What does it mean to be happy? How do you know if you're actually happy? Why does it seem like almost everyone around you is unhappy? or maybe everyone around you is "too happy" for you to handle.
But here's the thing. Happiness is what you make it. It's easy to be happy, you just have to allow yourself to find happiness in even some of the darkest areas of your life. Pessimism seems to be a major problem in America; People complain on a daily basis about insignificant things. Sometimes you just have to put life in perspective and realize, as an American, you're privileged. This doesn't mean you can't be sad sometimes or get upset over something little that happens, it just means that you can't dwell on your sadness. I'm being extremely cliche but it's true.
If you WANT to be happy, then BE happy!! Seriously. Sit down right now and grab a piece of paper and a pen. Write down everything you can think of in the next 5 minutes that makes you happy, or is currently making you happy. Here's my list:
wearing headphones to block out titan radio to listen to jack white's new cd, recycled water bottles filled with ice water, watching other groups of friends giggling over inside jokes, candlelit bubble baths, being an English major, finishing a bio exam, looking forward to nap time after lab, t-shirt and jeans kinda weather, sitting on the quad daydreaming, comfy pants, wearing my mom's jewelry, walking to class, listening to a newly released album for the first time, taking the wrapper off a starburst with my tongue, Brandon Kennedy's midnight patchouli perfume, holding hands with alex when we're trying not to laugh, ben & jerry ice cream and movie nights, looking through old yearbooks, receiving a compliment from the most unexpected person, being on the cusp of summer vacation, the refreshing feeling that comes with starting a new month, being almost one year away from 21, dancing like a silly fool to dubstep music, acting like an idiot in public and not caring about anyone's opinion, wearing a new scarf, the smell of freshly cut grass in the summer, licking rainbow sprinkles off ice cream cones, getting in contact with an old friend, making the perfect mixed cd, hugging someone for no reason at all, sitting alone in WOW and enjoying my own company.
It's as simple as that. Making a list of little things like that makes you realize there is SO MUCH to be happy about! It's easy to let something silly ruin your day. But I promise if you take 5 minutes, even just 1 to make a happy list, your mood will increase exponentially. Become a believer in the happy list. Thanks to Rachael for introducing me to this little trick. The next time you're feeling blue for no reason, the happy list will give you a reason to smile.
happy almost summer,
hill
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