In almost every moment, happiness is only one short decision away.
This isn’t about indulging, about giving in to your anxiety- and scarcity-induced whims. You don’t need to crack open a beer or order an expensive sweater to find happiness. Most of the time, all you have to do is what’s right.
“What’s right” isn’t always a matter of ethics. Of putting on a serious face and summoning your self-discipline. It can be a loaded term, but actually, doing what’s right is simple. Most of the time, we know exactly what we need—and it’s rarely the thing that would satisfy our ego.
It can be right to step outside for five minutes and feel the sun on your skin or the grass on your feet. It can be right to run to the bakery and buy a chocolate croissant for your spouse along with a pretzel for yourself. It can be right to crank up some music and just start on the task you’re not sure you’ll ever be able to finish. And yes, it can be right to make yourself a nice iced latte or spend a few hours playing video games.
We all have long-term goals, but happiness needn’t be a complex matchstick sculpture you spend years assembling only to make it go up in flames in one glorious but short-lived blaze. What’s the right thing right now? Where’s your next-decision happiness?
Pick up a pen. Clean your kitchen. Breathe fresh air. Help a friend. Chances are your happiness is only one short decision away. Make it, and don’t wait to follow through.