happiness is a choice

Happiness is a choice. Not because life is easy. Not because nothing hurts. It is a choice, to open your eyes, and stay. To feel the weight of the day, and not run from it. To let the tears fall, and still say, I am here. Happiness is not loud. It does not shout over pain. It sits beside it. It is choosing to forgive, when anger feels warmer. Choosing to try again, when failure feels final. Choosing to see light, even if it is small, even if it flickers, even if you are the one, who has to light it. Some days, happiness is only this, a breath taken fully. A step not turned back. It is not a feeling you wait for. It is a way you decide to live. Again and again.