The other day, while I was delivering flowers to one of my regular customers, she looked at me and asked, half-laughing, “Why are you so happy? It’s disgusting.”
We both giggled and moved on, but the next time I came in, she stopped me again. This time, she asked seriously: “No really—how are you so happy?”
I told her it was because I was delivering flowers. And yes, that’s part of it—flowers carry so much beauty, joy, and light, it’s hard not to smile when you’re surrounded by them. But I knew deep down that wasn’t the whole answer.
She doesn’t know my story, and she doesn’t need to. What matters is that I’ve walked a long road to get here. I’ve had my share of challenges, and I’ve seen the weight of what unhappiness can do. Through it all, I discovered something important: happiness isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you choose.
And that’s what I do, every day.
I choose happiness.
Not because everything in my life is perfect. Not because I never feel stress, sadness, or doubt. But because I know I am meant to live from joy, and I don’t want to waste another moment living in any other way.
That’s why, when I walk into a room with flowers in my arms, my smile is more than just the product of my job—it’s an expression of who I am becoming.
Happiness is not reserved for certain people or certain circumstances. It’s available to each of us, right here, right now. Sometimes it takes work. Sometimes it takes healing. But always, it takes a choice.
So maybe the next time someone notices your smile—or even questions it—you can remember this: your happiness doesn’t have to be explained or toned down. You don’t need permission. You can claim it. You can live it.
And maybe, just maybe, your happiness will inspire someone else to find theirs.