Abraham Lincoln - Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be
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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is September 24th.
It’s Bluebird of Happiness Day! Yes, it’s a day dedicated to the symbol of happiness and joy—no, not your morning coffee—an actual bluebird! Throughout history, the bluebird has been a symbol of cheerfulness and a reminder to embrace the brighter side of life. It’s like that little voice telling you, “Hey, things are going to be okay,” but with feathers.
And what better way to celebrate Bluebird of Happiness Day than with a quote about finding happiness within? Today’s quote is from the legendary Abraham Lincoln, who said:
“Folks are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
It’s such a simple yet profound truth, isn’t it? Happiness isn’t some mystical force that randomly lands in your lap, like a bluebird deciding to perch on your shoulder. No, it’s something you choose. Sure, life can hand you some pretty sour lemons—sometimes even a whole orchard of them—but you can decide whether you’re going to make lemonade or just... keep holding lemons.
Lincoln’s words fit perfectly with Bluebird of Happiness Day because that little bluebird symbolizes not external circumstances, but internal joy. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment, or for everything to fall into place. It’s about realizing that happiness is a decision. You don’t have to wait for the bluebird to arrive at your window; you can carry it with you every day.
This reminds me of something that Dr. Benjamin Hardy said in a podcast I listening to recently. He said that most people think that the past determined your present and what you do in the present determines your future. Makes sense to me...
But according to Dr. Hardy this is backwards...
The Future determines the Present and the Present determines the Past... WAIT! ... WHAT???
The idea is that in the present you get to decide how you PERCEIVE the past. If something bad happened to in the past you decide if happened to you or for you. You get to decide the meaning of the past in the present. And the view of the future and what you believe will happen in the future determines your actions in the present. Without a compelling vision of the future you won't create it in the present.
It all makes sense if you think about it... and that brings me back to Abraham Lincolns wise words... you are as happy as you decide to be... WOW!
So, on this Bluebird of Happiness Day, take a moment to ask yourself—how happy do you want to be? And then, make up your mind to go ahead and be that happy.
Thanks for spending part of your day with me here on The Daily Quote. I hope today’s message gives you a little extra boost, just like spotting a bluebird outside your window. Until next time, remember: happiness isn’t something you find—it’s something you create.
Have a great day, and I’ll see you tomorrow.