There was a time in my life when I allowed small things to worry me, minor problems were major, and major problems were catastrophic. Negative thoughts will consume you and before you know it, you don't know who you are, why you're not happy, and how you've come to live that way. I've learned that it is so much easier to fill your mind with positive thoughts than it is to fill it with negative thoughts. Happiness isn't a mystery, it's so very simple! And as I think about my life and the 21 years its taken me to get to this moment, all I can do is smile as I'm typing this. Simply because happiness is living your life knowing that each day is a new blessing. I have so been blessed to be able to take a step back and reflect on all the reasons why I will choose happiness every time!

I'd rather be happy because:

1. God made me in his image

2. I've been blessed enough to wake up every day for the past 21 years.

3. I now know that having confidence isn't about whether or not they like me, but knowing that I'll be just fine if they don't.

4. I've finally learned to embrace the things people laughed at in the past.

5. I no longer judge myself.

6. I have a family that loves me for me.

7. I don't ever have to be someone I'm not.

8. I attend one of the most amazing schools. And I am finally a senior! #HailState

9. The future is inevitable, but I know that I can choose when I want my life's pages to turned.

10. I know that my parents are proud of me no matter what.

11. I understand the concept of true love.

12. I am finally comfortable with the woman I am today!

13. Life itself is a beautiful entity.

14. I have learned to live in the moment!

15. I don't blame myself for life's bad moments.

16. Fitting in is no longer a requirement.

17. I just adore myself!

18. My dreams don't seem intangible nowadays.

19. Life has given me what I've put into it.

20. I know that I have more to give.

21. Life has allowed me to live, love, and laugh freely and unapologetic. What a special number!

22. I wasn't born to be average.

23. I have accepted my pass, which makes me appreciate my present, and look forward to my future so much more.

24. God gave me my key to hold.

25. I can't wait to tackle to life's surprises.

26. I love the stars.

27. There will always be a night time.

28. I know that I am the only one who can determine my smile.

29. If God allows, I have a future to look forward to whatever it may hold!

30. I know that this world doesn't owe me anything!

31. In 10 years I'll be 31 and it seems like a lifetime away, but 10 years can go by faster than 10 minutes. So 10 years from now, I don't want to look back on my life, up until then and not be able to remember what happiness is. When I am 31 years old, I want to be able to look back at this list, and smile with joy, because of the life lessons that I have learned. I simply want to reminisce on the smiles, lessons, laughs, and love from now until then.