Choosing Happiness Not Because Everything is Perfect

Adeola Odubajo
4 min readSep 1, 2023

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In a world that often glorifies perfection and an idealized version of life, the pursuit of happiness can feel elusive. The truth is, happiness is not contingent on everything being flawless. It’s a choice, a mindset, and a way of living that transcends the imperfections of life. This article explores the idea of choosing happiness, not because everything is perfect, but because it’s possible even amidst life’s challenges.

What is Happiness?

Happiness is a complex and subjective emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, satisfaction, and well-being.

The Illusion of Perfection

Perfection is an illusion. It’s a standard that’s impossible to maintain because life is inherently imperfect. Striving for perfection often leads to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Happiness, on the other hand, thrives in imperfection.

“Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There’s going to be stress in life, but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not.” — Valerie Bertinelli

Choosing Happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness is a conscious choice. It’s the decision to focus on the positive aspects of life, even when things are far from perfect. It’s about finding contentment in the present moment and letting go of the constant need for everything to be flawless.

Embracing Imperfections

Imperfections are what make life beautiful and unique. They add depth to our experiences and teach us valuable lessons. Embracing imperfections allows us to see the beauty in life’s quirks and unpredictability.

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” — Aristotle
Photo by Gabriel Silvério on Unsplash

The Power of Mindset

Our mindset shapes our reality. Choosing happiness means adopting a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s about reframing setbacks as stepping stones toward a brighter future.

“The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.” — James M. Barrie

Finding Joy in Small Things

Happiness often resides in the small, everyday moments. It’s in a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or a walk in nature. By appreciating these small joys, we can find happiness in simplicity.

Read also: Finding Peace: 9 Simple Ways

Building Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Choosing happiness means building resilience, understanding that setbacks are temporary, and that we have the strength to overcome them.

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” — Jim Rohn

Cultivating Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. By practicing gratitude daily, we invite more joy into our lives.

Nurturing Relationships

Meaningful connections with others are essential for happiness. It’s about fostering relationships based on trust, empathy, and shared experiences. These connections provide a support system during life’s ups and downs.

Self-Care and Well-Being

Self-care is not selfish; it’s a vital aspect of choosing happiness. Taking care of our physical and mental well-being allows us to navigate life’s imperfections with greater resilience and positivity.

Choosing Happiness
Photo by Stefan Stefancik on Pexels

Overcoming Challenges

Challenges are an inevitable part of life. Choosing happiness means facing these challenges head-on, learning from them, and emerging stronger and wiser.

“Happiness is closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, capturing the moment, and appreciating the little things in life. — Adeola Odubajo 🌟❤️🌼

Let’s savour these precious moments and find joy in the simple things. Happiness is not reserved for perfect circumstances. It’s a choice we make every day, regardless of life’s imperfections. By adopting a positive mindset, embracing imperfections, and nurturing our well-being and relationships, we can choose happiness as a way of life.

#Happiness #SimplePleasures #CherishLife #ChoosingHappiness

FAQs

1. Can anyone choose happiness, even in difficult situations?

Absolutely. Happiness is a choice that transcends circumstances. It’s about finding positivity and meaning, even in adversity.

2. How can I start practicing gratitude in my daily life?

Begin by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. Over time, this practice will become a habit.

3. What’s the role of self-care in choosing happiness?

Self-care is essential. It involves activities that nourish your body and mind, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time doing things you love.

4. How can I build resilience to overcome life’s challenges?

Resilience comes from facing challenges with a growth mindset. It’s about learning from setbacks and using them as opportunities for personal growth.

5. Can choosing happiness improve my overall well-being?

Yes, choosing happiness is closely linked to well-being. When you focus on happiness, you’re more likely to lead a fulfilling and balanced life.

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Adeola Odubajo

A Humanity Enthusiast, empathy-driven, passionate about fostering positive change through advocacy & promoting social justice for a compassionate world. 🌍