Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not a happy person. I’ve never been. I’m the girl who rolls her eyes when someone is too enthusiastic or even laughs too much. If we have a class together you probably have never even heard me talk, let alone crack a smile. I told you, I’m broody...or at least, I used to be. This year has been a little different for me- and maybe it’s because the universe knew I needed a happy person in my life.

When I first met you, you annoyed me -you smiled too much and you always made me wonder “what’s so damn funny?” Maybe it was because I was jealous. I was so jealous of how happy you could be, all the time. The first text you ever sent me was so giddy and sweet, like you...and typical me didn’t even respond. Little did I know back then, you would be one of the most positive influences in my life. I had no idea that I would end up needing you so much. I am not happy by nature like you are, but just knowing a soul as sweet as yours has helped me grow into such a better person and I know I’m not the only one you’ve had this effect on.

Because of you and your positivity, I’ve learned to look at life and happy people differently. I don’t scoff at people who laugh too much, but instead wonder who their happy friend is, like you are mine. You’ve been my mentor in the art of happiness and without you, there is so much I would not know. I’ve never told you how much you mean to me or how much you’ve changed me. To me, a smile isn’t just an expression but a way of life, thanks to everything you’ve brought into my life. You radiate the most positive energy and it goes so much deeper than you know. To say you make the world a better place is an underestimate- to say you make my world a better place is a complete understatement.

You make me infinitely better. I know bad things happen in life but keep your head up and stay that happy girl I know you to be. Just know me, and so many other people, have been forever changed by your positive vibes. If you get anything out of reading this just know you’ve made me a better, happier human being and you should never lose sight of your gift. I know it must be hard to stay as happy as you, but in a world like the one we live in- you are a light in the dark.