This is an article about being happy.
It’s not meant to be this vast cliché analysis about the meaning of life. I am not trying to be Dr. Phil, nor do I want to be. I don’t have scientific evidence or anecdotal proof backing up the validity of my arguments. This is just me, sharing my perspective, in part for others, but also for myself.
We are creatures of habit. Our lives revolve around routines and repetition. Everyday we wake up. We brush our teeth, we get ready for the day, we work, we learn, we eat, we repeat. It’s easy to do what we know. What’s not so easy? Questioning yourself. Questioning your habits. Sitting down, examining each facet of your life, and determining whether or not you feel satisfied.
What happens when we don’t question ourselves? We fall into habitual dullness and a life of lackluster experiences.
Why is that we are so afraid to let go of what we know? Why are we so terrified to face the reality that perhaps things need to change? We fear change. We fear mediocrity. And above all, we fear this “average” life we are living is nothing more than a product of failing to be better.
So we continue with the job we should be doing. And the major we should be studying. And the significant others we should be dating. We “should” all over ourselves without ever questioning the benefit of each activity in which we involve ourselves.
We so easily critique and judge the way others choose to live their lives, but when it comes to our own, we lack the ability to do the same.
That being said, happiness is not something you can just snap your fingers and achieve. I’m not naïve. I know that changes and challenges are inevitable in life. I’ve stared adversity in the face, and I know what it’s like when things get hard. Sometimes, the path you are on involves settling for a little while before moving forward. But I truly believe that the little choices we make on a daily basis can make a difference. The life you choose to live is on you. The choices you make, the activities you prioritize, the friends with which you surround yourself – these are things we have the ability to change. Become aware of the negativity in your life, and have the courage to let it go.
What happens when we don’t stop to reflect? Our lives become unbalanced. We burn ourselves out and we burn bridges with people we love. How ironic it is that sometimes we give the least amount of time to the things that matter most. Opening your mind could very well open your heart as well.
Figure out what makes you smile. Ask yourself what makes you happy. Then be brave and forfeit the rest.
