“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”

Finding happiness doesn’t always come automatically. Some days are harder than others. Sometimes without any known reason. As this quote by Dalai Lama XIV reminds us, happiness is not “ready-made.” But even though it’s not ready-made, this quote also reminds us we do have some level of autonomy over it.

There are actions you can take for your happiness. For instance, understanding yourself–Increasing the things that make you happy and avoiding the things that do the opposite. Ensuring you have the right support system around you. Surrounding yourself with positive things and people. Seeking counseling when needed. Finding peace through meditation and prayer. Taking better care of your body and mind. And above all, loving yourself enough to recognize you deserve happiness. Sometimes the actions may not feel like they make any difference. At least not right away. But consistent action in the right direction can make all the difference.