Choose Happiness

Happiness doesn't just happen: it's a choice we make every day.

Happiness is more than an emotion or an involuntary reaction to life events. It's a state of mind, a choice to focus on the things that bring us joy instead of those that bring pain, to reach out to others rather than turning inward. Regardless of what's going on around us or how hard things may seem, our inner life doesn't have to depend upon our outer circumstances: we can find happiness if we choose to.

Rachel Cole's collection of essays cover life's big and little moments, from dusty pipes and children's games to being hurt by a dear friend or even grieving for the loss of loved ones. In each moment, she offers insights for how we can store up joy in the happy times and find light in the dark times. Above all, she demonstrates that, no matter how difficult it may seem, we can always find a way to choose happiness.

About the Author
Cole, Rachel: - Rachel Cole is an award-winning singer/songwriter, recording artist and performer. Additional professional endeavors have included teacher, events planner, workshop leader, librarian, and for a short time in high school, retail sales associate. Along with spearheading the Choose Happiness project, Rachel owns and runs a gift business and is the founder of a non-profit organization that provides wedding dresses and formalwear to women and girls in need. Rachel also wears the titles of mom (her #1 favorite job), wife, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, and friend, all of which she takes very seriously and honorifically. The Choose Happiness project came about when Rachel became an empty nester and her daily mom duties were majorly reduced. She was looking for a new way to fulfill her lifelong goal of making a positive difference in the world around her, and through a series of events (including a chance encounter at the post office) the idea of providing weekly videos and blogs to promote the concept that happiness is a choice was born. The content is based on experiences from her own life, combined with interviews from people from around the world who make happiness a priority in their lives. Rachel believes very strongly that we can all make the choice to see the good over the bad, to choose hope over despair, and to seek peace in spite of pain. Life is short and it's up to us to choose happiness purposefully and intentionally, and to do so as often as we can. www.choose-happiness.net.