Getting to Happy

My only resolution for 2012 is to be happy.

That's kind of a loaded idea, if you think about it. I mean, I'm happy...aren't I?

Quote by John Lennon

     Before 2011 came to a close, I admitted to myself that I was not happy, which in itself, is kind of a big deal. So, I started to identify why I wasn't happy. What were the things in my life that made me unhappy? I examined where I wanted to be in life, and where I am at the moment. Were my wants realistic? Was I addressing my needs? Getting to happy is no easy feat, but I have made the conscious decision to choose happiness.

     I think it's really easy to fall into a rut, and stay there for an indefinite amount of time. I mean, you've got a routine going. If it ain't broken, why fix it? But the truth is
, when you're ready to admit you're unhappy, you'll also admit that it is broken, and should be fixed. I have changed my mindset and my views on all things concerning my life. I think perception and perspective are very big parts of the equation. The first most important thing I came up with was that everything isn't for everybody (which I wrote about here). Once I was able to accept that, I was able to re-evaluate my life in a different light, putting me, and what I really wanted at the center.

      I've decided not to let anyone's opinion affect who I am, and who I want to be. I will no longer allow society's "standards" to be my standards. What makes me happy, doesn't have to make everyone else happy, and what works for the next person, doesn't have to work for me. You simply can't please everyone, and the truth is, you don't have to. I also decided that I wouldn't wait on anyone to do the things I have always wanted to do, even if it meant doing them alone. However, I think perhaps my biggest challenge is walking away from and letting go of things and people that I once believed to be essential to my existence (which I touched on here). Nevertheless, the highlight of it all, is that at the end of the day, I get to choose either way. Happiness is a choice. I can be angry about something forever, or I can choose to leave it up to God and keep it moving. I can let someone's comment hurt my feelings, or I can choose to be upset for like 3 seconds and let it slide off my back. I can stay in a place or situation that makes me miserable, or I can choose to walk away. There is always a choice, and I have made the conscious decision to choose happiness, every time, no matter how difficult. I deserve to be happy.

Happiness Image from Bri Seeley Designs

      My journey to happiness has certainly raised a few eyebrows and ruffled some feathers. More importantly however, it has opened my eyes. In a brief, yet very insightful conversation with a friend of mine, he reminded me that the haters and the naysayers will always be around. There will always be people trying to bring you down, after all, misery does love company! For this reason, we focus on keeping our circle filled with positivity and with people who will help us on your journey to happiness, and are always willing to help those on our path get to theirs. The idea is to never lose sight of what makes you happy. It doesn't have to be one specific thing, and nothing is etched in stone. Everything is subject to change. We are forever evolving, and so should our ideas and ideals. The one thing that should not change is our desire to be happy. Ultimately, the choice will always be yours, and I hope that you always choose to be happy.