Often we forget how to be happy. And not just be happy, I mean feel happy. The kind that makes you smile until your mouth hurts at the corners. The kind of happiness that is genuine and pure. The kind that makes you realize that it is not forced but rather caught by astonishment.

We’ve all experienced things that made us lose sight of what truly made us happy. Whether it was putting our loved ones’ happiness before ours or even something as small as having a bad day. It happens and we become oblivious to the fact that we’re trying so hard to please others instead of ourselves.

It’s important to focus on yourself first when dealing with happiness. Sure people can make you smile and laugh, but some are known to be temporary and leave you standing in the rain. Then what are you left with? A puddle of disappointment. Be happy FOR YOU. Find out who you are and stick to it regardless if you have someone there for you. Learn to love your life no matter the circumstances.

Forget about the pressure everyone puts on around you. Their harsh judgments and bitchy attitudes don’t make you any less of a human. Filters won’t make their picture any better than yours. Size doesn’t matter. None of those irrelevant imperfections define you. Happiness does.

So again, figure out what gives you real joy. Learn something new, socialize and meet new people, step out of your comfort zone. Go try on and buy that top you’ve been eyeing but you felt it wouldn’t look good on you. Order dessert even though you're “full” but we all know you want it. Go on a date with the guy that has been asking you out but you felt he might not be your type. Find a motivating workout, hit the gym and kill the workout. Just don’t be afraid to take chances and live life on the edge from time to time. Change can be good.

We all get one life to live. It’s a waste of time feeling stressed or depressed everyday. Yes it’s a struggle trying to overcome these situations but if you don’t work towards happiness, you won’t receive it. Even the smallest things count. You are extraordinary and beautiful. No one can compare and they don’t have the right to steal your happiness. Be you and only you and embrace life along the way.

So do yourself the biggest favor; be happy and stick to it because you deserve it.