Happiness is an inside job

How many times have you said, “All I want is to be happy?” So many of us get caught up in looking outside of ourselves for happiness when, in fact, happiness is something that you can choose at any time. The old saying “Happiness is an inside job” does not refer to working indoors. It means that it is we who choose whether or not we are happy. 

Our society has, in the past, been obsessed with using “things” in a never ending attempt to find happiness only to realize that it does not work. 

Most of us just want to be happy. A Course In Miracles, says that not only should you be happy but that you should make yourself happy. 

In any given situation, you can choose how you represent what is taking place. You can give away your power and let outside circumstances take away your happiness or you can claim your God given birthright to be happy and at peace, regardless of what is going on around you. 

Think about it. How many times have you become unhappy because of something completely out of your control? How many times have you let other people’s opinions of you control how you feel? 

There was a time in my life when I thought that if I just bought enough “stuff”, I would be happy. I thought a new car or a better stereo or bigger house would make me happy. I used to look to other people to provide the happiness that was lacking in my life. 

When all of that did not work and I was still not happy with myself, I was devastated. I now realize that all the material things in the world and all the other people in the world cannot, of themselves, make me happy. Only I can do that and the good part is that it does not take anything outside of myself.