In discovering how to be happy, there are some very important things to realize. One key fact is that the only person who can make you happy is you. Stop waiting for other people to bring happiness to your life and take responsibility for creating and choosing joy for yourself. Likewise, if someone else in your life is expecting you to make them happy, be aware that it is not your job.

Another thing to bear in mind is that it is possible to be happy no matter what your life circumstances are. Even in the middle of chaos and strife, happiness is possible. We have all met people who have very little by way of material possessions or status, and yet radiate joy. And, I bet you know someone who seems to ‘have it all,’ and yet is miserable.

Figuring out how to be happy will not eliminate suffering, but it can definitely make the suffering a lot easier to stand. A woman who is an inspiration when it comes to choosing happiness in the face of one of the worst tragedies life can bring is Linda Richman. Following the death of her son, Linda wrote a book that I truly love. The book is called ‘I’d Rather Laugh.’

Linda says: “I learned that we can withstand a lot of pain and loss and not just survive it but rise above it. I learned that no matter how sad you are today, happiness and laughter and even joy are still distinct possibilities for tomorrow, or if not tomorrow, the day after that. And I learned that you and I have in our power the ability to get all that and more. Everything important is in our control. Everything necessary is ours to decide. It's work. But it's all there, waiting for us to make up our minds.”

If Linda can choose happiness in the face of such a heartbreaking event, what is stopping us from choosing to be happy despite the trials and tribulations of our everyday lives? Inspiring too, are people who take their pain and suffering and use it to create something joyful and uplifting.

I was prompted to write this article by a conversation I was having earlier today about depression. Rather than wallowing in their pain, there are many people who decide that they would rather laugh, and make other people laugh too. They have discovered the secret of how to be happy- no matter what.

My friend pointed out that there are many comics who suffer from depression or are bi-polar, but decide to laugh anyway and make the rest of us laugh with them. Jim Carrey and Drew Carey are just two examples. These funny and courageous people have realized that laughter is the best medicine, and help make the world a brighter place for all of us.

To choose happiness not just once, but on a daily basis takes courage and commitment. It can really take an effort to decide to raise your spirits out of the doom and gloom that can so easily surround us, but it is a very worthwhile effort to make.

By choosing happiness, you not only get to be happy, but you can spread a little joy and sunshine to the world around you. Most people say that being happy is the thing they want most in life. If you really want to be happy, stop waiting for it to happen to you, and make it happen!

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