Happyness.

As easy as some people make it seem, being happy is very difficult. It's interesting because, referring to all of the points listed in the article, I knew all of that. I know that, in order to be happy and choose happiness, you must follow your heart, try your best in everything you do, surround yourself with wonderful people, take care of yourself, and so on. The thing is, it's not that simple. From a broader outlook, I have lived (and am living) a great life. I have been given unbelievable opportunities, especially while attending Loyola. I have wonderful and supporting friends, family members, teachers, mentors, and advisers. My grades are good and I have received a generous amount of aid financially with scholarships and federal funding. I have a boyfriend that loves me for who I am and what I believe in. There's no reason for me to NOT be happy, right? Wrong. For quite a while, I have been having this internal battle within myself, and I just couldn't figure out the solution for my problem, let alone the problem itself. I couldn't figure out why I wasn't truly happy. I've finally realized that, in being truly happy, all of those external factors in my life don't matter. Yeah, I knew that I have to follow my dreams and my heart in order to live a happy life, and that I have to try my best and take care of myself to choose happiness in my lifestyle. But did I reeally ever do those things? I thought I did. But I have come to realize that I really haven't been doing that. Well... I have been doing those things.. but for the people and things around me. Not for myself. That was my problem. I forgot to turn the lights on with how to genuinely be happy. I was focusing too much on helping and satisfying others, putting myself in the dark. Don't get me wrong, helping others is not bad, the 8th way to be happier is to help others. I need to remember the things that I know to start living a happy life with things that truly and genuinely make me happy. 

"Just love what you have, and you'll always have what you love."

My mom always said this to me as I was growing up, and it has stuck with me ever since.

Each of those 10 ways are amazing ways to choose happiness. One of my most favorite lines from that article is, "You can hold on to the past, or you can create your own happiness today. Never let success get to your head and never let failure get to your heart." Letting success get to your head only makes you set higher and higher standards for yourself, making it more difficult to reach them, letting you become more vulnerable to disappointment and anger. Also, let's say you didn't beat your time during your swim race, or you didn't get the grade you wanted on a test or quiz, allowing the thought of failure get to your heart makes it harder for you to believe in yourself for next time, making you more vulnerable to feeling insecure and disappointed with yourself. This is how I have started to appreciate my life more and why I am a much happier person today. If something during the day or week goes wrong, or not according to plans, I make sure to not get so let down about it. I remind myself that what ever happened happened for a reason. I also try to think of something positive that came out of the situation, so I know that not one second of my time has been wasted. I have also started to smile a lot more. I find it very important to, not only smile for yourself, but to smile to others. Walking in the city I make sure to keep my head up and smile to the strangers around me. You never know whose day, week, year, or even life is going to be made, or saved, just because of doing something so simple. 

Over spring break,

I spent a lot of my time at home with my family, at work, and with old friends. Even though I didn't even accomplish half of what I had on my to-do list, my time spent with friends, family, and co-workers was definitely worthwhile. It allowed me to remember what truly makes me  happy (and what doesn't make me so happy :P). Spending quality time with my mom and watching my younger sister's water polo games was probably one of my most cherished and favorite moments during my break. 

For the summer, 

one of the things that I have planned is to have a couple of jobs, working towards my goal of traveling around the world. I plan to have one of the most amazing summers ever, taking chances and spending time with the people that I love. 

"If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." 

Dr. Seuss

With my E-portfolio, 

things have been going a little slow. :/ It's just that with so many other things to focus on, that has been one of a couple that were,  unfortunately pushed aside. Within the next two to three weeks, I barely have any tests and quizzes to study for, so I'm definitely planning on getting a move on with  my portfolio. :) 

Alright. Let me give you some background about this video. When I was in about 7th/8th grade, there was this website called funnyjunk.com (I don't think it exists anymore, and if it does, it's not as cool as it used to be). My sister and I came upon this video and, when we watched it, we couldn't stop watching it for like 10 minutes straight. We were cracking up till we were bawling our eyes out and peeing our pants (probably were, I don't remember lol). It was one of those moments where you don't know why something is so funny, but you just can't stop cracking up. I feel like those moments are one of the best moments in your lifetime. :) This is probably one of the stupidest videos I have ever seen, but, to this day, I still can't stop laughing my butt of while i watch it. Try to watch it for about a minute or two, I hope you find it as funny as I do... or at least get a smile on your face. :) 

"Don't Worry, Be Happy."

Angee:)