Because I'm Happy

If you listen to the radio like I do, then I'm sure you've heard the Pharrell song "Happy" at least 10 times in the past week.  It's a catchy tune that has a good message in my opinion.  And if for some reason you have not heard the song, click the following link to watch the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM. The reason I am blogging about this particular song today is because I think it has a great message about choosing happiness.  Plus it is Friday and we are close to the weekend!

In general, music can help us to explore our various moods.  This particular song puts a smile on my face and brings joy.  Music can help us express ourselves and help validate our feelings letting us know that we are not alone in the world.  I like to incorporate music throughout my day and feel that it can be a great outlet in the counseling relationship.

So often we don't really listen to the lyrics of a song, but I think these lyrics have Choice Theory written all over them!  Choice Theory comes from William Glasser, MD and the main point of the theory is that we choose how to behave at anytime.  Glasser believed that behavior is central to our existence and that our behavior is driven by 5 human needs: survival, love, power, freedom, and fun/learning.  Choice Theory believes that we can only control ourselves and that much of human unhappiness is due to failed relationships within our lives.  I personally like Choice Theory because it has many parallels to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  I truly believe that we have the ability to change our mood based on our awareness and thoughts. With both Choice Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness is key.

Getting back to the song, Pharrell conveys in his lyrics that happiness is a choice and sometimes we truly have to "fake it till we make it," but that is a choice we have to consciously make.  I particularly like the verse that says:

"Here come bad news talking this and that, yeah,

Well, give me all you got, and don't hold it back, yeah,

Well, I should probably warn you I'll be just fine, yeah,

No offense to you, don't waster your time

Here's why...Because I'm Happy..."

So the next time you start to feel blue because of bad news, a failed relationship, the start of the week, etc., listen to Pharrell's song "Happy" and remember that you have the power within yourself to turn that frown upside down.  And if that's not enough, then reach out to the supports in your life who can help or seek a qualified counselor who can help you get to where you want to be in life.

Brought to you by www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com.