12 Small Ways to Choose Happiness Today

[@lisac4250]

I am a cancer survivor, domestic abuse survivor, was dying of a heart condition in my 40's and saved by a surgery that even my cardiologist had never heard of. I used to weigh 304 pounds, now I weigh 165. I am 9 1/2 years sober. I am a woman of strong Faith and write a letter to God each morning, I absolutely adore Him! I am nearly always filled with total and absolute gratitude for my abundant Blessings! I found your channel a few weeks ago. I live in a brand new tiny home I ordered last year. 144 sq feet and thanks to following your videos, it is even neater and cleaner than it was. 5 garbage bags of things I thought I absolutely needed went out the door! I am 62 years old now and grateful beyond belief. Love the way you spread the message, keep up the great work and thank you!

[@daphblue]

Very cool story Lisa! Enjoy your weekend

[@carolgeorge6409]

@lisa♥️🥰🙏

[@JoshuaBecker]

And I love the way you left this message and inspiring story! God bless you.

[@dfaithrichoz60]

❤

[@kimr4005]

Very inspiring. Thank you

[@Sharon-ud4ke]

Finding joy in the simple things ... a sunny day, nature , enjoying a cup of coffee etc

[@janiceariza2839]

Making the choice to hold back the complaint has shifted my mindset. Thanks, Joshua😊

[@janethunt4037]

This may be your best video ever. We live amongst depressed, angry, unhappy people. A lot of people have a strong dose of one or more of those traits. It's contagious. Your suggestions are so helpful for fighting those things.

[@k.j.lindsey3048]

Starting with a Lincoln quote is a great way to begin!

[@jenniemurphy1242]

Wow - what a wonderful video. My husband has dementia and your videos give me such peace and comfort. Thank you Joshua😊

[@sashacooper9764]

Wishing you a lovely day there Jenni

[@chrysvest4746]

I think a traumatic experience where you almost lose everything, makes you more grateful for everything. Worked for me!

[@celestia486]

I’m very glad you had that experience. No matter how many blessings I count over to take over the worries those strong feelings are still hard to fight there are easier days than others. Just commenting so others don’t feel so alone. We can do this don’t give up they say it’s worth it

[@janisstrohl5712]

❤There is always, always, always something for which to be grateful.❤

[@JoshuaBecker]

True.

[@TammyGates-k9f]

Amen!

[@valerierogers9609]

There's a movie dialog I never forgot: It is so simple to be happy, but it is so difficult to be simple.

[@mezwilson]

This is so true. I'm finding so much power in gratitude, even for little things.

[@goodenoughgirl8102]

Lol. Mirror talk has been a pretty effective part of my abuse recovery work. I think it’s pretty miraculous that I can find happiness even with all the valid reasons I have to not ever be happy. Well I’m not happy Bcuz I’ve had to deal with narcissistic parents, but I can still be happy in spite of it. At least now I can. I used to not be much able to at all. I think it does prove that you can find happiness even in some really horrible circumstances and environments. Although I’d def recommend extricating yourself from a toxic environment as much as humanly possible. Indeed that is one proactive choice we can make to increase happiness. That’s true Bcuz it helps you see more how you don’t have to just sit there and put up with it all the time. That one choice makes me feel a lot happier almost automatically. It’s a sad fact that there are people in this world who work very hard to put a frown on your face…on purpose. And it is often shocking who they really are. But yet today I am choosing happiness wherever and however else I can. And today they’re not around (as it goes with many days Bcuz I don’t invite their chaos into my space anymore if I can avoid it) and that makes me happy. I could cry over being “alone” or Bcuz my own parents don’t love me or over all the losses and injury they’ve caused me in life….or I could smile over another drama and abuse free day. So I shall smile. And I had plenty of crying already. Prob needed to cry over it. But not today. Time to move on to better things, as certain sad facts will never change anyways. And really tho. It is possible to both be sad and happy at the same time. Sad about one thing and yet happy about another thing. Perhaps the real trick is not letting the sadness about truly legit sad things overtake everything in your life and swallow you up within it and drown you. Grief is a part of our human existence, but it shouldn’t have to be a constant grievous life of abject misery and suffering and sadness.

[@TammyGates-k9f]

I loved your 12-ways to choose happiness! It’s not just a mindset, but a daily “choice”. Life is not always easy and I find it more and more desirable to embrace the small victories not just for myself, but to include other’s in their journey as well!❤😊 James 1:2-6

[@barbaradelira6790]

I'm grateful for a place to live, something to eat, & that God has blessed me with an abundance of family!! Even the little things count.

