I think a lot of people, especially younger adults, strive to have the perfect job, house, relationships all for the sake of being happy.  

Now even though the house, career, family, and friends may contribute to happiness, none of these things guarantee happiness. 

Of course, everyone is allowed to have their own thoughts and feelings of the subject.

But in my mind, happiness is all about perception.

It’s a choice we make every day.

What is our outlook on life?

Are you a glass half full or half empty person?

“You were so mad Edmond was happier with his whistle than you were with your pony.” (Monte Cristo reference.  If you haven’t seen it, you should. If you have, we’re friends already lol)

Now here is the real brain scratcher. 

How is it people who seem to have “nothing” can be happier than those who have “everything”?

Let’s talk about it.

As I mentioned, I believe true happiness isn’t something you can hold or claim your own but rather a mindset.

It’s more than just choosing to see the glass as half full than half empty.  

In my life, when I find myself not to be my happiest self, I turn to these thoughts to lift my spirits.

1.Your happiness is dependent on you, not others.

I think as children we heavily rely on our family to give us everything, from food, shelter, and happiness.  

Completely understandable and normal.

Then there’s that transition from adolescence to adult life, which I think happens fairly quick and swoops in like a surprise,

Shocking most.

We’re suddenly 18 and alone in the world.  And for the most part, unprepared and unaware of what we’re about to face. 

Sure, at a young age, most of us can count on family for financial support.  

But when it comes to emotional well-being it’s hard to know; 1, that you need it, 2, how to ask for it, and 3, will they understand you if you ask?

Those who are fortunate, surround themselves with friends, or dive deep into their busy work load of homework and part-time jobs, and maybe some parties here and there.  

Then there are those quiet moments of the day where your thoughts are allowed to overthrow you.  

So we find that other things to distract us

But here’s the thing, 

“if you can’t be happy alone, you can never be truly happy with others.”

You have to be able to be okay with your inner self, your “demons” and find a way to comfort yourself.  

No one will make you happier than you can make yourself. 

People definitely add to your happiness, can give you laughs, and make you feel good in the moment but TRUE happiness begins with you.

2. Stop comparing your chapters in life to others.

Social media has made this a very hard rule to live by.  

If there is anything I want you to remember from this post, it’s this:

There is no paradise on earth.  Therefore, no one, ever, will have a perfect carefree life.

So, no matter how perfect someone’s Instagram may look, you never truly know what they’ve been through, going through, or will go through.

And if they are living a “perfect” life right now, be happy for them but know that time will come for you to.

For each of us, our life story is made of a series of chapters.  

None of our chapters will match each other.

You may be having a hard time now and someone close to you may be having the best of time.  

And whatever you’re craving that someone else may have, it just may not be in the cards for you and there will come a time that you will need to accept that.

Accept this, so that whatever you were actually put on this earth to do, you’ll be able to achieve it.

Don’t envy others.

Live your life.

Mind your business,

And grow every single day. <3

3. Don’t let fear limit your dreams

Do you remember your preschool teacher telling you that you could be anything that you wanted to be?

Then as you got older and older, the adults in your life telling you how unrealistic your dreams were?

Not that anyone means any harm and not all of us experience it, but the truthfully most of us do.  

That’s just how life and society is.

It’s up to us, as adults to realize, your preschool teacher and your parents had it right.

You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.

You have a dream to be an artist, writer, doctor, astronaut, you go out there to achieve it.

Don’t get discouraged for how long it may take you to get there.

You’ll get there, God willing.

4. Always know your worth

Don’t let others take advantage of you. 

Throw out toxic relationships and get out of unhealthy situations.

You are worth so much.

And most people will do what you allow them to do.

So don’t allow it.

Walk away, or speak up, but never just be quiet and take it.

That will eventually drain you.

5. Take care of your body, mind, spirit.

Self care, self care, self care.

It’s everything, especially for those of us who live in a fast paced environment. 

Find moments in the week to do some physical activity, care for your body, and meal prep healthy foods.

And most importantly make sure you have a connection to God. Know that no matter how hard life gets or how misunderstood you may feel at times, God knows all, including exactly what you’re feeling.  

Who best to talk about your feelings with than Him who has created it?

---

So what did you think of this list? I’d love to hear from you if you have anything to add.  I hope to see you guys next week, as I write a new post every Monday. 

As always:  Stay You.  Stay True. Stay Beautiful.♥

I go by ClassyQueeny and I’m the voice behind BreatheThenLive.com  I encourage my readers to live their life practicing mindfulness, love, and peace.  When life gets chaotic and out of wack- just breathe, take your time to find your footing.  And when you’re ready, live the life you dream of, because nothing is out of your reach!

Also, check out my self-love children’s book, now available on Amazon!  Click Here! <3