Is happiness a choice?

Edwin, that’s a great list, but mine looks a little different: 1: Health (my father had a very aggressive form of MS and passed away). Quite simply, a healthy person has many wishes, but a sick person has only one. 2. Having a good relationship with your partner in many areas 3. A summer day, after a light rain shower that fills the air with ozone 4. Few setbacks 5. Having a bit of luck every now and then 6. Recharging your energy at the beach 7. Relaxing on a motorcycle while on vacation (maybe a bit selfish, but very nice) 8. No negative stress 9. Receiving appreciation (also on your list, but phrased differently) 10. enjoying life’s pleasures. What does concern me somewhat, however, is the enormous selfishness in people (which seems to be simply ingrained). Think of things like: predatory insurance policies, scams by banks, government officials with hidden agendas, sexual abuse, child pornography, power games—and I could go on and on). Furthermore, I’m certain that solutions for energy and mobility have long existed to reduce our dependence on oil. Here, too, we see a power cartel at work. It’s simple: you invent something, you secure the patent, and an offer is made that you simply can’t refuse. Then that patent gets shelved for later. On the other hand, fortunately, there are also “good” people.People who do care about each other, who do respect others, who do give their children a good upbringing, who are willing to help you when you’re in a “bind.” People who can handle the relationship between nature, prosperity, and well-being well. I myself have a strong sense of humanity (even if I say so myself) and still remember a great deal from my younger years. I’d really like to push myself to put even more effort into this. Best regards, René

1 When I miss my train and still stay happy (NLP) 2 When my kids fight for my attention 3 When I get an email from UNICEF saying my money is making a big difference— and there’s a little photo like that included! 4 When my little nephews give me a hug and then start talking about their allowance 5 When I’m alone for a moment with a big bar of chocolate 6 When the sun starts to shine and winter is over and I hear the birds 7 When I watch a TV show by Herman van Veen 8 When I talk to a good friend, and I realize I have one 9 When I graduate 10 When I go on vacation

Well, das a nice one, what is happiness. Think happiness is what you feel in your heart...loving feeling towards yourself and others, in everything you do....

Hi Ed, Is happiness a choice? YES....... For me, it certainly is. Happiness can even be created. Is happiness a choice? NO... This was true for me when I still assumed it was a moment of recognition (becoming aware). I know it’s something you can create—the most important thing is to recognize how it feels and to focus on the actions you can link this feeling to and anchor it with. But a “top 10” list changes from day to day. My top 3: When I’ve managed to accomplish what I set out to do. When I’m in balance with my feelings and emotions When I’ve had a good laugh. Best regards, Peter,

These are indeed all very good points that are mentioned; I, too, really appreciate these things. Realize that happiness is, in fact, a combination of many different things—and usually very small ones that are barely noticeable. (100 euros is made up of small change.) Try to recognize all those little things; write them down if necessary, and at the end of the day, see how many of them help you be happy. 1. When I get up, I’m still here after a good night’s sleep 2. I still have a crust of bread 3. My dog greets me 4. My neighbor rings the doorbell to wish me a good day and have a little chat 5 I make tea for my wife 6 I look in the mirror and recognize myself 7 In the garden, I see nature awakening—little flowers are poking their heads up again; spring is on its way 8 Little birds sing a serenade for me as they come to peck up the crumbs 9 Proof that GOD still cares for his... 10 It’s going to be a beautiful day And I could go on and on—that’s what makes me happy

For me, happiness is: sitting on the porch of our house in the evening with my boyfriend, with the wood stove on, having a good conversation, enjoying a nice drink, and just relaxing. Enjoying the beautiful starry sky. The deer resting in our yard and grazing. The setting sun, when the sky turns such a beautiful shade of red, orange, and purple/lilac. When I look at it, it’s as if I’m experiencing much more space within myself—a truly liberating feeling. I could go on like this for a while. But purple/lilac. When I look at that, it’s as if I experience much more space within myself—a truly liberating feeling. I could go on like this for a while. But I’ll spare you that. Best regards, Mirella

Happiness is often found in the smallest things, and many small things add up to one big one! In other words, if you want great happiness in your life... start by appreciating the little things.

TRUE HAPPINESS = INTIMACY WITH GOD! In that intimate union with God, you may find yourself feeling broken yet still happy. If you’d like to learn more about this, follow me on TWITTER @MiepSonneveld! Welcome!

