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