Over past generations, everyone has debated the idea of happiness and what it entails. Everyone deserves pure happiness; we know it when we feel it and we often use the emotion in terms of pride, joy and ultimate contentment. To some, happiness is being surrounded by people that truly care about them. For others, happiness is felt by materialistic items such as new convertibles with leather interior. It is clear that each person in the world has their own definition of happiness and how they go about achieving it is completely up to them. With this said, it is important to acknowledge that choosing happiness should be everyone’s priority, no matter their distinct way of finding it.

Some people in this world continually put themselves through agony and discontent only to wish they should have taken a different path in the past. Something that I don’t understand is that people will put themselves through hell and back, then decide that it wasn’t worth it. Why experience hell when you can be positive, optimistic and extremely gratified. No one deserves to be unhappy because that unhappiness is at the extent of their confidence, as well as self-esteem. It is clear that happiness should not be substituted for anything.

As humans, it’s in our nature to focus on the negative in every situation. This negativity is something that we become reliant on, which can lead to anxiety, stress, depression and other health and behavioral issues. It’s how we’re built and it’s how we’ll remain; it’s something that we physically cannot change. With that said, we can change how we approach each situation in terms of attitude and outlook. If we recognize that imperfection is natural and possible, it can be extremely beneficial for our physical, as well as mental health.

It pains me to see people in this world who are deprived of happiness, but who have the direct power to initiate a change. Though easier said than done, everyone is entitled to carry out things that make them happy or experience things that make situations less dreadful. It is known that happy people focus on exactly what they have, while unhappy people focus on exactly what they’re missing. This shows that each person is in control of their own happiness and they just need to find it.

I believe that happiness should always be a priority. To me, happiness is being surrounded by my family in the comfort of my own home. To me, happiness is safety and the gratitude I feel when I volunteer or help someone. To me, happiness is so many things and I am grateful that my world consists of more positives than negatives. Promise yourself in 2017, that you will do everything in your power to achieve happiness.

Here a some things to remember as you commence your conquest for a pursuit of happiness:

1. Happiness is a choice

2. Happiness is in the present moment

3. Appreciation is a key to happiness