There are so many things that I love about this quote. We have talked about happiness here before, sometimes touching on views of happiness that may seem counter-cultural. Angelou's beautiful quote incorporates two important, often over-looked factors of happiness: Firstly, that happiness is a choice and secondly that to be happy contains a certain level of responsibility. I don't think she is implying that we are responsible for the happiness or emotions of other people. On the contrary, I think she means that we will struggle to find real happiness or contentment within us if we don't reach out to others who may be struggling or in need of help. Doing good things for others is a fundamental part of happiness. So what does this look like? It can be small, everyday actions for friends and family. It can be volunteering your time with charity organisations. It can be random acts of kindness for strangers. All of these add light to the darkness for others and we are responsible for that!
Happiness is a choice and Angelou reminds us of that. It won't come naturally (at least, not for most of us!), nor will it be a simple process. It is something that we need to work at, something that we need to be mindful of and something that requires thought and reflection: what does make us happy? How will that look in my everyday?
This Bitesize Inspiration has waffled on a bit, and for that I'm sorry! I hope you can take away something from Angelou's quote that will bring a smile to your face, or to someone else's through your light and your care.
Have a wonderful week friends,
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