Happiness begins with you.  Happiness, pleasure, joy, etc are all emotions which belong to you and you decide when and if they apply to you. 

The state of your mind is under your control, albeit influenced by other people and things.  We often say something brings us joy or makes us feel pleasure. 

In reality we choose to feel joy or pleasure, the influencing factors definitely have an impact on this choice but no matter what the circumstances it is still ultimately a personal choice. 

Success is a Choice

If your goal is to win a high jump competition, the objective is to jump higher than anyone else.  Alternately your goal might to be just to participate in the competition and have fun.

The bar you set for success belongs to you.  It is not cast in stone.  Your may set your goal low or high and after making the attempt you might accept the lesser achievement.  It is your choice.

Your happiness is what you choose it to be.  Everything begins and ends with you.  Others cannot decide how you choose to feel, influence it – yes, decide – no.

Choose Enjoyment

I start each day with a shower.  While shower I set the tone for my day.  I decide to be happy and content.  By the time I am drying myself with the towel I am a happy and content person, because I choose to be.

This simple technique makes ever day of my life a joy.  My pleasure cannot be undermined by the external events of the day  because I have protected myself with a happy attitude from the beginning.