[@KathyRausch]

This was really helpful to me today. I of course have heard most of them, and yet, I often choose to not do them. I always blame it on my childhood where I felt alone and afraid most of the time. I want to go into more details as to why, but I have come to realize that this DOES NOT help me any longer. I have had so many amazingly wonderful things happen in my life, and in my childhood. Thank you!

[@Bill-kj8io]

Along the lines of treating other well, look for opportunities to pass out compliments. Compliments from a stranger can really make someone’s day. And acting friendly will make you feel more positive towards others. I personally find trying to make myself smile feels unnatural and does not make me any happier, but completing others greatly improves my attitude.

[@lynnhendley8910]

My motto is "Don't let anyone or anything steal your Joy and your Sparkle. "

[@carolgeorge6409]

@lynn love tha♥️

[@Sharon-ud4ke]

I remind myself to do this everyday

[@catherinemacapagal1640]

I have a tshirt with the following design written infront: “Choose To Be Happy!” With your video this week, it’s meaning have come more alive and full of meaning. Thank you joshua for this week’s inspiring message.

[@abipugh9861]

My favourite of all your videos so far. Thank you Joshua, a lovely reminder that happiness can’t be chased…❤

[@JoshuaBecker]

You are very kind, thank you.

[@joycegaylord7760]

Agreed it is one of his best!

[@celestia486]

But .. I am chasing it I’m actively choosing to chase after it

[@msj246]

Thank you, Joshua. 😊

[@sarazacharias2705]

Thank you for sharing these 12 ways to choose happiness...they may be small ways but can impact greatly! I love the reminder to choose joy. Counting our blessings should be done frequently. You blessed us with an excellent video today! ❤ I will watch it again to write down the 12 ways.

[@rosali_ilovestamping]

Your chuckling during the “coffee scene” made me laugh as well. 😁

[@s.guidry2222]

Absolutely a very helpful message! 💕 Joy , choose it. It’s about changing how you think and making a practice for happiness. Write this stuff down everyone and read it again and again , do the work, and watch things change. Thank you mr Becker. I bought your book, Things That Matter,, my new favorite book. 💕❤️🙌🏽🥳

[@juliepichel9352]

Thank you. Needed that today!!

[@et1016]

It’s super easy to be happy and joyful when you have a roof over your head and are able to feed your children.

[@knitnkitten]

🥺Sounds like you understand homelessness & poverty from first-hand experience. 💔❤️‍🩹❤️ I agree. Economic security is essential for a happy healthy life. Hugs to you🧸

[@lynnoorman2144]

But so many people who have a roof over their heads and can feed their children choose to be miserable- just wanting more and more. If they only spent some time working with the disadvantaged they might count their blessings, become kinder and the world might become a better place. Such as volunteering in a foodbank or hospital society ( in the UK there folk who volunteer to push trolleys of snacks and newspapers round the wards)

[@celestia486]

I’m glad I’m not alone here I don’t have kids thank god but I still have family :(

[@christinaprice5764]

Loved this!

[@clairebuckland8957]

I particularly agree that practicing gratitude promotes happiness. I write a gratitude list at the beginning of the day and it sets me up for a happy day. It’s hard to feel blue when counting one’s blessings. I look forward to your videos every week and they lift me up every time. Thank you Joshua.

[@carolreece9950]

Thank you Joshua, just what I needed to hear today 😊

[@yorqinjonmadaminov954]

Thank you for your recommendations, i got to learn most sustainable ways to be happy in our sophisticated world by watching this video.

[@AstridWayman]

Your input has helped me so much Joshua, thank you for your calm and kind way. Not only did I finally start my decluttering process, it came with the most wonderful side effects like a healthier living, calmer heart and mind and a clearer focus on the good things that matter to me, most importantly my faith (I only found out lately your Christian connection). Even if we practice most things you talk about, it helps tremendously to be reminded and stay inspired. Feeling grateful !

[@dickietalmage7918]

Thank you so much for your videos ❤😊

[@margiem5173]

Thank you!!!

[@LoveToCreatebyTonya]

Thank you,I needed to hear this today😊

[@eileenmanganella7958]

Keep these coming! 👍🏻🙏🏻😊

[@katheebowyer9449]

Always a pleasure to hear your voice and words of wisdom. Have a beautiful day.❤

[@sophiaatopley7514]

Lately I wake up on my own terms. Someway somehow its working for me. I have stopped rushing out the door to work. I'll rather plan my day ahead of time and wake up just in time to avoid lateness.Thanks Joshua

[@MsJatek]

Thank you ❤

[@meledinmn]

Thanks, I needed that! Appreciate you are making your videos slightly longer with more content.

