Two little words blink at me every time I unlock my phone. The white letters on the yellow background of my lock screen read “choose happy”. I glance at these words countless times a day, and they serve as a reminder to me to see the positive side of every moment.

Being happy is 75% a choice, and people are responsible for choosing their outlook on life. If you chose to see only the negatives then that is what will be present. If you are actively looking for positive moments then that is what you will find. Some of the happiest people I know are the ones who have had the most difficulties in their life, and I will always admire them for choosing happiness. In today’s world, it is more popular to choose the “glass half empty” side of life. We complain when things don’t go our way and it is always someone else’s fault. When did it become cool to constantly search for things going wrong? Why is it unusual to respond with “I’m doing great!” when asked how your day is going, and actually mean it?

There is truly nothing wrong with choosing to be happy. In my own life, I have begun to see that in making the deliberate choice to find happiness, I have noticed it is not always the biggest moments that make me happy. Sometimes just an unexpected song playing on the radio, or my dog wagging her tail when I walk in the door can brighten my mood. Something as simple as a sweet message from a friend, or a hug from a sibling after a long day can truly go a long way. These little moments could have been easily overlooked and taken for granted.

I have found that in choosing to search for happiness on my own, I am allowing myself to be a source of positivity for others. I can’t even count the amount of times a smile or a bit of advice from a friend has made a not so great day much better. I want to be able to be that source of sunshine in other people’s lives as well. I often think back to the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. The only way I can be a place of positivity for others is if I choose happiness and positivity for myself.

As Roy T. Bennett said, “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely”. Choosing happiness will never be the wrong choice.