There is pure joy…

There are luxuries/ gifts…

And there is happiness…

Realizing that happiness was my personal responsibility was a huge “light bulb moment” in my adulthood. A major shift occurred. I even felt convicted about some stuff. Owning happiness has changed how I establish expectations (if I establish them at all), how I move through my day, and how I view/ foster relationships.

Happiness is something that happens purposefully and with intention. I’m even learning that it is something that can be achieved with sustainable, uplifting daily activities.

Whether it’s a hot bath with wine in the evening or a good cup of coffee at the top of the morning, I have learned to make room for and savor the small, daily likings that appear ordinary… but create an extraordinary feeling within!

One truism in life, as I am living it, is happiness really does lie in the small, daily practices that are super cost efficient or totally free. Furthermore, it is my job to ensure that those practices are at work.

Here are 3 small things that have made me happy in the last week:

1. The “Black Lady Courtroom” skit on “A Black Lady Sketch Show”. Hil.arious. I thought I was gone die when the security guard comes in at the end asking if any of the women had any Carmex? 😂

2. Angela Bassett’s Icon Award acceptance speech at Black Girls Rock. If you haven’t watched it yet, prepare to be uplifted!

3. Traces Ellis Ross announcing that the Girlfriends cast will be reuniting for an episode of Black-ish, airing in October, made me SO very happy.

Positive internet content has the capacity to create happiness in me and is often how I end my day– engaging with relatable, comical, and inspirational videos…it’s the small things…

Live life intentionally, my friends. Happiness is on you… not your spouse, your children, your credentials, or your paycheck. It comes with no prerequisites. It doesn’t even have standards. In fact, I believe the Happiness concept is as easy or natural as breathing.

Just choose it. ❤

Clinnesha is a writer, wife, mom, meta-artist, and social entrepreneur who feels most accountable to southern, black citizen-artists, elders, children, and families. Her work is at the intersection of arts, culture, innovation, and community.