I haven’t had much luck in recent years. But this year, I feel like I can leave everything behind and make a fresh start. My happiness now comes from: 1: My children—they’re both doing fantastic. 2. My new workspace with everything I need. 3. Very sweet friends with whom I do fun things. 4. Nice coworkers 5. Relaxing in the Larser Forest 5. A bit of sunshine as a sign of spring. 6. A sweet message from my boyfriend. 7. A delicious Easter egg. 8. Plans for a new (smaller) home. 9. A good book. 10. A buyer for my house (if one comes along).

Right now I feel joy—that’s happiness to me. Because I realize that, thankfully, there are so many who can feel that way, even when they’re feeling down! A deep longing for what is yet to come for me.....from season to season........ the curiosity of a child seeing the purity of children observing the playfulness of young animals... feeling spring’s approach, hearing the sounds of chickadees and the tapping of the woodpecker... being able to share with others, even if you don’t know each other... being grateful, despite the turbulence of the world’s troubles

For me, that’s just a snapshot, but now the following comes to mind: 1. Someone with whom I can and want to share everything openly. 2. Self-development (also helps with wrinkles) 3. Humor / laughter 4. New experiences, discovery, exploration, adventure 5. Safety, security, and trust 6. Confidence, self-acceptance 7. Very specific compliments and appreciation 8. Sometimes enjoying my daughter very intimately, sometimes from a distance 9. Enjoying and appreciating everything my body is still capable of. 10. Allowing myself to be emotionally moved by the good and beautiful things around me

THERE IS NO WAY TO HAPPINESS; happiness IS THE WAY. The Buddha

Hey Edwin, What a wonderful story! However, I have a very different perspective on happiness. 1. A child’s smile; 2. My positive mental state thanks to NLP; 3. My own cheerfulness and excitement over the smallest things; 4. Friends for life; 5. The belief that I can do anything I want; 6. Fun times with coworkers; 7. My second family, with whom I have no blood ties and don’t need any:D 8. Appreciation for just about anything; 9. Good and beautiful music, in which I can see my own (future) self; 10. The strength within myself. Thank you for my amazing life!

Oh yeah, I just remembered something from a few days ago. I was in my garden and suddenly heard the first blackbird singing again. That really gives me that spring feeling; my thoughts turn to spring, when the trees start to bud again and the maple tree is first covered in pink blossoms before turning into a tree with red leaves. The forsythia sprouting with those little yellow flowers. And a little later in the spring, the apple trees at the back of our yard, which then burst into lush pink blossoms. The rhododendrons in all their colors and varieties. A true feast for the eyes. And what about the wonderful scent of hyacinths? Lovely. I’m already really looking forward to spring. The first time I go outside without a coat—those things make me happy. Best wishes, Mirella

NO FEAR!!!!!!!!

I’m happy to be in good health and living a fear-free life. THAT’S IT, NO FEAR!!! :)

1. Feeling like everything is going my way today. 2. Feeling good about myself. 3. Having fun with my friends. 4. A smile on my face. 5. Exercising and staying active makes me feel great! 6. Solving my problems my own way makes me happy. 7. Just sitting down for a while with the PlayStation (in a relaxed way ;) 8. Catching up with my family and laughing together. 9. Running. 10. Going into a hypnotic state. Best regards, Mark.

For me, happiness is: Being in good health. Loving the people around me. My dogs trusting me and always coming to me to play, but also for cuddles. Helping people and seeing positive results from it. Accepting myself as I am (with my strengths and weaknesses). Having a job that makes me happy. Feeling valued. Being able to enjoy other people’s children (since, unfortunately, I don’t have any of my own). Being positive. Receiving a (sincere) kind word from others. These are the things that define happiness for me. They give me butterflies in my stomach (just like when you’re in love).

If I was able to help even one car breakdown case. Simply, as a passing motorist. Sometimes tig in a day, sometimes none in a week.

I think that’s a great topic =)1) Graduate/earn my degree 2) Make a lot of progress spiritually 3) Have lots of friends—without friends, you’re nothing. 4) Hopefully take a course with you in September (if I’ve saved up enough by then) 5) Find the right guy 6) Once I graduate, continue my studies in aura healing, etc. 7) Smoke a joint 8) Go out 9) Go out to dinner with my dad 10) Be the center of attention :p