Happy, sad, or indifferent? That is the choice.

Now I know that all of us cannot be happy 100% of the time. Life is just not like that. Events can occur that will make us sad in an instant. Examples are the death of a loved one, some senseless act of violence, losing your job or even a series of unrelated events that combine to make us feel we are being pummeled from all sides.

However, all those things aside, do you choose to be generally happy, or do you choose to be generally sad? For most of us that is pretty much what it boils down to - a choice.

Have you ever had one of those days when everything went wrong? Me too. Conversely, ever had one of those days where everything has gone wonderfully well? Yep, I've had them too!

A person who makes a choice to be happy can cope much better with the pressures of everyday life. So, why not make a decision to be happy? If you walk around perpetually miserable then that is what you will attract. Is that what you want? I didn't think so.

When you open your eyes in the morning put on a smile. I don't care if you think this is ridiculous, just do it. After a while it will become a habit.

When you look in the mirror, smile. When you greet others, smile.

Here are some other ideas you might like to think about:

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.