That was when I came across the powerful idea of choosing happiness, as a decision. I realized then happiness is a commitment — it is a practice I would have to adhere to in order for it to last and expand.

My life hasn’t been a walk in the park. I’ve been through many difficulties and spent years feeling lost and confused. Being a believer in reincarnation, I wondered often if I was being punished for something I’d done in a previous life.

For three months, I spent most days at home in solitude. I turned off sound notifications on my phone. I prioritized self-care through rest, whole food, exercise, and meditation. I chose to spend time with people and on activities that energized me.

Once I accepted that I will sometimes have dark and negative thoughts, I felt relieved to just be. I understood they don’t define me.

Forgive me, children,

in my stained-glassed pride
I tried to hold us all together,
masking a disfigurement of peace—

Meditation has really softened me without making me soft, in terms of my personal goals and aspirations. I don’t feel the need to be right or to convince other people to incorporate what I say into their lives.