[@isabelkassan5244]

Thank you! A super way to start Sunday and every day

[@carlamendoncapeixoto]

Joshua boa noite. Parabéns pela mensagem linda, e inspiradora. Muita luz em sua vida! Gratidão e um grande abraço daqui do Brasil!

[@MK.MK.]

Hi Joshua! Watching your videos make me happy! Your awesome! I follow your steps 🚶‍♂️ like you mention in your videos. For example wake up and look outside, choose kindness, etc. God bless you!!

[@junelovvorn3221]

Thank you Joshua for this inspiring message. It was a great one!!!

[@deborahcameron7129]

Thank you for the reminder and positive message.

[@terrieaves1682]

Love this!❤

[@bethannawhite2275]

One of your best and I have followed you for a while. Good basic and do a doable. Blessings from Tulsa

[@paula9197]

An excellent, thought provoking video 😊 Even wrote down each point in my daily planner to see each day and remind myself consistently. Thank you for the video!

[@brendasparks6234]

Thank you. God tells us count it all joy.

[@kimking3466]

Great suggestions! I needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you!

[@andrewellis7656]

Thank you Joshua - all correct & succinct.. So good.

[@heathergrieve886]

Wise words. I needed this reminder. Thank you.

[@SarahBramham]

Just what I needed to hear in this season. Thank you ♥️

[@nancycerreta5629]

Perfect advice for me today. Bless you.

[@kehowharris5355]

thank you

[@Mushroom321-]

" set time , wake up on your own terms " . 😮😮😼👏👏

[@veronikab1607]

Thank you, especially the link of those positive affirmations was what I was needed without knowing 😊

[@ByMy-SPIRIT-saysTheLord777]

Love your channel. You are such a fresh breath of air . God bless you hand you’re beautiful family .

[@Auntie7024]

Thank you for your message today. Peace and blessings to you. 😊

[@lindabekecs2277]

5:01 pm. Great advice! Thanks Joshua

[@prakharagarwal8775]

Everything that is happening is by GOD's will. We just need to believe that.❤ and Smile

[@dtaylor77]

Number 12 Search for benefit in your pain. That comes at the right time for me. I hope I can find some benefit in the heart break I am going through right now, not sure what it is yet though.

[@teresaharden9206]

Thank you for the reminder.😊

[@deborahpellerito6117]

Thankyou so much for this Joshua

[@taara5821]

Hi Joshua Becker your one minute tasks has helped me a lot in time management for me. Also I shared that with my sister.

[@Hannahgrace901]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@frantucker608]

Some good reminders, thank you for posting!

[@shaistakhan6389]

Thank you for beautifully explaining this .much needed

[@1Tootsiebell]

This one is excellent, Joshua. TY. ❤

[@mikelobrien]

Great list of suggestions, Joshua. Thanks! 😊

[@wnklee6878]

Great advice! We need to be reminded frequently.

[@muffincamp]

❤Thank you!!

[@dilipanand1676]

❤😊 Prayer is also a form of meditation

[@misssunflower8731]

Thank you, Joshue! Your video are very inspiring!!! with love from Russia 💖💖💖

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thank you.

[@JaiSilasAya]

Awesome video. Thank you so much!

[@artheemisia]

Very good pieces of advice, Josh! Thank you!

[@isabelkassan5244]

I would like to listen to this every day! A great motivational video! Aussie Lady

[@simplysilent2980]

Beautiful❣️Thanks for sharing.

[@mscatnipper2359]

I love this list! I will be reviewing this video on a regular basis, until I fully develop all these strategies.

[@carriehebbelinck8188]

Sometimes I am bursting with gratefulness but happiness is hard for me because I’m always worrying about something, I just can’t stop the intrusive thoughts 😟😔😔

[@jeniefersarmiento4908]

Very positive and inspiring messages..Thank Joshua🙏

[@LoveThemWell]

Thank you!

[@penny3767]

Brilliant - thank you so much! ⭐❤🌻

[@dianeyoung3840]

Thanks for sharing

[@amandasymon4363]

Thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏

[@inesgoncalves5213]

Joshua, every word that you say coukd also be quoted, like Lincoln's words 😄 just stopping by to telll you that I've been watching your videos for some months snd they are a true inspiration. Thank you for tgis❤

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thank you for these kind words.

[@inesgoncalves5213]

@@JoshuaBecker you're very welcome 😊

[@dorisbenedith8664]

❤ I love this video. Thank you so much 💓

[@Mushroom321-]

THANK YOU!!! 😮😮JOSH !!

[@lisabourque1321]

This was wonderful ❤

[@carolannstevens5814]

Love this!!

