Happiness Is A Choice: Simple Ways Art Can Lift Your Mood
Some days feel easier than others. On the harder days, happiness can feel far away. It’s easy to think it shows up on its own, when the timing is right or when life feels lighter. But happiness is a choice, and often it shows up through small actions we take.
This week, I’ve been thinking about how choosing to make art can be one of those actions. Not because it fixes everything, but because it can gently shift how a day feels.
What “Happiness Is a Choice” Really Means
When people hear the phrase happiness is a choice, it can sound like pressure. Like you’re supposed to feel happy no matter what’s going on. That’s not what this means.
Happiness isn’t about pretending things are perfect. It’s about choosing small moments that feel supportive. Sometimes that choice is rest. Sometimes it’s stepping outside. And sometimes, it’s choosing to sit down and make something with your hands.
How Small Choices Affect Your Mood
Your day is made up of lots of small choices. What you pay attention to. How you spend a few quiet minutes. Whether you give yourself permission to slow down or create.
These choices don’t have to be big. Even choosing a color you like or picking up a paintbrush can change how the moment feels. That’s one way happiness is a choice, it grows from the small things we decide to do.
Why Making Art Can Help
Art gives your mind something gentle to focus on. It doesn’t require you to explain how you feel or solve a problem. You just choose a color, make a mark, and keep going.
You don’t need to feel inspired. You don’t need a plan. You only need to be willing to begin. Often, that small choice is enough to soften a heavy day.
This is one reason happiness is a choice that works well through creativity. You’re choosing to engage instead of withdraw, even for a few minutes.
Simple Creative Choices You Can Try
If you’d like to explore this idea through art, here are a few easy ways to start:
Paint something familiar, like mittens, a scarf, or a simple shape
Choose a small color palette instead of many colors
Let the paint blend without trying to control it
Set a short time limit so it doesn’t feel overwhelming
Stop when it feels good, not when it feels finished
These small creative choices don’t take much energy, but they can help shift how a moment feels. Over time, they add up.
FAQs About Happiness and Creativity
Is happiness really a choice?
Happiness isn’t something you can force. But you can choose actions that support it. Small, kind choices often make a difference.
Do I have to be artistic for this to help?
No. Creativity isn’t about talent. It’s about showing up and making something simple.
What if I don’t feel motivated?
You don’t need motivation. Start small. Choose one color or one shape and begin there.
Can art help even on hard days?
Yes. Art doesn’t fix everything, but it can create a small pause. Sometimes that pause is enough.
Final Thoughts
Happiness doesn’t usually arrive all at once. More often, it grows from the small choices we make along the way. Choosing to create is one of those choices.
You don’t have to feel happy before you begin. Sometimes the act of choosing something gentle is what helps happiness find its way in.
A Small Invitation
Thanks for reading this week.
If you’d like a simple way to begin, you’re welcome to download my free Whimsical Bird Trio watercolor tutorial. It’s an easy, low-pressure project designed to help you ease into making art.
When you sign up, you’ll also receive a free subscription to The Creative Heart Journal, a weekly flipbook mini-magazine delivered straight to your inbox.
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