Why do we believe we need “something else” in our lives to make us happy? Sometimes we feel that maybe our lives would be complete if we lost 15 pounds, or if that boy liked us back, or if we were a rich and famous celebrity. But happiness doesn’t come from anywhere else other than from within ourselves. To be happy, we have to accept who we are and embrace everything about ourselves. It’s easier said than done, but we need to stop waiting around for our lives to change and enjoy who we are at this very moment.

Cliche quotes are always the best because they’re so accurate. One of my favorites is, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” We have to make the best of each day. Stay up until 4 a.m. jamming to Hannah Montana and discussing your biggest dreams with your best friends. Dance inside of Walmart with your sister, despite all the weird stares you might get. Go for a walk in a blizzard with your mom. All these seemingly minute events create great memories.

Also, we have to do what makes us happy. We have to find something we’re passionate about and pour our entire hearts into it. We can’t get hung up on trying to be perfect because our imperfections are what make us all uniquely beautiful. And we should never be ashamed of who we are; we must embrace ourselves. Whether you have an obsession with One Direction or collect Dr. Seuss books, don't be afraid to share it with the world.

If we start loving ourselves, and taking advantage of this wonderful life, we will be complete. How beautiful and amazing is it that we each have our own lives, and our own stories to tell? Each day, we can wake up and be the person that we want to be. Be you. Accept you. Be happy. It all starts from within.