"Le bonheur est un choix et une compétence et tu peux te consacrer à apprendre cette compétence et faire ce choix"

Happiness isn't something that just happens to you — it's something you can actively create. That’s the heart of the idea here. You're not just a passive recipient of joy; you can choose it and get better at it through practice.

This idea has deep roots. Philosophers like Aristotle talked about eudaimonia, a sort of flourishing life that comes from living virtuously and with purpose. In more modern times, psychology has zeroed in on this too. Positive psychology, especially the work of Martin Seligman, emphasizes that our well-being is something we can improve with intentional activities: gratitude practices, fostering positive relationships, and finding meaning in our daily lives.

Imagine a person named Alex. Alex works a demanding job, often leaving them stressed and tired. They come home, plop down on the couch, and scroll through social media, feeling increasingly disconnected and unhappy. One day, Alex reads about choosing happiness and decides to experiment. They start small, setting aside ten minutes each morning to list three things they're grateful for. It feels weird at first, but after a couple of weeks, Alex notices a subtle shift. They're starting to feel a bit more positive, a bit more in control.

Then, Alex takes it a step further. They begin exercising, something they’ve long neglected. Slowly, Alex starts reconnecting with old hobbies and friends. This isn't about making massive changes overnight. It's about small, consistent choices that add up to a happier, more fulfilling life.

So how can you work this idea into your own life? Start with small, manageable changes. Make a habit of recognizing and appreciating the good things. Keep a gratitude journal. Engage in activities that spark joy, whether that's a hobby, exercising, or volunteering. Surround yourself with positive people who support and uplift you. It's also essential to develop resilience — learn to navigate setbacks and view them as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

Let’s imagine another scenario. Picture Sarah, who’s dealing with a lot of stress at work. Her boss is demanding, and deadlines are relentless. She feels like she’s always behind, always struggling. One day, Sarah reads an article suggesting that happiness is a choice. She’s skeptical but willing to try anything. She starts small — taking five minutes at lunch to walk outside, breathe deeply, and enjoy the sunshine. This little break becomes her daily ritual. It doesn’t solve all her problems, but it gives her a moment of peace in the chaos.

Sarah then decides to dedicate her weekends to activities she loves but has neglected. She picks up painting again and joins a local art class. This reintroduces her to a community of like-minded people, helping her feel less isolated. Over time, these choices — these small, intentional acts — begin to shift her perspective. She’s not just reacting to her life; she’s actively shaping it.

Choosing happiness and developing the skill to sustain it isn't about ignoring life's challenges. It's about meeting them with a mindset that can find joy and meaning despite them. You have the power to make choices that lead you toward a happier life. It’s about taking those first small steps and continuing to build on them, day after day.