“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
?Abraham Lincoln
It usually isn’t what you have, where you are, or what you’ve been through that makes you happy or unhappy, it’s how you think about it all. It starts on the inside. You control your thoughts. The only person who can hurt your happiness in the long run is YOU.
Here are 50 thought-provoking quotes about happiness gathered from our book and blog archive that will help you think on the bright side.
- It only takes one person to make you happy and change your life: YOU.
- Your life will improve only when you take small chances, and the first and most difficult chance you can take is to be honest with yourself.
- Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how blessed you are. It could be so much worse.
- It is not what happens to you, but how you respond to what happens to you. Count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles.
- Look for something positive about this moment. Even if you have to look a little harder than usual, it still exists.
- When you smile about the life you live, you end up living a life worth smiling about.
- Remember, social comparison is the thief of happiness. You could spend a lifetime worrying about what others have, but it wouldn’t get you anything.
- Happiness comes more easily when you feel good about yourself without feeling the need for anyone else’s approval.
- Be nice to people on your way up because you might meet them again on your way back down.
- Set an example. Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are. (Read The Four Agreements.)
- Kindness is not to be mistaken for weakness, nor forgiveness for acceptance. It’s about knowing resentment of any kind is not on the path to happiness.
- Give as much as you can, but don’t allow yourself to be used. Listen to others closely, but don’t lose your own voice.
- Say what you need to say. Speak your truth. There is no greater sadness than holding on to the words you never had the courage to speak.
- You can’t change how people treat you or what they say about you. All you can do is change how you react and who you choose to be around.
- Negative company will never give you a positive life. Examine what you tolerate in the long-term.
- What you allow is what will continue. It’s always better to spend more time alone than allow negative people and their opinions to derail you from your destiny.
- When other people treat you poorly, walk away, smile and keep being YOU. Don’t ever let someone else’s bitterness change the person you are.
- Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. It’s their loss, not yours.
- One of the most freeing things we learn in life is that we don’t have to like everyone, everyone doesn’t have to like us, and that’s OK.
- When someone says, “You’ve changed,” it’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes it just means you stopped living your life their way.
- Never be ashamed of how you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that comes to you, and to follow a path that makes you happy.
- The unhappiest people in this world are the people who care the most about what everyone else thinks.
- You can’t base your idea of success and happiness on other people’s opinions and expectations. (Read 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- Happiness and success is all about spending your life in your own way. Be yourself. No one can ever tell you you’re doing it wrong.
- It’s always better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than the top of the one you don’t.
- Work to create a life that feels right to YOU, not one that looks right to everyone else.
- No amount of money will make you happy if you aren’t happy with yourself.
- Maybe the thing you’re scared of is exactly what you should do. Sometimes life is about risking it all for a dream no one can see but you.
- You can’t always wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes you must dare to do it because life is too short to regret and wonder what could have been.
- The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it. Participate in life instead of just watching it pass you by.
- Nothing’s more fun than doing what people say you can’t do.
- Almost anything is possible if you’ve got enough time and enough nerve.
- Great challenges make life interesting; overcoming them makes life meaningful. It’s how you deal with failure that determines your happiness and success.
- Let your mistakes be your motivation, not your excuses. Decide right now that negative experiences from your past won’t predict your future.
- What is coming is better than what is gone. Don’t give up hope. Good things often happen when you least expect it.
- If you take another step, and another, you will be surprised to know how far you can go from the point you thought was the end.
- Nothing is more beautiful and powerful than a smile that has struggled through the tears.
- Any fool can be happy when times are good. It takes a strong soul with real heart to develop smiles out of situations that make us weep.
- No matter how long it takes, it will get better. Tough situations build strong people in the end.
- As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need and what we need to leave behind. Sometimes walking away is a step forward.
- At the end of the day, you can either focus on what’s tearing you apart, or what’s holding you together.
- One of the most rewarding moments in life is when you finally find the courage to let go of what you can’t change.
- Whatever you do, don’t get stuck on the one thing that ruins your day. Smile and be grateful. Life is too short to waste on negativity.
- The less you expect, the more pleasant life gets.
- Patience can be bitter, but the seeds you plant now will bear sweet fruit. (Read Flourish.)
- Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Breathe deeply. Do your best. Leave everything else to the powers above you.
- Do not dwell so much on creating your perfect life that you forget to live.
- The trick is to enjoy your life today. Don’t wish it away by waiting for better days ahead.
- Pay attention to the little things, because when you really miss “the good old days,” you miss the little things the most, like just laughing with someone special.
- Go for long walks. Indulge in great conversations. Pay attention to the moment. Count your blessings. Let go for a little while and just be and breathe.
Your turn…
What’s one quote or personal reminder that has helped you think happier thoughts and live more positively? Please share it with us by leaving a reply below.
