You often hear people say, “Don’t let it steal your happiness/joy.”
They’re often referring to some trivial, in their eyes, circumstance that you’re allowing to bring down your mood and ruin your day.
There’s a chance they’re right. You’re overreacting and should release it and reclaim your happiness. They might also be wrong. You get decide what upsets you and what doesn’t.
The trouble is you’re not always sure you should be upset. Sometimes you don’t even want to be, but you are.
Here’s a simple mental exercise you can do to determine if it’s worth the emotional investment it takes to be upset and upend your happiness.
Visualize a scale like the one shown above. on one side of the scale, see the word happiness or joy, if you prefer. On the other side, see the circumstances that have you upset. Focus for a moment. See your scale clearly.
Now, ask yourself one simple question. Which is more important to me right now – my happiness/joy or allowing myself to be angry and upset?
Answer the question honestly. Then recognize that it is 100 percent your choice which to choose.
Make no mistake. Happiness is a choice. Remaining upset or angry is a choice. Neither option is forced upon you. You maintain compete autonomy to decide which will rule your mind right now and this day, week, year, or lifetime.
Sometimes a little anger can be short-term fuel for positive change, but it’s not a fuel to run a life by. It’s too toxic and corrosive.
Happiness and joy are ever-present, right here whenever you need them. You haven’t been cheated. They’re as accessible to you right now as they are to any other person on the planet. They are accessed by a choice and a quiet determination not to succumb to the negative.
You do you, but do the you that bear serves you,
Wherever you are on your journey, know I believe in you!
Ray
The Affirmation Spot Blog 