One of the most common ideals in this world is happiness. Being happy is one of the few things that everyone searches for throughout their lives. True happiness does not have a single, solid definition because different things can make different people happy. For me, happiness is not a simple concept to achieve once, but rather a bumpy, beautiful process that leads to the best parts about life.

So I know material objects are not supposed to be a grand cause of glee. It is not so much the physical item that holds the value, but the life stage I was in and who I was when I received it. For example, when I play the first Taylor Swift CD I ever got, I do not look at it and smile because it is a disc that plays good music. I look and smile because I think of my momma and the calm love that made her buy the CD for me to begin with.

Another item of value is my collection of "Betty and Veronica" comics because my uncle used to always pick one up whenever he went out somewhere and happened to see one. Those books meant more than cartoons that eventually became a really amazing TV show; they meant that even when I was not around, my uncle thought of me. No matter how old I get, the sight of the little things I cling onto will always cause me to grin from ear to ear for the sentiment behind them.

Now the major source of happiness is memories. Memories are treasured moments that you never expect to cherish when they are happening in front of you. Some of these moments are small. For instance, I'll always remember the way my momma and my uncle snicker every time they make a reference to "The Simpsons." At times, memories are not even specific, yet they warm my heart when I need them to. I reminisce about all the times I laughed and goofed around with my band friends before and during the time we had to line up for a performance. Of course, the huge successes also sweeten the sour of life just enough to help us through. I will also never forget the satisfaction I felt when I finished writing my first (but most definitely not my last) book. The way my cherished memories make me feel is something no one can take away from me, and I bet there are others who can say the same.

No one can automatically choose to be happy, but I have seen how millions of little things ignite joy in the hearts of so many people. I cannot speak for everyone's happiness, nor would it be fair for me to do so. However, I just believe that happiness takes on infinite shapes and forms, and I hope everyone is lucky enough to recognize what makes them happy whenever they see or feel it around them.