Happiness is a Choice

I was walking in the woods and suddenly realized my mind was stuck in a “negative neural pathway.”  Do you know what that is?

Negative Neural Pathway

When we think about the same idea repeatedly, whether consciously or subconsciously, we literally create a groove in the brain that causes the thought to surface over and over and over again.  It’s  “stuck in a groove.”

How to be Happy All the Time

When I realized what I’d done (kept thinking about THAT THING), I silently said, “Stop!  I refuse to think about this anymore; instead, I’m choosing to be happy by saying how grateful I am for this beautiful day, the fact that I can easily walk for an hour, this beautiful environment I get to live in…”

Realizing that we have a choice is powerful.  Next time your mind gets stuck in a “groove,” stop it the moment you recognize what’s happening.  Accept your power!  Take charge of your brain and consciously choose something else to think about.

The Challenge

Changing that groove could require at least as many repetitions and emotional energy as it took you to build it.  Is it worth it?  You bet!

Remember: Happiness is a choice.

Till next time,

Please be kind to everyone you meet, for we all have our hidden sorrows. ~Tzaddi