I feel that in lieu of recent national political events, many people are not at ease or particularly happy in their day to day life.

Although I do not particularly want to touch on politics, I will advocate that the only thing we can do is come together as a people and stop both the generalizing and marginalizing. We need to cautiously and prudently understand the possible implications of what has occurred, but keep an open mind in regards to what could come next. It's all about faith and optimism in the future, and remembering that there's always a reason to smile- you just have to find one.

I hope that I can remind all of you of some reasons to be happy today- and everyday- no matter what kind of day you're having.

1. You never know what's coming next.

Possibility is what makes life so exciting and new. You start each day the exact same way, but the outcome of that day is never quite the same as the outcome of another. Simple hope and the anticipation of goodness perfectly good reasons to be happy, as well as the reassurance that there is always a possibility that something better is on its way.

2. You are cared for.

Even on the days where it feels like you're not, someone out there does. Someone else wants something good to happen to you, wants you to be fulfilled, wants to know you're happy. You owe it to them (and yourself) to make sure that you truly are.

3. You are free.

You have the power to do pretty much anything your heart desires. You are free to spend your time reading a good book, drinking hot chocolate, playing basketball, listening to music, whatever you so choose. You may feel like you have many obligations bogging you down, but the rest of your time is all yours. And you have the opportunity to fill it with as many laughs and as much love as you want.

4. You can impact someone.

Most people do not realize the true meaning that they have in life, in relation to others. You have purpose in this world. A word you share, a kind deed you do, or even a simple smile can completely turn someone's day around and affect them in ways you will never know. When you realize the power that you have to make someone happy simply by being you, that in turn will make you very happy and fulfilled.

5. You woke up.

Enough said. Go out there and be thankful and happy for that gift, every day.

It's extremely easy to focus on the negative when we seem stuck in a society that feeds off of it. But the truth is, there are always far more reasons that we should be happy than the other way around. Happiness is a mindset, and by accepting this and thinking positively, we can feel its effects every day. Life is beautiful and we are lucky to be a part of it, living each day to the fullest in order to feel happiness in the purest sense.