This I Believe

I believe that you control your own happiness. When you are in a situation that makes you unhappy, you have the power to leave. When you are in a relationship that makes you unhappy, you do not have to stay. If there is something new and exciting that you want to try, you have the freedom to go for it.

One morning I found myself sitting at a table at Panera sipping sweet tea and eating overpriced bagels listening to my friends complain about school work, their jobs, sports practices, and everything under the sun. I found myself suddenly enraged. I was partaking in the same activities, but I had decided to not let them control my emotions. I decided to only take on sports and classes and work that I enjoy, and that I know will benefit me. This makes it hard for me to understand why someone can be so unhappy with what they are doing.

The Dalai Lama once said, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” Being happy is all up to you and what you decide to do in your life. Happiness is something you must work to find. Life is not just going to magically work out exactly the way you want it to, although it will present you with abundant opportunities. Carpe diem—seize the day. Go out there and create your own happiness.

After a week-long trip to the Colorado Rockies this summer, I have come to find and accept my inner self—the good and the bad. By knowing who I am, I now know what makes me happy. Being a Younglife leader, blasting 80’s rock tunes, working with children with special needs, and sipping on a coffee downtown with friends all make me happy. Overworking myself, procrastinating, Brussel sprouts, and unnecessarily mean people do not make me happy. So what did I do with my life? I cut out the bad and added in some more good—and it wasn't even that difficult. I believe that this is something every unhappy person can do.

So, if you find yourself at the end of a long day worn out, sad, and dreading the next, here is my advice to you. Figure out who you are. Figure out what makes you happy. Figure out what makes you unhappy. Then, make a change. Your happiness is in your own control. 

xoxo,

Rachel

5 Quotes for Your Case of the Mondays

1. "It's okay to be a glowstick. Sometimes we need to break before we shine."

I love this one because it's 100% true!! If you feel like you can't handle everything this day has to throw at you, don't stress. Let this Monday push you to your breaking point and prove it wrong by shining your light through.

2. "It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to, has power over you, if you allow it."

This one echos my life motto- think happy, be happy. YOU control your life. This Monday on the other hand, does not.

3. "Life's to short to drink crappy coffee and cry over boys who don't care."

'Nuff said.

4. "All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming."

When you're drowning in work and your to-do list is ten pages long, just remember that you can (and will) overcome this struggle. 

5. "I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being."

Above all, know that you have value. Although you may not see it in times of darkness, you have a light, and can shine it- it's all up to you.

xoxo,

Rachel