Our lives don’t always look the way we want them to. Perhaps we find ourselves spending days in a job we hate when we would rather be travelling the world in warmer climates. Maybe we feel stuck in a loveless marriage. Sometimes we might feel lonely and wish we had more friends. Or we might hate the pressures and stress of our life.

The way you feel

The way we feel about ourselves and how much we can open up to new people and experiences, how often we choose to smile because it feels good – none of these need to depend on your life situation.

Your happiness should not depend on your external circumstances… you always have a choice. If it isn’t so easy to change your external circumstances, you have a choice about your reactions to it.

Here are some tips to consider that will help you have more choice regardless of your life situation

1. Enjoy the present moment – If you wait for tomorrow for change to happen, the odds are you will do the same things as you have always done. Develop the ability to see what is in front of you and what you actually have. Look to appreciate what you can be grateful for in your life instead of comparing yourself to others (there will always be someone who is better looking, has more money, a more interesting job etc) or wishing for what you haven’t got. Remember happiness is a moment by moment choice, one that many have hard time making
2. Remember to dream – It is great to give yourself permission to dream, this can be key to living a meaningful life. Of course we need a good dose of realism too. This can provide the motivation which will have a substantial impact on your health and future happiness.
3. Notice and appreciate the small things – Even if you are in the place you want to be, you will still experience life’s highs and lows. If you haven’t learned to enjoy the little things, your well-being will parallel your life’s circumstances. Every time something goes wrong you will feel deeply unhappy. Think about the things that give you joy. Again, focus on the present, no matter what changes; you’ll have a variety of simple pleasures to help you through.

Happiness is about how you interpret what is in front of you. How proud you are of the way you live your life. How willing you are to enjoy the simple pleasures, even if everything isn’t perfect.