Source: art by @midlet

Happiness is as good as food. ~Maasai Proverb

Happiness used to elude me a lot when I was younger. I allowed people to determine the direction for my happiness. Some times the mode of others would strongly determine mine.

Some time last year I found myself in a severe crisis situation. I had serious issues with my job. This took me into a stream of unhappiness and depression. The only way I made it through, was when I realised that happiness is a choice. Have you ever come across people who seem so positive and happy most time? It's not that things are always well with them, but that they consciously make the choice to be positive or happy. There are people that have all the good things of life but are still unsatisfied and unhappy. It's not about what you have or what you don't have, it has a lot to do with whats in your head. In fact, about 40% of our happiness is within our control(source)

I strongly believe that happiness and smiling is a good therapy for your over all health. I can personally attest to this. Since the time I took charge of my happiness, I have felt overall wellness. Leaving your happiness in the hands of other people is just not safe. Take it into your own hands.

In conclusion, let me share this with you.

Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.
Proverbs 17:22 GNT
https://bible.com/bible/68/pro.17.22.GNT

Proverbs have inspired me for a long time. There is so much wisdom in them. My father always told me a few every now and then. Hope to share my thoughts from this daily with you.

Being an art lover, I'll also be featuring art from creative artists from @artzone and ones posted with #artzone just as my little way of promoting art here on steemit.

What are your thoughts on this proverb? What do you think it means? Feel free to share below.