Happiness is not by chance, but by choice – Jim Rohn

Happiness is not by chance: I’ve heard so many definitions of happiness, but none of them seem to make a lot of sense. Some of these quotes talk about taking control of happiness. The other types talk about the importance of letting things be and being a spectator in life. I can see the value in both types of conversations. But the ultimate reality is to find peace in our life and find a way to live with ourselves right? This quote in particular talks about creating happiness and ensuring that we create the circumstances necessary to be happy.

Meaning of Happiness is not by chance 

If happiness is a chance event, it becomes unpredictable. We all like the sense of certainty, the ability to repeat scenarios that give us joy. Hence the quote happiness is not by chance makes us feel very nice. It gives us a sense that we can control and create the situations to make us happy. But happiness is an elusive devil at times. It can also add a bit of pressure because we’re constantly searching for things that make us happy. (Related: The elusive search for happiness)

Maybe happiness need not be the goal of life. Instead, it is just about experiencing the joy we get and the sorrow when it surfaces. In other words, examining, experiencing the emotions and circumstances as they come. The false sense of control in life may give us a tick-box exercise. It may even give us a feeling that we are in control. But this feeling fleets as circumstances change.

Don’t fall into this trap of assuming the power to create happiness in life. The most important power we have is to face situations as they are and go ahead with life. It is a self-aggrandizing image that says I control my circumstances and hence I can always be happy. Is that even possible? Can we ever be in control of all things in this world so that we are eternally happy? Don’t you find this as much as a marketing statement and a lie?

Happiness is not by chance, but by choice

Jim Rohn