I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately. I have friends who have cancer, friends who are unemployed (not by their choice), friends who go to jobs they hate and friends who have challenging relationships with a spouse, a child or a parent. And, yet, some of these people are happy.

Happiness for me doesn’t mean having the perfect job, the perfect relationships, the perfect amount of money in a bank account, the perfect body or any other perfect “things” for that matter. All those things can disappear in an instant. Happiness involves being able to see the blessings and gifts in all situations. Happiness means feelings of contentment, inner peace and having a purpose that’s larger than just me. For me, happiness means to be able to “just be” who and what I am now without having to wait until I achieve some artificial goal. Happiness is about enjoying the entire journey, not just the destination,

If I traveled around the world looking at every tree, happiness wouldn't be growing on any of the branches, no matter how lush the foliage on the tree. I won't find happiness in a jewel-encrusted crystal bottle displayed on the shelf in a store nor can I buy it on QVC or at a swap meet. 

Happiness is a choice. No matter what the situation, you make conscious or unconscious choices about how you respond. What you focus your attention on multiplies in your life. Your life is the sum total of the fruits of your choices. If you don't like where your life is headed, change directions. You always have that option.

And, by the way, you can't think two thoughts at the same time. If you find yourself feeling angry, sad, frustrated, or lonely, shift your focus to something that makes you feel better —even a tiny bit better. That might mean going for a walk in nature, feeling the unconditional love that comes from a baby or a pet, doing something to make somebody else feel better or making a list of the positive aspects of every situation — and I do mean "every." (Often death or illness brings love to the surface, reconnects estranged family members, or makes you evaluate how you want to spend each day of your life.)

Happiness doesn't grow on a tree; it grows in your heart. Choose to be happy!