I remember that when I was growing up, my mother found joy in simple things, such as growing her own orchids under black lights or arranging the roses and dahlias from her garden

My mother’s mantra was, “Live each day gloriously.”

And despite her deep, dark secret–life as a hidden hoarder–I choose to believe (and maybe I need to believe) that she did manage to find some sort of beauty in each and every day.

I remember that when I was growing up, she found joy in simple things, such as growing her own orchids under black lights or arranging the roses and dahlias from her garden.

At a recent culinary conference in Palm Springs (part of my “other life” as a food and wine writer), keynote speaker Pamela Jett, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) seemed to agree with Mom’s philosophy.

The very first suggestion she shared among her time-tested tips for better communication was the following:

“Get up every morning and choose to be happy. Don’t stay neutral and don’t opt for misery.”

Inner victory precedes outer victory, the acclaimed speaking professional reasoned. Accept responsibility for your attitude and make it positive! Choosing to be happy is proactive and a lot healthier than languishing around in the doldrums.

Have you chosen to be happy today?