I found this fabulous article on PurposeFairy.com—the difference between happy people and unhappy people.  My mom once told me happiness is a choice…a motherly phrase I’ll never forget.  However, there has to be some sort of art to choosing and executing happiness.

The following 15 are powerful things happy people do differently.  Should you want to add to the list, feel free to comment at the bottom of the page.  All happy tips are greatly appreciated!!

1. LOVE vs. FEAR

People who are really happy fear less and love more.  They see each moment, each challenge, and each person as an opportunity to discover more about themselves and the world around them.

2. ACCEPTANCE vs. RESISTANCE

Happy people understand that you can’t really change a situation by resisting it, but you can change it by accepting that it’s there; more-so, happy people strive for understanding that there might be a reason for its existence. When something unpleasant happens to happy people, they don’t try to fight it, knowing a fight will make the situation worse.  Instead, they ask themselves questions like: What can I learn from this? and How can I make this better?  They focus on the positive rather than the negative.

3. FORGIVENESS vs. UNFORGIVENESS

Happy people know it’s not healthy to hold onto anger. They choose to forgive and move forward, understanding that forgiveness is a gift they give themselves.

4. TRUST vs. DOUBT

Happy people trust themselves. No matter who they encounter, they strive to make the person they’re interacting with feel important.  They understand that beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies, and because of that, they make sure to treat everybody with love, dignity, and respect.

5. MEANING vs. AMBITION

Happy people do the things they do because of the meaning it brings into their lives; it gives them purpose.  By doing so, they often reach both meaning and success, just because they focus on doing things they love. Money is not a sole motivator.

6. PRAISING vs. CRITICIZING

When a parent wants to make sure their young child puts their toys away, they don’t focus on the many times the child doesn’t do it, criticizing him and his behavior; instead, every time the child does put the toys back, the parent praises him and his behavior.  Happy people reinforce positive behavior in themselves and other people, and because of that, they often get wanted results.

7. CHALLENGES vs. PROBLEMS

Happy people see problems as challenges; as opportunities to explore new ways of doing things. They acknowledge even difficult challenges help them grow.

8. SELFLESSNESS vs. SELFISHNESS

Happy people do things for the good of others. They look for ways to give and share, helping others become happy.

9. ABUNDANCE vs. LACK/POVERTY

Happy people have an abundant mindset living a balanced life, achieving abundance in all areas of life.

10. DREAMING BIG vs. BEING REALISTIC

Happy people don’t really care about being realistic. They dare to dream big, listening to their heart and inner intuition.  They don’t fear taking risks.

11. KINDNESS vs. CRUELTY

Happy people are kind to themselves and others.  They understand the power of self-love, self-forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

12. GRATITUDE vs. INGRATITUDE

No matter the circumstance, happy people have the capacity to see beauty, opportunity, abundance, and gratitude.  They don’t see the ugly in things.

13. PRESENCE/ENGAGEMENT vs. DISENGAGEMENT

Happy people know how to live in the present and appreciate what they have and where they are.  At the same time, they are still forward thinking, planning for a successful future.

14. POSITIVITY vs. NEGATIVITY

No matter what happens, happy people strive to keep a positive perspective on things.  They are adamant about surrounding their inner-self with peace and harmony.

15. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY vs. BLAMING

Happy people take ownership over their lives and rarely use excuses. They understand that the moment you choose to blame an outside force, you are surrendering your power.  Blame is a form of weakness.