Is happiness a choice?
No, I don't think so.
Can you turn the dial up or down on happiness? I can't.
Is it meaningful if it's not in your control? Not as much, for me.
What are some choices under my control:
Mentality (framing a struggle/problem/life differently) is you choice.
Positivity is your choice.
Adjusting your mentality and adjusting the type and level of energy you give off is your choice. Nobody is saying it's easy... and if someone does, they're a fool because they're click-baiting you or oversimplifying the context of your life. It's hard work: blood, sweat, and tears. And that's because you're not usually adjusting this stuff at an easy and convenient stage in your life. It's usually when things are down in the dumps or right when the rollercoaster of life just fell off the high and you don't want to puke your brains out on the downhill.
Happiness => Good mental state + Positive energy
Good mental state + Positive energy ≠>Happiness
Happiness implies some things are checking out for you (what those things are depends on the type of happiness you're feeling, which is another post entirely). Good stuff all around.
Though even if things are checking out, you may still not be happy. And there are a lot of other factors that I'm sure you can point to other than a good mental state and positive energy for happiness.
Ex: doing things that fulfill you, being in a place biologically that can allow you to be happy, etc.
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At the moment, I think the question "how can I be happier" kinda sucks. Same goes for statements like "I'm just trying to be happy."
Being happy is a bit overrated. What's arguably a stronger way to frame the question is "what can I do to set myself up to be happy." This helps you put yourself in the best position to be happy, but doesn't promise the effect. It just says: let's focus on the causes and if the happy-after-affect follows, hallelujah. If it doesn't, well I have a better % chance at it.
As always, text me. Interested in differing opinions.