Day #1: A lesson in happiness...

Let's be honest.
It's miserable to be miserable.
So why do we do it?

We do it because it's easier sometimes.  It's easier to throw in the towel and feel sorry for ourselves when the rest of the world is crashing in around us (or at least seems to be).
Sometimes it's easiest to say, I'll be happy when.... this class is over, when I'm in a relationship, when I'm out of a relationship, when I am rich, etc. etc. the list never  ends, and that is precisely why we can never put our happiness off for anyone or anything.

True happiness starts with us, NOT with the situations surrounding us.

It is entirely our choice, so as Robyn would say, "SMILE! It's a positive externality!"

Happiness is all relative.
It's the joy that you find, not the joy that is handed to you on a silver platter. It takes effort.
Happiness is being at peace with yourself and with God.
Happiness is love: loving the people around you and every small simple moment.
Happiness is knowing you wouldn't change the good or the bad because it's made you into who you are today.

"...if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us. This is not to say that we should abandon hope or temper our goals. Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life. The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy." ~ President Uchtdorf

In the ever so wise words of my 9th grade principle Dr. Coleman, "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours." <3