The small stuff counts when it comes to happiness. It’s the seemingly mini decisions we make day-to-day that can actually make a big difference.
In his book Choose the Life You Want: 101 Ways to Create Your Own Road to Happiness, professor Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D, writes, “Every moment of our waking life we face choices whose cumulative effect on us is just as great, if not greater, than the effect of the big decisions.”
He gives several examples, such as saying something nice to his spouse or giving “her a sour look”; appreciating his health, friends and food or taking them for granted; sitting up straight or slouching.
It’s empowering to realize that, regardless of our circumstances, we do have a say in our satisfaction.
Here are five ways we can choose happiness every day from Ben-Shahar’s book.
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This article was a delightful little reminder of simple ways to value your life and avoid the avoidable ruts which can limit our vitality. I think the reminder about choosing silence is one that’s missed a lot.
I’m making this page in favourites so when I’m feeling bored with my routine work, frustrated with my family and anxious on certain decisions that my children make, I read it again and again to refuel my sense of being positive. Oh my God how hard that is for me sometimes!
Love it.. specially the thought about silence.
we all have the choice to be or not to be happy or whatever.
Its these little things we do in a day which revitalize us and brings the bounce back in our step.I enjoyed reading the article.