This morning, I got up feeling refreshed and overly happy. Last night, I wasn’t happy at all. You see, I could choose to focus on just the happy times in life here, but let’s be realistic: There isn’t such a thing as someone who’s happy ALL THE TIME.

It is no secret here that I’ve had bouts with depression and stress over the years. There are times where I’ve felt completely hopeless about the state of my country and the world. At least here, I can do my part by exposing the issues and encouraging people to make the changes in their lives which can make life on Earth better for everyone.

One thing I’ve realized about happiness is this: It’s a choice. So, today, I’m choosing to pass along an abundance of happiness today to you and I hope you’ll pass it along to someone else. . Things might be tough right now, but together, we can emerge to overcome any obstacle we encounter in life. Stand in unison with a stranger, friend or loved one today. Help them realize that their struggles are not permanent, but only temporary obstacles.

Everyone has been angry at some point in their lives. Some more than others. Anger is a human emotion, but many times, it’s not even warranted. Most times, we allow our emotions to take over and influence our lives in negative ways. While there are numerous approaches to preventing anger, the most important aspect of minimizing it is to be constantly aware.

Over the years, I’ve had my own bouts with anger: Society, people and obstacles. Often times, it’s easier to express your frustration through anger, rather than to deal with it directly. Here are a few examples:

1. Road rage: Someone cuts you off. You can either yell obscenities to the top of your lungs, or think nothing of it at all. Besides, you’ll probably never see that person again, so why even bother?

2. Disagreements: You’re really passionate about something, be it your point of view or what you believe is right. Disagreements can sometimes boil over, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. You could either walk away or maintain a level head until the disagreement is dissolved.

3. Wrongdoings: You’re hurt and frustrated over something someone did to you. You know it’s wrong (and so do they). You can beat down walls and be angry for an eternity, or you could take the higher road and maintain your happiness.

The point here is that there are so many things which can lead to anger. The reality, too, is that anger robs us of our joy. Is the energy that’s required to sustain such anger worth it? Are the people who inspire this anger worth it? Not at all. Choose to be indifferent or neutral to matters which can ignite anger. You’ll feel much better knowing you did. I know I do.

In an obvious sign of change, my eyes are wide open these days at 5:30 in the morning — Even if I went to bed at 2. Sometimes, I’d sleep much later into the morning, but that hasn’t been the case here in the past two weeks.

Oh, and that reminds me, its been two weeks now since I moved. Its a good feeling to have your own space again.