How To "Be Happy"

Hey, everyone.

I wanted to make this blog today because I've never been happier with my life until just recently. And I wanted to share with you what I did to find true happiness and how I got there.

Before I start though, I just wanted to say that IT WASN'T EASY. But nothing worth while never is. It takes a long time especially if you've been or are struggling with mental illnesses, struggling with family or relationships, or don't know where you fit in, in this universe. I hope that my words can help guide you or make you feel like you're not struggling alone.

Step 1: Stopping Bad Habits.

This is the hardest but most important step when it comes to find true happiness. In order to truly be yourself and be who you want and be where you want, you have to gain control of your life. You can do this a number of ways. By seeing a therapist/psychologist, changing your lifestyle, re-training your brain, stepping out of your comfort zones, and by replacing bad habits with hobbies you used to enjoy as a kid. I found out that going back to your roots, or even childhood can reconnect you with who you once were, before all of the real world drama and problems hit you. Don't be afraid to ask for help and open up to a close friend, family member, a doctor, teacher, therapist, or anyone. It's okay not to be okay, and once you open up, it is so much easier to accept your problems and acknowledge them instead of fighting them and avoiding them. That only prolongs the recovery and the "road to happiness" path.

Step 2: Getting Rid Of Toxic People & Things

Once you've started or have gotten rid of your bad habits or have recovered from an illness, you will understand yourself more, and will be able to understand your reality more. You may only have kept people or things in your life because you were scared of change. But once you've changed and faced your fears,you begin to realize that you don't need others bringing you down because you no longer bring yourself down. If someone isn't helping you or isn't a good influence on you, you may want to reconsider having them in your life. As for getting rid of bad habits, if you don't want to do it, don't, and if you do, do it. Don't let fear or the chance of failure stop you either. The worst that can happen is you fail, but that won't stop you from getting back and trying again. It's what you do after the fail, or even after the success that counts. Failure is a step in being successful.

Step 3: Set Goals

Life is short, so don't hold back, do everything you want to do. Conquer one thing at a time, and set a schedule where you can do multiple projects at once. By setting up a goal schedule/list, you can keep track of all your projects and you hold yourself accountable for always finishing what you start. DON'T GIVE UP. Even if it didn't go as planned, you live and learn, and it doesn't mean you failed, it was just a bump in the road. Most of the time, our goals are linked to our desires and dreams, keep that image in your head to keep you motivated. People say dreamers are naive, but it's the ones who dream the most who acheive the most. Just know the road to the dream life is a HARD, LONG, CHALLENGING ONE. But it's the challenge that makes the win all worth while. If you don't work your ass off for something, you won'y be as grateful or feel nearly as accomplished in the end.

Step 4: Live In The Moment

Don't think too much about the future, don't dwell in the past, don't even linger on the challenges you'll face an hour from now. Focus on the present moment, RIGHT NOW. Focus on getting things done for your future, focus on doing things differently to not relive those past mistakes, and know that if your stressing about what's going to happen an hour from now, it could all be avoided by getting things done right now. Stay on track. And don't forget to relax and reward yourself for staying on track, working hard, and accomplishing goals, whatever they may be. Don't forget that living the moment isn't just about sticking to the plan 100% of the time, it's about letting go and doing things with others, for yourself, and stepping out of your comfort zones, doing things you love to do with no work, or doing something you've never done before but always wanted to; or even would of never thought of doing. It could be something as small as getting a coffee with a friend or to skydiving, or staying up later than usual, or taking a break and relaxing for yourself.

In conclusion, in a world where the struggle to find yourself is real and the pressure from everyone around you, the media, and the tabloids gets too much for us sometimes, always find a way to stay positive. Positivity and staying optimistic is the key to true happiness. Even if nothing went right one day, always look on the bright side and check your privaledge. Know that things could be worse. Know that tomorrow is a new day. And know you can always try to start over and better yourself. You can always continue to follow your dreams or create new ones. Everyone's idea of a dream life and success is different, but you can make anything happen if you really want it.

"If you mean it, you will make it." -Chris Motionless (From Motionless In White)

One day I won't be in this crowd anymore, I'll be their leader, their connection, their family on the stage.