Munira Premji

Over the past fourteen years, cancer has taught me many things.

One of the most unexpected?
That happiness isn’t something that happens to us.It’s something we intentionally create.

I’ve met people facing unimaginable challenges who are deeply joyful. And I’ve met people who seem to have everything, yet struggle to find contentment.

It has convinced me that happiness has far less to do with our circumstances than with the choices we make every day.

Here are three lessons I’ve been trying to live by, because I like to be happy!

Happy people believe they have influence. They don’t spend their lives wishing things were different or waiting for someone else to change. Instead, they ask, “What can I do from here?” Even one small step reminds them that they are not powerless. It is a powerful way of living life from a place of hope, reflection and agency.

Happy people don’t postpone joy.
They don’t wait until life is perfect to start living. This is something I’m still learning.

For much of my life, I believed happiness was something I had to earn. If I worked hard enough, accomplished enough, or simply got through the next challenge, happiness would be waiting for me on the other side.

But I’ve come to realize that if we keep waiting for “someday,” we risk missing the joy that’s already here.

So now I celebrate ordinary moments. I laugh often. I make time for the people I love. I notice the beauty that’s already around me. Because I’ve learned that tomorrow is never guaranteed, but joy is available today, if we’re willing to notice it.

Happy people intentionally create a life they enjoy. They don’t wait for happiness to arrive. They build it.

Through gratitude, meaningful relationships, purpose, service.
and taking care of themselves.
One choice at a time. For me it is about taking a two hour vacation every day so I don’t feel like I have to escape the life I have. This is my time to read, to write posts, to experiment with cooking – something that sparks joy in me.

Life will always bring challenges.
None of us gets a free pass.
But perhaps happiness isn’t about having an easier life. Perhaps it’s about believing you still have influence, refusing to postpone joy, and intentionally creating a life you love.

Tomorrow morning, before your day takes over, here’s an invitation for you. Can you choose just one thing you’ll do to create a little more joy for yourself. Then do it!