If you have not already heard about the 100-day challenge, #100happydays is a social media campaign on a mission to add happiness to people's lives. The initiative was founded by Dmitry Golubnichy in the fall of 2013. Dmitry found himself in a very disadvantageous place in his life, doubting prior decisions and feeling an overall lack of fulfillment.
"I went to my hometown and tried sharing my ‘first world-problems’ with childhood friends, but faced a group of content peoplewho are happy becausethey still have the same job they got after high school, they are still together with their high school girlfriends, who are now their wives and mothers of their children, and they gather forthe same beer every week with the same peopleat the same good old bar. I came back home and promised to myself that – if those guys can be happy with what they have – then I should be too, and I will be able to find at least 1 little thing to be happy about for next 100 days". - Dmitry Golubnichy
Golubnichy then made his plan public and documented at least one thing each day that made him happy, big or small. Finding myself in a similar state of discontent, I decided I would follow in his footsteps. I dipped into my savings account to fund a trip to Florida, figuring there would be no better place to start my journey than the sunshine state.
My best friend from home was renting a condo near Flagler College and offered it to me to stay at over winter break. Beaching, sight-seeing, going out and laughing the whole way was just what I needed to cure my blues. It was easy to be happy there, but I started to notice the little things after I returned home as well.
I couldn't use the bathroom or open a fortune cookie without being reminded that positive thought is the key to happiness. There was so much good for me to appreciate, and I started making more time for myself and what brought me joy. I have always been an open-minded person, but after opening my mind to different possibilities, the world seemed boundless.
Though I stopped posting via Instagram for fear of annoying my followers and technically failing this challenge, I would like to thank Golubnichy for changing my mindset. Of course, some days will be better than others, but I encourage myself on my worst days to find the silver lining and pick at least one good reason to smile. The quote "Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life. Enjoy the journey," hangs on my wall next to my dresser. It serves as a daily reminder to slow down, take life as it comes, and appreciate every moment.
I urge you all to take the #100happydays challenge, find what makes you happy and spread the power of positivity.