Happiness is a state of mind, at the very core of this whole work-life balance thing. When we are unhappy, our psyche shifts and we lose that drive to get things done. We mope. We cry. We pity ourselves. Or, maybe we don’t do anything at all! This situation becomes even more severe, when we place our happiness in the hands of other people. We mistakenly believe that our friends, families or special someones create happiness for us, but they don’t. Enhance, yes; create no.

Just as we are the inventors of our happiness, we are the same of our unhappiness. We consciously choose that state of mind, and can consciously choose a way out of it. Sometimes, the truth is, we just get there and we don’t know how. We had a stressful week, we were stretched too thin, we didn’t complete a project, we let someone down...and then BAM here we are...

As often “overworked professionals and entrepreneurs” it isn’t unlikely for us to neglect ourselves and ignore the thing that is truly important. US. We get so caught up in this web of making things happen and graduating to that next level of success that we forget...what about US?

Today, I charge you with taking control of your happiness. Each day, make a conscious choice to do something for you, something that makes you smile.

Are you saying...”Everyday? Clearly, she doesn’t know how busy I am!”Well guess what? I’m busy too. I extend a virtual hand to walk this walk, with you.

The key to controlling our happiness is making it independent of everyone else around us. For instance, if seeing a certain movie today would really put you in good spirits, then just do it. Don’t wait on your friends to hem and haw, about whether they can or they can’t. Just go. I promise you, it’s not all that bad.

Here are a few quick things that make me happy:

Lighting a candle
Writing in my journal or for the blog
Spending time with other people’s kids
Reading
Organizing a small section of my house
Giving myself an at-home facial
Watching movies
Helping others
Pickled okra, ranch sunflower seeds and cupcakes (don’t judge me)

Share your list in the comments and let’s get going!