ON THE BLOG -- DONT WORRY, BE HAPPY.

 I know that the phrase "don't worry, be happy." can make many of us feel the complete opposite. In honor of National Mental Health month I thought I might address some of these things. I would never lie and tell people that I don't struggle with being happy. I am a person that knows the feeling of content very well. And for a long time I thought that not being sad equated to being happy. And somehow, to an extent that's not wrong. But, its also not right. The dictionary describes "Happy" as,

feeling or showing pleasure or contentment, having a sense of confidence in or satisfaction with, satisfied with the quality or standard of, willing to do something, fortunate or convenient. 

And while to many that would seem like the classic definition of happiness, that actually just sounds like settling for something almost alright. I want that happiness you see in mothers that just pushed out a baby, the happiness you see on a brides face as she walks down the aisle, the happiness of a small child when they see a puppy. True undeniable happiness. And why is that so hard to achieve? I think its hard because we make it hard for ourselves. 

On the wall near my bed lies a quote that states " You must want to spend the rest of your life with yourself first." Falling love with someone can be easy. I would say that I have fallen in and out of love plenty of times in my life. But, falling in love with yourself is hard. There are so many thing that other people tell you they see in you that you start to believe. "You need --- to feel pretty." "You might be happier if you were dating someone." "The reason you feel this way is because----" 

AND THAT IS NOT TRUE. YOU GET TO MAKE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS. 

Nobody in this world gets to be the creator of your happiness. While many people might be the catalyst to your good times, smiles, and laughter, they are not the only reason your happy. People will come in and out of your life so fast that you wont even remember their names sometimes. They may eventually become someone you distantly keep track of via social media, but never really see again, and they may stay in your life forever. Whichever way they go on the spectrum, they are just people. You will always spend the rest of your life with yourself.

I cant tell you that making your own type of happiness is always easy, or pleasant; because honestly a lot of the time it pretty much sucks and feels lonely, but you ultimately live a much happier fuller life. I know that happiness is something I struggle immensely with. Its something that I let the people around me control for me instead of for myself. But, I practice. I get up everyday an practice not letting other people determine my happiness. I uplift myself. Motivate myself to be better. I make everyday better and different than the rest. And its been amazing.

I make sure to do things that make me happy. I paint, and draw, play music, learn a new skill, I take pictures, and I create things I never once thought possible the day before. I push the bounds of things I thought I would never start and accomplish the day before, and I often fail miserably. More often than not, I fail. And that stings, it stings my pride and my ego; after I laugh a little and brush myself off I get back up and try again.

I know that as you continue to surround yourself with thing you love and are passionate about, fill your life with people that uplift, inspire, and support you that youre going to lead a much happier, healthier, and passionate life. You'll experience the most happiness you could ever imagine. And you could end up with some of the most amazing people in your life close to you.. You may even spend the rest of your life with one of those people, you never know. Life a happier holier life, and stay golden my friends.