Photo by: Rick Harrison
Michael Feeley says
A masterful collection of quotes.
Here is one of my favorite thoughts – When something bad happens you have three choices – you can either let it define you – let it destroy you – or you can let it strengthen you.
Thank you both for your steady, positive support.
Mally says
I just LOVE these quotes. Inspiring read as always. Loved the last two points about slowing down and enjoying the small things. This is something I often forget to do.
My addition to the list: The little things are infinitely the most important memories.
Also, congrats on the paperback book release! I purchased the eBook several months ago and love it, and now I just bought a copy of the paperback as a gift for a relative.
Dev says
Always an inspiration, you two. These happiness quotes are keepers! Here’s on of my famous favorites:
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
Fatima says
I absolutely love #46 -Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Breathe deeply. Do your best. Leave everything else to the powers above you.
In essence it simply means that letting go of the need to control everything is the path we need to be on.
For me, I have let go of so much over the last year, I still have some ego left though and I am working on it.
I hope to one day be free of the need to control everything and just live and leave it all to the power that is.
Amandah says
Great list!
I like Dr. Seuss quotes:
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
Mark says
Thanks for the great quotes. Inspiring way to start the day!!!!
Here is my offering: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
Gillian says
“Go to meditation and get filled with the divine energy of love.”
SJ Scott says
Angel,
Lots of positivity and positive energy here! These are great quotes and quite a few of them would work quite well as positive affirmations.
My personal favorite happiness quote comes from the Andy Rooney.
“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”
-SJ
Daff says
Thank you.
Marilyn says
Sharing my life with my pets has made my life fuller and happier. They also make me laugh, frequently.
Julie Pelland says
My personal mantra, when I’m upset about some situation that’s not going the way I want it to :
”There are worse things in life.”
It helps me put things into perspective, and be grateful for the good stuff in my life.
Your website is wonderful! You always make my day!
Alyssa says
I loved all of these quotes! This is my favorite quote and I believe it applies to everything-
Find a balance between your head and your heart. Push your boundaries, that’s what they’re there for. Don’t take life to seriously. Punch it in the face when it needs a good hit. Laugh at it. And laugh a lot. Never go a day without laughing at least once. Never judge others. You know good and well how unexpected events can change who a person is. Always keep in mind. You never know what someone else is experiencing within their own life. Question everything. Your love, your religion, your passions. If you don’t have questions, you’ll never find answers. Be accepting. Of everything. People’s differences, their similarities, their choices, their personalities. Sometimes it takes a variety to make a good collection. The same goes for people. Choose your battles, but don’t choose very many. Keep an open mind; it’s the only way new things can get in. And last but not least, not the tiniest bit least, never regret.
Cristhian says
Hi, I just arrived office and was passing through a stressful, sad moment, but then I randomly read these quotes and now I feel so much better. I know that we are the only ones that can decide to let things make us happy or unhappy, but sometimes I just forget it. You guys really helped me out today, thank you very much!
Connie says
I loved every single quote. Some had me tearing up, they are all simply amazing.
The best part of this morning is my son saying “Thanks for introducing me to Marc and Angel.” Now that put such a smile on my face 🙂
He is now the one to ask if I’ve read the email when it comes out.
No matter what day I’m having, I feel blessed to always have the opportunity to brighten my spirit.
Liv says
Love these quotes so much..
You two always bring such inspirations and calmness to my heart..
My favorite quote is the three words of: “Live Love Laugh”
Live your life, love it, and laugh as much as you can..
Diandra says
Loved all these quotes! I’m so happy to have found your website and look forward to everyday where I get a great inspiring email from you guys! They always help to keep me going and feel good! So thank you! Keep up the good work.
Melissa Webster says
Thank you so much for this. What an amazing way to start the day, and I love all the comments.
One of my favorite quotes actually comes from a song I woke up to hearing in my head this morning.
“We will run and scream. You will dance with me. They’ll fulfill our dreams and we’ll be free. We will be who we are and they’ll heal our scars. Sadness will be far away.” – ‘Learn Me Right’ by Mumford and Sons. Combined with the music, these lyrics have such a joyful, inspiring tone to them and always make me smile.
Another is “Let it be” by the Beatles. So simple, yet so powerful and true.
1968Michelle says
My Fave:
#37 Nothing is more beautiful and powerful than a smile that has struggled through the tears.
For me, a smile and laughter means your heart and soul are still alive. If your insides are alive, the outside will survive!
A quote that is stuck in my mind is “Be kind to everyone you meet, for everyone is fighting some kind of battle”. This is not always easy. Life is a test of will’s. Will you survive?
Have a fabulous day!!
Katie says
“The universe is conspiring for me, not against me.” 🙂
Jeanne says
My favorite happiness quote:
Think happy, be happy 🙂
Rachel // One Beautiful Life says
These are all wonderful quotes! I love #10 + couldn’t agree more with this. I’m reading the 4 agreements at the moment + it is very easy to underestimate the power our words create. Being impeccable with your word + only using it to uplift people and spread joy will bring happiness to ourselves + our world around us.
