I read something quite a few years ago that has stuck with me. The secret to happiness is Something to do, Someone to love, and Something to look forward to. I am a crafter, have a decent home, two cats, and live alone, I ALWAYS have something to do. I have children and grandchildren that I love more than life. And generally there is always something to look forward to. I look forward to participating on Ag.com. I will see the grandbabies soon. Hopefully I will be starting a new job soon. Yes, I still have to do my taxes which makes me wanna run far far away, but other than that I'm pretty happy.

One cannot argue with his premise.

You can always have an attitude adjustment.

I choose happiness, good cheer, humor, good will and kindness.

I don't choose anything. And there isn't a way to force myself to be happy or not happy. Happiness comes and goes according to what's going on in my life. I can tell you for example, that this morning when I went to the house the plumber was 40 minutes late. I was not happy about that. But last night teaching a group class, there were 9 people laughing and having a great time in my studio, playing music and enjoying the companionship. I was happy then.

I agree with @brentan We can't choose to be happy -- emotions can't be turned on and off like a faucet. But we can choose things that can make us happy, and learn how to appreciate ourselves regardless of what we're feeling. Happiness isn't about the absence of sadness, but about embracing and accepting who we are, warts and all.

I think seeking happiness directly is counter-productive, like desperately trying to go to sleep.

Maybe we should choose to do things that make us happy as a result of those things.

I'm not sure about getting happiness through thinking good things but it might work like meditation.

There are actually studies that have shown changes in brain chemicals and activity when people smile and "fake" being happy...they actually do become happier! People react to the outward appearance, smile back, etc. etc. creating more positive feelings...it takes less effort to be happy than to dwell in some of the more negative emotions...thanks for posting a nice one...it makes me...happy! ha ha

I reject hate and choose love.

I choose to be positive. So nice job.