• Have you ever wondered how some people just seem to be upbeat or happy, despite rough conditions they may be experiencing? Have you personally struggled with feeling happy or content within yourself or your own life?  Being content or happy is a conscious decision, but in no way is it an easy one.  It can be a journey or a positive transformation of behaviors, thoughts, perspectives, spiritual change and even social change.

Life will inevitably be difficult and life does have harsh realities. Most of us have marveled at those individuals overcome extreme hardship or loss with an optimistic spirit.  In my experience working with the military, I know of several troops who lost limbs.  They did go through grieving process and depression associated with these losses.  However, they mustered the inner courage to forge ahead, some to complete tri-athlons.  Others to be motivational speakers and live happy productive lives.

What stops us from being happy? Certainly financial worries, insecurities, relationship difficulties are amongst the top reasons cited for not being able to feel happy.  Yet, some of the "richest" and happiest people I know teach me that they are "getting by" financially.

Happiness can be a conscious decision.  I reiterate, if you are presently discouraged or depressed it can be positive transformative journey. There are some things that can be done to increase your happiness, such as the following:

• What is something that gives you joy even when you are most down?  For me, it might be playing with my dogs or visiting a friend.  Find or identify what rejuvenates you.

• Do you have something to look forward to? In other words, all work and no play is not fun.  Try to put one or two activities that make you feel happy and invigorated on your calendar.  For me, I enjoy cycling so I plan road tours which affords me the opportunity to ride and raise my endorphins, meanwhile associate with a group of people with the shared interest.

• Are you associating with people who add joy and a supportive energy or are some of the people you assocate with cynical or blaming of others/situations?  It's hard to stay upbeat and easy to get sucked into a complaining, negative space when you're not in positive company.

• Exercise is an obvious activity to raise the "feel good" endorphins.  Also, consider volunteering and helping others less fortunate as volunteering has proven to elicit a "feel good" feeling.

• Make a conscious decision to be happy.  Again, easier said than done, but we cannot control what others do or situations.  We can change our mindset.  "The Lizard Cage" is a novel in which a Burmese songwriter is inprisoned in horrific conditions for over 20 years.  Yet the book wonderfully depicts the main character's human spirit, hope, and acceptance to control his own happiness despite the unspeakable conditions he was forced to live in.  This is one example of countless.  Consider how many humans actually have overcome or are presently enduring painful, maybe even life threatening illness and maintain a positive attitude.

Am I saying we are to always feel happy, no.  I am suggesting that we can be conscious of complaining, cynicism, worry about things that have yet to happen, and make a conscious effort to simply be happy.  Make a conscious decision  to identify something you are greatful for, and focus on doing things that make you happy.  Snatch those sneaky "what if" worries and reframe them, because those are definitely happiness busters.

You can start your day over at any time.  You have control over your thoughts.  When you are kind to yourself and surround yourself with more supportive, happy people and things you will feel more happy.  I learn from little kids and animals a lot.  They really  know how to live in the moment.  If a child sees a balloon, they point at it usually with joy.  If a dog wants to roll in the grass they do because it makes them feel happy.  Somehow, we can shift from our over emphasis on worry, cynicism and angst to balancing it with more happiness.  We all deserve that and it will be infectious to those around us.