I believe in free will. I don’t think our lives have been predetermined or that there is some greater power using us as marionettes, controlling us.

Everyday, we get to make choices. What to wear, what to eat, who to talk to. Where each of us are in this exact moment is a result of our own individual choices.

We can choose to think positively about things that are bringing us down. We can choose how we want events to impact us. Doing that can help bring you out of a rut and push forward. Sometimes, that’s really hard to do.

Maybe you’re too upset by something to feel like you can’t make a choice to be happier. Or you’re too overcome with emotion to keep your thoughts straight. That’s where focusing on small things comes into play.

No, I don’t mean dwelling on the little things that are part of the big, depressing picture. I’m talking about little ways to take care of yourself and try to bring the happiness back. You can let yourself mope and feel down, but after a while, you have to choose to pick yourself up off the floor, throw away those tissues and be happy. Granted, that is a lot easier said than done, but it’s better than living day after day feeling sad.

The point is, make choices that make you happy. Maybe not all the time, but sometimes you truly need to choose to do things for yourself. Especially if you’re like me, someone who is always giving to others more than what she has. Making choices that will make you, and only you, happy can restore some of that emptiness you’re feeling after giving so much.

So take a break from work and go on a walk. Grab something sweet and know you deserve it. Soak up any sunshine you can and choose to do things for yourself. Eventually, you’ll realize just how nice is it to choose things for you.