[@Ruby_Cook]

Beautiful most inspirational many blessings to you 🙏

[@rebeccamapes1157]

Thank you. A great message today.

[@skincaremakeup40]

I feel hopeless.I hve been a widow since 2016(my difficult husband died tragically age 38)i want to stay alone and grow my daughter but my life is so lonely and at the same time i don't want a man.Thanx Lord I'm a teacher in a vocational school:my students are so...in need of everything that I can give them all my love and care.Teaching is saving my life,but sometimes I can't help but feel so tragically alone.Pkease Pray God for me cause I feel and i am the loneliest person in the world

[@siyarakb5305]

Teaching saved my life too...hang in there sis. When I was also sad & lonely, my students ( I called them as my kids) brought so much light & love to my dark sad world. Kids really know how to mend a broken heart. Hang in there, this too shall pass 🙏

[@skincaremakeup40]

@@siyarakb5305 thanx a lot for your words,so it seems i'm heading to the right way!!!

[@ewaroj]

Thanks

[@Granefran]

Thanks 🙏✝️♥️

[@tinalavasani6677]

Love this video ❤️

[@ivanajukicgloban6627]

Thank you!Allways an inspiration!❤😊

[@rooj736]

Loved this video Joshua, so inspiring and so soulfully truthful ...... thanks for sharing. it so genuine💕

[@jacquelineshukla919]

I find comfort and wisdom in your videos. I will certainly focus on some of your suggestions

[@drnicolebeaumont7884]

Brilliant 🎉🎉🎉

[@sierrarmcclain]

I think the discussion of “happy” is lacking the mental health component. Some people can’t just “choose” to be happy, because their brain is not producing enough neurotransmitters and is beating them up.

[@mooshway2000]

Interestingly, the way to increase dopamine transmitters is to do things like exercise, practice gratitude, spend time in nature etc. I've been a mental health professional for over 30 years and also have bouts of anxiety and depression. When I feel bad I have to focus on the small wins eg for me a 15 minute walk in nature, first morning cup of tea and gratitude is essential. Depression can make us focus on the negative and blind to the positive. I've seen people make absolutely incredible changes in their lives.

[@Bill-kj8io]

My previous reply to your comment seems to have disappeared. So I’m reposting. I wanted to thank for pointing that out. When you are suffering from clinical depression you cannot “choose happiness”. Your brain is quite literally injured in a way that makes you unable to feel positive emotions. In fact some people I know actually went through temporary phases of being unable to feel anything at all. Moreover with clinical depression making choices of any kind is like trying to climb Mount Everast in one hour. You can’t even choose to get up for a glass of water when you are thirsty. Depression is a unique emotional and mental state that people who have never experienced it cannot understand. I had depression and an anxiety disorder once upon a time. I realized I was experiencing emotions that were brand new and have no names. Depression is not some form of extreme sadness. I have actually had deeper times of sadness before and after my depression. Depression also comes a bizarre anti-motivation. It’s not a lack of motivation. I had tones of motivation when I was depressed. I so badly wanted to get up and get things done. But when I tried some internal force would rise up to resist me. It was crippling. People who tell you to just get good rest, exercise, practice gratitude, etc. have clearly not experienced actual clinical depression. They telling you to run on a broken leg. There were however small choices I could make. And I made choices that eventually led me out of my depression. First I sought treatment. I saw a psychiatrist and got myself on a medication that stabilized my mood. I received cognitive behavioral therapy as well. Second I recognized that my emotions were lying to me. My emotions were saying there was no hope. I had to instead recognize that even though I was literally incapable of feeling happiness at that time it was only a temporary state. I could not feel hope, but I could cognitively ascent to it. I had a kind of mid-depression self affirmation. I told myself “This how I feel right now. It’s okay that I feel this way. I don’t have to feel better, not for my own sake or for anyone else.” When I learned to feel okay with feeling sad and even hopeless I became able recognize my small victories and begin the slow ascent out of depression. The third thing that helped in particular case was a measure that I hope others do not have to take. I had to get a divorce from a toxic spouse. Most of the time I think people get divorced merely because they are too inflexible and selfish to work things out. But sometimes, tragically, a relationship really is bad for you. You’re getting abused and can’t fully heal until you escape that abuse. Thankfully by that point I had healed enough and had enough strength so that I could make tough decision. So to sum up this lengthy reply. When have mental health challenges you cannot choose happiness. You can, however, make small healthy choices which will lead you back to a place were you can feel happy again. I hope this encourages someone out there.

[@pb-g1839]

Thank you for this video!

[@cmeo7642]

What an uplifting video!