When we were growing up, people always asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Some people said a princess, or an astronaut, or if you were like me, you said you wanted to be a famous painter. As we continued to grow, the question got asked time and time again and the answer was almost always different. You could go from wanting to be a cowboy, to a gymnast, a professional ballerina, or even the president. As we got older, our answer because more and more practical.

We began to look at what schools we wanted to attend, what we could study there, what job would provide us with enough money to buy a house, have a comfortable life, and actually be able to retire at some point. I just finished my first year of college and while I know what profession I wish to peruse, I decided to ask myself, What do I want to be when I grow up? After asking myself this, I realized, without any hesitation, that all I want to be when I “grow up” is happy.

We live in a world so consumed by money and power that everyone strives to be on top even if it means hurting others in the process. I’m not going to sit here and say I don’t want money, because I do. I want enough money that I can be comfortable and not have to worry about my loved ones ever going hungry or questioning if I can pay my rent or mortgage bill that month. I want to make enough money that I don’t have to stress over it. Do I think it is possible? Yes. Am I sure this is going to happen? No. I have no idea what is going to happen to me as the years continue; all I do know I that I want to be happy while I try and figure it all out.

I never want to be one of those people who steps on others to get ahead. I don’t want to be a backstabbing friend or an untrustworthy one. I want to be loved by those around me. It isn’t because I need validation from others, it is because I get happiness by being surrounded by those who love me and who give me the opportunity to take care of them.

Happiness is something that I wish for everyone. I want everyone on earth to wake up, and be happy where they are and whoever they are with. I know this isn’t a realistic desire, but I still hope someday it can happen. For now though, I’m going to work on me being happy. My happiness is not something that can be created by others, I have to find it, or create it for myself, and I plan on doing so. I choose to live a life that makes me happy over everything else. Everything else I get will only be a bonus.