"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." - Marcus Aurelius

Humans naturally strive for happiness. It's in our nature. If I'm unhappy, what am I doing wrong? Most people believe that their happiness depends on their current situations, which leads to dwelling on the past and things you've said. That's not really how happiness works. Research shows that just a small portion of happiness (only about 10%) depends on a person's situation.

So where does most of our happiness come from?

Ourselves. It is under your control.

You hold the key to true happiness.

I doubt myself and others. I find the worst in most circumstances. I complain. I dwell on things I can't change. I do nothing to actually change the terrifying world, we live in. We're all guilty of these actions. Negativity only occurs if you let your brain think that way.

I woke up, missing deadlines, in a fight with a friend, and no life plan. As I stared into nothingness, I gained a scary sensation that I was in danger of wasting my life. We all have big dreams, chasing after fame and wealth. But will it actually happen? I can do anything I set my mind to, yes, but if I continue life with an unhappy mindset, success will be impossible to achieve. I had someone once tell me, "I'm angry towards everyone, not just you". What exactly does that mean for them? Are they so unhappy that they use that emotion towards others or are they so happy with themselves that they do not want others around them to take away their joy? Is it a defense mechanism? If this individual would sit back, observe their life, and the people who have said they'd always be there for them. If they would take a second to appreciate the beauty of the rose sprouting beside the sidewalk instead of rushing by, they'd get a feeling. That feeling is life itself.

So, I choose to be happy. Today and everyday from now on.

I want to linger in and spread glee to people like that.

I choose for that individual, the one who's pushing others away, to be happy.

This emotion turned into a permanent state of mind can change my life and I plan for it to. I'm tired of being tired. I'm sick of being run over by others and letting them tear down my self esteem, when there are plenty of people who support me and love me. Even if there were very few to none, I would have myself and that's all the I need to succeed. I want to be okay with myself. I want to see the best in people. I want to recognize this elation every day, every hour, and every minute.

I make a list in my head of everything I'm beyond thankful for.....my education, my family, my friends, my health......it goes on and on. The sun will not set again without having a smile across my face.

Beauty. Gratitude. Love. Amazement. Delight. Playfulness. Humor. Inspiration. Compassion. Hope. Adapt these words to your reality.

Being happy is contagious and is the first step to changing things for the better, within my life, your life, and on this planet. I challenge each one of you reading this, to embrace today and look forward to tomorrow.

I challenge you to not only be happy, but stay happy.