Be Happy Like Me :)

First of all, listen to this song. It's a Jason Mraz song (love him) and it has been my life motto since the moment I listened to it. And while you are taking in every lyric in this song, follow these simple steps:

1. Stop yourself in the middle of your busy day and notice something new. Like the way birds chirp, or how when sprinklers first turn on they make everything seem fresh, new, and quiet, or the way your car sounds when its tires hit gravel, or the way an old person smiles when you make eye contact. Simple things like that happen ALL the time, yet we are typically too distracted to notice them.
2. Listen to a song that reminds you of a really good memory. One that takes you back to that day, person, or place. Soak in the lyrics and relax.
3. Do something for you at least once a day. For me, I usually buy something new. Like a new song, shirt, candy bar, or perfume. If you don't have the money for something like that, make it something really small, like a temporary tattoo from the vending machines at stores.
4. Tell someone how much they mean to you. I know that sounds more like you will be making THEM happier, but when people around you are happy, you instantly become happier.
5. Thank God everyday for something you have. Everyone has something to be grateful for, whether it's the clothes we are wearing, the car we drive, the places we've been, or most importantly, the people we are blessed with in our life. Sometimes we feel like everything is wrong, or we need more of something, but if you are even reading this blog, you have more than some people. Think about it. 
6. And here is the one that is hardest for me: before you help someone with their problems, make sure you are truly okay. I'm not saying I want you to become so self indulged that you lose all of your friends because you focus only on yourself, but if you aren't okay, how are you supposed to help others become okay? Chances are, if you are even questioning whether or not you are okay, you probably aren't. And you need to help yourself fix at least one problem in your life a day. This summer I have realized that a lot can go wrong all at once, a lot. But I took it day by day and fixed as much as I could while still helping others and making memories. Believe me this is the hardest step, and it will not come easily, but you can do it! 

 I don't really know if you can put happiness in 6 steps but if you can, I think these are the ones. Life is really awful at times, but we are given struggles because we are strong enough to push through them. Sometimes it becomes really hard to see the brightness in our lives, but I think that's because we focus too much on becoming better. If you are happy, you are good enough. Be rich with love and joy, not with money.

Also another reason I am as happy as I am, is because I surround myself with the right people. I don't have to impress them, or be anyone but me when I am with them. Truth be told, this is a new thing for me, I use to be really worried about hanging out with the "right" crowd, until I realized that that crowd made me feel less then wonderful. But now that I spend my time with people who really are right, I am much happier. Wipe out the people who make you stressed, upset, or put you down. It's hard and sometimes really hurts (both parties) but it is for the better and totally worth it!

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." -Nathanial Hawthorne