Find the Happy

   We all have different opinions, experiences, and perspectives on what happiness is. But I think we all have this preconceived notion that in order for something to make us happy, it has to be this huge, amazing event or else it isn't a big deal at all.
   This is bad.
   If we only believe that these remarkable experiences are the only ones to lift our mood, change our lives, and make us feel better about ourselves, then we're in for some serious trouble. Okay, sure, you think losing 15 pounds would make you the happiest person in the world--that once you're skinnier, you'll finally be happy with yourself--- but that's not going to happen in a day. So enjoy that cookie or skip out on the daily workout if in that moment, it'll make you happy. Having a rockin' bod and a six pack will definitely be amazing, but waiting for that to happen will only bring frustration, impatience, and will ultimately make you feel worse about yourself if you don't do something to make yourself happy in the meantime. That's why we all need to start appreciating the little things that happen in between those wonderful, monumentally happy moments. (Because let's face it: the only six pack I'll ever have is in the refrigerator).
   I realize I do this too: I think if something huge doesn't happen, like if I don't win that writing contest I applied for or if I can't adopt that adorable mutt puppy at the SPCA (mom....) or if a guy I'm into can't handle all my awesomeness, then my overall happiness falls tremendously because I couldn't find anything else to be happy about.
   But driving home on this beautiful, cloudless spring day, I realize I have so much more to be happy about besides those huge things in my life. I mean, I didn't trip over anything today, which is a huge accomplishment for me. I also didn't hit one red light on Reservoir Street, which never happens. Realizing that these two small things had happened to me today boosted my mood--maybe not to the extent of running around my apartment screaming about my excitement--but they did make me smile.
   If we all just stop expecting so much in order to be happy, then we'll be better off. For those girls waiting for a guy to serenade them from their window, you're going to be seriously let down. Those of you who try on a million outfits in the morning trying to find the perfect one thinking that will make your day better, just stop worrying about it. Just be happy you didn't find a pair of clean undies tucked in your sweatshirt midday (yes, this has happened to me before).
   There are millions of things in every single day that should make you happy. Whether it be someone held the door open for you or you got to enjoy time outside or your mom called you with a funny story. For now, try to embrace those things because they lead to true happiness. You will no longer depend on the huge moments in life to be your only source of happiness.
   So go out there and enjoy the happy.
    PS--- if you're interested in getting me a puppy, you know where to find me.

Love,
a Girl Still Trying to Figure It Out