There are a lot of emotions that we share as humans, but I believe that we all want to be happy. To wake up in the morning and be completely content with where we are and the people we surround ourselves with. Happiness takes work, it is a constant and seemingly never-ending feat, but choosing to be happy and making a conscious effort to do so, is something you can do today.

1. Listen

It’s obvious, we need to hear one another, but it is also a lost art. We are so wrapped up in ourselves that we don’t take the time we should to just listen. Look up from your cellphone screens and have meaningful conversations.

2. Stop putting others down

I scroll through my newsfeed and without fail see the hate. So often, when we don’t understand another’s point of view, we immediately see it as wrong. I have seen so many instances where social media platforms have been used to completely destroying politicians, celebrities, friends. Who gave us the power to determine who was right and who was wrong? Would we want someone telling us that what we believed should get us fired from jobs? The death threats, and cyberbullying of celebrities, politicians, and our own “friends” is not okay, and never will be. Once you stop criticizing others (whether you are in their presence or behind a keyboard), you will have so much more time to think of yourself and the person you want to be.

3. Make friends with people you normally wouldn’t

In the spirit of not putting other people down, let’s get to know them instead. Listen to their beliefs before you pass judgement, before you decide they are wrong. We are all too busy hating one another’s thoughts and ideas that we forget the ground we stand on is the same. Maybe the greatest thing you could ever do in your life is to make friends with the person who could not be anymore unlike you.

4. Cut ties with the people who don't want to be in your life

It’s hard, it is so hard to look at someone who you see as vital in your life and think that maybe they don't feel the same. It is hard to feel that you are constantly there for someone without them being there for you in return. The truth is, no matter how much you love them, it can be emotionally exhausting to constantly be consumed with the problems of others and leave no time to have discussions about you. Or even worse, being the person who is always calling, but the phone never rings in return. Maybe taking a step back will help you to see who your real friends are and the types of relationships that you deserve in your life.

5. Believe that you deserve more!

Maybe that sounds selfish, but it isn’t. Wanting more for yourself doesn't only make you happier, it in turn makes other quality people want to know you! You can attract the things that you desire most in the world by working for them and not settling for things that don't make you feel good about yourself. People want to be friends with happy, outgoing, passionate people, and these people are always reaching for a higher goal or another dream. Be that person.

6. Never forget that dreams come true!

What you want the most in the world, right now, in this moment, you can have. Simple as that. Never forget it.

7. Choose to be HAPPY.