HAPPINESS IS A DAILY DECISION, AND IT IS IN OUR POWER TO HAVE IT

Happiness is a daily decision. That is what my desk-top planner has in bold letters. Every morning when I sit down to plan the day’s work, this reminder stares at me as if cautioning me against doing anything during the day that will hurt myself or others.

Taking a conscious decision to do only those things that will bring some cheer at the end of the day will do us much good. It need not be something big that we can’t afford. Even a little gesture like consoling a bereaved person, or, for that matter, any other small act of kindness, goes a long way to give us a fulfilled day. Just imagine the kind of difference you would make if you keep on showing such gestures year after year.

The biggest gain is that happiness will be your companion. We must learn to realise early in life that happiness and contentment do not come out of big material gains but out of small acts of kindness and benevolence.

Happiness happens automatically to those who want happiness for others around them.

Let us say you have new neighbours. They will be as good or bad to you as you are to them.

That surely means happiness begets happiness, and it increases when you share with others. Therefore, if you want happiness, learn to make others happy through acts of love and kindness. (Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers The views expressed are personal)