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.
Happy Friendship Friday!