Larry Hochman says
“Fear is a guest in your house that has overstayed its welcome.”
I did that one, as well as this…
“Confidence is usually quiet. But it sure knows how to party!”
Good times!!! 😉
Wendy says
Smile. Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday.
Tony says
This quote helps me through a number of challenges.
“It’s never that serious”
If you think about it, most of the stuff you assume to be serious in the long run all turn to be just a moment in life as a memory.
Jamei says
Love the quotes!
Norman Pleitez says
I love all these happiness quotes. I would like to say as a side note that your health is essential to have a good mood too. If your body is healthy and strong, your mind will be too.
PB says
Something I always tell myself when I start to drift into a state of mind of stress and unhappiness: “Choose yourself! Right now you have a choice.”
Barbara says
One of my favourites is:
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. (Charles Spurgeon)
Love your quotes
Jillian says
Thanks for the reminders these are powerful and uplifting.
My mum raised me on “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference” – This deserves a place with today’s quotes.
Ania says
Dear Marc and Angel,
I look forward to your Posts, I try to read them first thing in the morning and before going to sleep. Nothing helped me more than your blog to discover that life is beautiful after a divorce. And that my happiness depends on me and not on my circumstances.
Thank you,
Ania
majida alsamara says
Inspiring and useful quotes, thanks very much. As for me the most important thing in my life is to be spiritual: meditate and pray every day. Sports is also helping in having positive attitudes. Love and always be grateful so it helps being happy. Thanks again for all your good quotes.
Jon Helm says
11. is what sings like music to my ears. I have often found that behind every door of unhappiness, there is a kernel of long-standing resentment (for something that’s bothered you for a long time). If you do the best you can to forgive someone, fully, in your eyes, you can free yourself of negativity associated with that resentment. Excellent and uplifting post! Thank you.
Rach says
Love love love these quotes! I am printing them off. They remind me how I want to live my life… and sometimes I need the reminders. Thanks!
Andy Harry says
I love #23: Happiness and success is all about spending your life in your own way. Be yourself!
Thank you for your quotes.
Nega Taddesse says
I don’t know how I thank you enough for these inspiring quotes and for all that you do. I have no words… -Nega
Linz says
Great words of wisdom! I also love “20 years from now, you’ll regret most what you DIDN’T do in life.” Live now and smile!
Anna Maria says
“When everything seem to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it…”
“The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?”
“Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
~ Henry Ford
Arzu says
“It’s always better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than the top of the one you don’t.”
This is the quote that spoke to me, as I am now struggling to decide what to do after college. Thank you for helping me make my choice. I know what I want to do in my heart, but I’m scared I’ll fail. But if I never try to achieve my dream, I will regret it when I’m older.
Sandra Hamlett says
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” I can’t remember where I read this or who said it but when I start to feel stressed this comes to mind and instantly calms me.
Angel Chernoff says
As always, everyone, THANK YOU.
Many of the thought-provoking happiness quotes you have shared here I have never read before. So inspiring! I loved reading them.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Phil George says
I love the quotes, Very inspiring. I need to use some of them particularly #13 to capture the heart of the woman of my dreams and these posts have given me the confidence to ask her.
My favorite quotes : “You have to have music in your soul to make your life dance.” and “If life throws you a lemon. Make lemonade and raise your glass and toast life.”
Guido Michael Tabone says
One of the most profound statements I learned early in my 20’s was ” We become what we think about” from a Cassette Tape I had in my car called ” The Strangest Secret in The World” , I played it over and over…It was put out by Earl nightingale one of my favorite motivators and Mentors along with Dale Carnegie, Maxwell Maltz, and many others. I still have the tape…albeit crackly now. It shaped and changed my life and made me what I am today at 61 years.
I recently walked away from a very well paying career to follow something that has been a passion for 22 years and also a hobby, I help people feel better in Mind Body and Spirit,it’s very rewarding. It;s amazing “When you follow your passions everything just falls into place. So I was where my life had lead me…Now I am where my Heart wants to Be”.
Michelle Kilgore says
“I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is’.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut
Ellen Bendana says
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a a mystery, today is a GIFT, that why they call it “the present”
JJ Wong says
Wonderful list of quotes. Love reading it daily, it’s short yet fill with lots of wisdom. 🙂
GURDEEP CHAWLA says
“ACCEPT EVERYTHING & EXPECT NOTHING”
Marceli says
My friend in work long time ago told me. If you can count well, count on yourself. Doing things myself without waiting for others blessing my life in my career.
Connie says
“Being listened to is so much like being loved that most people can’t tell the difference.”
Trina says
I loved every single quote..