12 Very Important Things To Remember When Trying To Create Your Own Happiness

I’ve lived a life hiding in the dark because I was always told I could be happy if I wanted to. I never believed it until I realized that it was all in my control. It’s easy to forget that because we let ourselves feed on outside circumstances to change the way we feel about things and no one wants to believe that its their own fault for the way they feel when the world comes crashing down. But if you take these tips and take off running, you’ll quickly realize that even through the eyes of depression, there’s ways to create a smile from the soul and not just the face.

1. Realize that going different places won’t change how you feel.

Up until the day I left home, I always thought I would be happier somewhere else. The truth is, you take everything with you. If you were unhappy at home, 500 miles isn’t going to change that.

2. Mind over matter is what matters to your mind.

Whatever thoughts are bubbling in your head are the reason you feel the way you do. Change your perspective and your heart will change as well. Think positive and find the good in everything.

3. Surround yourself with happy people, places, and things.

Being around negative energy usually causes negative feelings. Even if it’s not you bringing down the house, it doesn’t mean you won’t be affected by it. Be a glowing orb of good vibes and find others who do the same.

4. Learn to be thankful for what you do have, no matter how big or small.

Even if you are at the point where you have lost everything, someone, somewhere has less than you. A bed to sleep in, clean running water, a clear sky for stargazing, a pair of shoes to wear…the most simple things become important when they suddenly disappear.

5. Your happiness is your choice.

People hurt people and that’s just human nature. If you let it matter, it will matter. You’re in charge of how you let others affect you.

6. Just because your pain seems minute, doesn’t mean it doesn’t count.

Often we forget that everyone is living a life of their own. Comparing your feelings to other peoples’ won’t help the sun shine. You just need to be reminded that you have worth and life wouldn’t be the same without you!

7. Don’t get attached to material things or temporary people.

Most people these days immediately search for love when they are feeling down or want something more in life. Remember that people aren’t perfect and relying on them, or material things, for happiness isn’t the best idea if you’re looking for an easy replacement for good feelings.

8. It’s a work in progress and sometimes progress slows down.

There will be times when it seems like nothing good is coming your way. Just know that some of the best days of your life haven’t even happened yet and the sun doesn’t always shine.

9. You can’t have the yin without the yang.

Otherwise it would just be a big neutral circle. Good things wouldn’t happen if bad things didn’t happen, and vice versa. Just know the world isn’t going to end even if you feel like your life did.

10. Approach every opportunity and idea as if it were the next big thing.

When you’re disappointed that something isn’t going your way or things don’t go as planned, instead of giving up or being upset, take the opportunity you’re given and act on it as if it’s the best thing you’ve had the pleasure to experience. Everything will go uphill from there.

11. There’s a difference between dreams and reality.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t meet each other. Dreams are usually far-fetched or higher standards than where you are. Sometimes you have to jump through obstacles to get to the fantasy-like dream and when you do, you’ll be glad you took the time to do it.

12. Take another look. Always look again.

Sometimes things seem hard to reach/fix/replace at the first glance. It may take a lot of work, patience, or passion, but it’s possible. Look again if you think it’s too far out of reach because sometimes the second time around is like a second chance.

This is a world full of infinite possibilities. As soon as you realize you’re the one in charge of your life, the sooner you can begin to live the life you’ve always imagined!