Recently, a friend of mine updated his Facebook status to read that what he wanted was “to be happy”. Since then I’ve been thinking a lot about what happiness is and what it takes for us to “be happy”, and I’ve come to a conclusion.

In order for us to be happy we simply need to tell ourselves that “we will be happy”.

Because, whatever our circumstances, it is up to each of us whether we are happy or not. Happiness comes from within. No other person or thing can give us true happiness.

Recently I have had some life events that have been difficult to deal with. The break-up of a sixteen year long relationship and the death of a close friend are things that have caused me a lot of pain, and will continue to do so for some time to come. However, it is still up to me to decide whether I will be happy in the here and now or not.

Last week I decided that I will be happy. It is as simple and as difficult as that.