When I was six, my English class learned what an adjective was. We learned adjectives were used to describe a noun, and as I grew older, my teachers expected these words to grow as our vocabulary did. In eighth grade, my teacher asked the class to write a list of adjectives they would use to describe themselves. My English teacher paced around the room, praising words used like “exquisite” and “modest”. She looked down at my paper, a single word on my 8.5 by 11 inch lined paper, written in big bold lettering:

Happy.

She shook her head.

“Use a better word, Amanda,” she said. “That’s a word preschooler’s use.”

I scrunched my forehead and put my pencil down. I told her no. I wrote the word happy for a reason, and that was a word I hoped would describe me forever.

She sighed and said that sometimes happy just isn’t “quite enough”. She said it was a weak adjective and I needed to do better. I told her she was obviously wrong, and there was nothing weak about wanting to be happy, and maybe she should try it someday.

I got sent to the principal’s office that day.

Happiness is more than enough to be in a world full of sadness. It is a decision I made years ago. But do not fool yourself, being happy is not an easy decision. It is something I have to work towards each and every day. Millions of people a year suffer from depression, anxiety, mental disorders that take over our minds and control our happiness, etc. Being happy is a constant battle, a fight against your own mind. Some of us aren’t so lucky, and we lose the battle.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States for all ages. It is a fact that there is an average of 117 suicides a day. It is a fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24-year-old's. But, it is also a fact that suicide is preventable.

It’s preventable because happiness is a decision.

Don’t get me wrong; as I said before, it is not an easy decision and it’s not a decision that we can make for others. However, we can help sway other’s decisions. We. Meaning you and me, everyday people who have the ability to make someone’s day just a little bit better with a simple smile or head nod. It won’t cure depression or end someone’s anxiety, but it will let them know they are not alone. Happiness is a decision with multiple factors.

Happiness comes with many highs and many lows. It comes with a lot of hurt and a lot of strength. For those of you reading this, and thinking you aren’t strong enough, know that you are. I know you are. You are meant to do great things. You are meant to change lives, to make a difference. You are meant to save a life, even if that life is your own. Stay so you can teach your son or daughter the word happy, and they can look into a mirror and see what that means. Stay so you can teach them the word strength, and they can look at you and understand what it looks like. Stay. The world is far more beautiful that way.

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.' They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” –John Lennon

"We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. 1-800-273-8255" -National Suicide Prevention Lifeline