How you present yourself is not only how the world sees you, it’s how you want the world to see you. It’s a choice. You choose your mood and how you respond to a given circumstance just as you choose your outfit for the day.

Do you want to be seen as a negative, angry, self-centered individual or person who chooses to see the positives in life, the good in others and the opportunities to help people in need?

We can train our minds. When we are angry, depressed, discouraged, we can put on if not a happy face, than at least a pleasant face, while taking deep breaths. It’s not their fault you’re in a bad mood – and if you’re absolutely convinced it is their fault – YOU are making the choice to stay miserable. Teach your brain to reject the negative impulses till it becomes habit.

Present yourself as you want the world to see you, not necessarily what you are battling inside, and you may just find yourself starting to feel like that smile is less forced. You may find positive people are drawn to you rather than repelled. Those pleasant people help to left us up too.

Be the one to brighten someone’s day with a simple gesture, an acknowledgement, a kind word.

Choose joy.