Everyone craves happiness for obvious reasons — it's great to feel happy.

Your happiness completely depends on your outlook on the world. You control every emotion that you feel. If you allow yourself to feel bad about something that someone said, or you allow yourself to become frustrated with someone who has a different opinion than you, then you are the reason that your happiness disappears.

Here are a few steps that you can follow to increase your amount of happiness every day.

1. Start the day with a reflection/prayer saying thank you for another day of life and opportunity.

2. Start the day with coffee!

3. Wear a continuous smile. Eventually, you won’t be convincing yourself that you’re happy, you will be happy.

4. Allow yourself to forgive those who have hurt you. You don’t necessarily have to mend any broken friendships, but by forgiving them you will be happier!

5. Counteract your negative thoughts and feelings.

Soft smiles for Nate & Selena

6. Always remember that money doesn’t buy happiness. Surround yourself with people who make you happy instead!

7. Foster the friendships that mean the whole world to you.

8. Engage in activities that you are passionate about/meaningful activities. These will not only make you a more well-rounded person but increase your passion for the things you love.

9. Enjoy your favorite things in moderation, eat that twelfth piece of chocolate, you deserve it!

10. Watch fifteen episodes of The Office in a row, 'cause it makes you happy, like Kevin.

11. And lastly, remember that life is incredible and exciting and it will be even more so if you approach it that way!