Icing & Glitter
A Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blog
Living

Happiness Is A Choice

Happiness Is A Choice

Above all else, positivity and happiness are two of my biggest priorities in life. As a creative, I’ve realized that happiness and inspiration are deeply intertwined. I produce my best work on days I feel my happiest. The way I see it, happiness is like a muscle. It’s something I have to constantly remind myself to actively pursue every single day. The more I exercise my happiness muscle, the stronger it gets. And while not every day is perfect, I work very hard to keep bouts of negativity to a minimum.

I think the pivotal moment occurred when my mom gave me her copy of The Secret. Through it, I was introduced to the concept of energies and the law of attraction, and I realized that I can control the direction in which my life goes. As a result, I actively expose myself to things that make me feel positive, in hopes of attracting positive vibes from the universe.

Today, I want to share with you guys the 5 books that have helped make my life happier. And for those of you who, like me, are big on online shopping, they’re all available on Amazon:

The Five Minute Journal
I picked up The Five Minute Journal recently, and have been recommending it to everyone I know. Before you roll your eyes at the suggestion of journaling, hear me out. The reason I love The Five Minute Journal is because it isn’t your typical journal. It simply asks you a few questions at the beginning and end of your day that help wire your mind to be more positive.

The Little Book of Hygge
I rarely judge a book by its cover, but when I saw this book on the display of a bookstore, I couldn’t resist buying it. And thank goodness I did, because it was a joy to read! Who better to teach us about the Danish art of happiness than the CEO of The Happiness Institute? It’s a light, feel-good read that’ll give you a ton of ideas on how to spend your time.

Miracles Now
I think of Gabrielle Bernstein’s books as my happiness manuals. Miracles Now gives readers short, concise techniques to remove the roadblocks that keep us from living our best lives. Think The Secret, but more detailed.

The Universe Has Your Back
Another great Gabrielle Bernstein read. I’m in the midst of reading it now, and love it so far. It will help you embrace the concept of choosing love over fear to succeed in all arenas of life.

The Secret
Where it all started for me. I can’t possibly talk about actively pursuing happiness without mentioning The Secret. If you haven’t read it yet, please buy yourself a copy.

SaveSave

SaveSave

Follow:
Share:

37 Comments

  1. Ashley
    July 10, 2017 / 12:20 pm

    Babe!! I love your selects!! They are amazing!! Love the secret too!!! The book has completely changed my life! Lots of love babe!! cant wait to see you!

    xxx

    Ashley

    http://www.missgunner.com

  3. Didier
    July 10, 2017 / 1:33 pm

    I remember you recommending I should read the Book of Hygge but I have yet to pick it up! I’ll try to make a try to the book store ASAP to grab it!

    -Didier
    http://www.didieryhc.com

  5. Oh to Be a Muse
    July 10, 2017 / 3:19 pm

    I don’t typically read books like this, but I would totally consider adding The Little Book of Hygge to my list.

  6. Tamara
    July 10, 2017 / 3:44 pm

    I’m currently reading The Secret and The Little Book Of Hygge is definitely next on the list!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  7. Demilade
    July 10, 2017 / 5:35 pm

    I’ve heard a lot of good things about the first two books, might just check them out. You’re so right, happiness and positivity are really important and having a positive outlook always can really change the course of your life. xx

    Coco Bella Blog 

  8. Britta
    July 10, 2017 / 5:51 pm

    I have to read the Danish Hygge book! How is it I did not know this existed 🙈

  9. Raysa García
    July 11, 2017 / 1:45 am

    Thank you for sharing these books, babe! Can’t wait to check them out. 🙂
    Xx, Raysa

  11. Imogen
    July 11, 2017 / 9:54 am

    I always love reading your posts – I find so much that I can relate to and that’s probably why you’re on of my favourite bloggers. Definitely reading the secret now!

    Imogen x http://www.faux-silk.com

  13. Catherine X
    July 11, 2017 / 3:44 pm

    Need to give the five minute journal a try – usually my problem with journals is that I can never remember to write everyday (or I simply don’t have the willpower :P), so that sounds like a good alternative, and possible more productive?

    Thanks for sharing these.

    Love,
    Catherine
    http://www.thestylesynapse.com

  16. Catarine
    July 12, 2017 / 12:50 am

    I just loved this post. I have to read those books.
    Have a great day.
    lefashionaire.com

  18. Camila
    July 12, 2017 / 2:51 am

    This is a great post, I have to use books to be able to take off anxiety and make me happy!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com

  20. Violette
    July 12, 2017 / 7:01 am

    I’m not a reading kind of girl but I know good reads can help us a lot about happiness! Thanks for sharing!

    http://violettedaily.com

  21. Tina
    July 12, 2017 / 7:13 am

    What a great list of books! Who else doesn’t love happiness?? Gotta check these out!

    Tina
    http://www.justatinabit.com

  22. miri
    July 12, 2017 / 11:52 am

    Hi Siffat,

    I have not read Universe has your back but I love Gabrielle Bernstein so I will definitely check it out. Have you read The Power of Now? That is my most favorite book ever.
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

  23. Mihaela
    July 12, 2017 / 12:38 pm

    I remember years ago when someone told me I should read The Secret but at first I didn’t feel interested. I came across it again some time later and because I’d heard so much about it, I decided to give it a go. It covers the basic principles of the law of attraction and how we shape our surroundings by changing our thoughts which was a great introduction to a whole new field. Later on I read a book called Don’t Touch This Book which mentions similar things but opened my eyes to a lot more. I’m so greatful for coming across this post of yours because at the moment I definitely need to take control of my own happiness and these books seem like a great start! Thank you for sharing ♥️

  24. Tatjana
    July 12, 2017 / 3:41 pm

    I am most happy when inspired and inspired when most happy. Thank you for sharing these books Siffat.
    I’ve bought the secret, started it but then life got in the way. I will start it again tomorrow.

    Love from https://tbymallano.com/

  25. Natalie
    July 12, 2017 / 4:08 pm

    I definitely want to try the five minute journal. I already love journaling, and I think it’s super important for self-discovery and healing, so I think this will up my game. Thanks for the wonderful post.

    Natalie | http://nataliesalchemy.wordpress.com

  29. Jessi Malay
    July 12, 2017 / 8:28 pm

    Love your selects girl! I totally agree, happiness is all about your attitude. Glad you’re finding happiness in these books 🙂

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com/pom-poms-tassels/

  31. Jessica
    July 13, 2017 / 1:33 am

    Yes – The Secret! That is one of my favorite books of all time. I have learned a lot of it and keep reminding myself about some of the key points that I’ve learned reading it!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

  33. Tina
    July 13, 2017 / 8:42 am

    Thx for the tips babe, definitely will check these out. 🙂

    Hope youre having a great week so far ♥
    xxx
    Tina

    http://styleappetite.com

  34. jasna
    July 13, 2017 / 11:18 am

    Can totally relate, I love the secret 🙂 xx

  37. Jenelle
    July 15, 2017 / 6:41 am

    I have not read the secret! I feel like I am the only one who hasn’t!! I think you are so very bang on that happiness is a choice, and one that we have to keep choosing day after day, all day long. It is so true that one positive thought creates another (and vice versa).
    I keep meaning to pick up one of the Hygge books too. I think I have a bunch of happy and inspiring books, they are all so inspiring.
    xx Jenelle
    http://www.inspiringwit.com

Let’s Be Friends