The Joyful Decision - The Traveler's Gift 5

The Traveler’s Gift

by Andy Andrews

Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success 5

© 2002 Andy Andrews

THE JOYFUL DECISION

Today I will choose to be happy.
Beginning this very moment, I am a happy person,

for I now truly understand the concept of happiness.

Few others before me have been able to grasp the truth

of the physical law that enables one to live happily every day.

I know now that happiness is not an emotional phantom

floating in and out of my life.

Happiness is a choice.

Happiness is the end result of certain thoughts

and activities, which actually bring about a chemical reaction

in my body. This reaction results in a euphoria, which,

while elusive to some, is totally under my control.

Today I will choose to be happy.

I will greet each day with laughter. Within moments

of awakening, I will laugh for seven seconds. After even such a small
period of time, excitement has begun to flow through

my bloodstream. I feel different. I am different!

I am enthusiastic about the day. I am alert to its possibilities.

I am happy! Laughter is an outward expression of enthusiasm,

and I know that enthusiasm is the fuel that moves the world.

I laugh throughout the day. I laugh while I am alone,

and I laugh in conversation with others. People are drawn

to me because I have laughter in my heart. The world belongs to

the enthusiastic for people will follow them anywhere!

Today I will choose to be happy.

I will smile at every person I meet. My smile has become

my calling card. It is, after all, the most potent weapon I possess.

My smile has the strength to forge bonds, break ice, and calm storms.
I will use my smile constantly. Because of my smile, the people

with whom I come in contact on a daily basis will choose to

further my causes and follow my leadership. I will always

smile first. That particular display of a good attitude will

tell others what I expect in return.

My smile is the key to my emotional make up. A wise man once said,

“I do not sing because I am happy; I am happy because I sing!”
When I choose to smile, I become the master of my emotions.

Discouragement, despair, frustration, and fear will always

wither when confronted by my smile. The power of who I am

is displayed when I smile.

Today I will choose to be happy.

I am the possessor of a grateful spirit. In the past, I have found

discouragement in particular situations, until I compared

the condition of my life to others less fortunate. Just as

a fresh breeze cleans smoke from the air, so does a grateful spirit

remove the cloud of despair. It is impossible for the seeds

of depression to take root in a thankful heart.

My God has bestowed upon me many gifts, and for these I will

remember to be grateful. Too many times I have offered up

the prayers of a beggar, always asking for more and forgetting

my thanks. I do not wish to be seen as a greedy child,

unappreciative, and disrespectful. I am grateful for sight

and sound and breath. If ever in my life there is a pouring out

of blessings beyond that, then I will be grateful for

the miracle of abundance.

I will greet each day with laughter.

I will smile at every person I meet.

I am the possessor of a grateful spirit.

Today I will choose to be happy.

Further reading:

The Traveler's Gift 1 - The Responsible Decision
The Traveler's Gift 2 - The Guided Decision

The Traveler's Gift 3 - The Active Decision

The Traveler's Gift 4 - The Certain Decision