I have only been around for thirty-one years.

In reality, it hasn’t been that long, and I get that. A flash in the pan, a peanut on the farm, a spec on the beach – whatever vastly cliche metaphor you want to throw out. It all counts, and it all is real. But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t learned a thing or two from the trips around the block I have taken.

If there is anything I have noticed about myself over my time here, it’s that I am very good at observing.

Observing others, situations, events around me, and even myself. While I talk a lot – and I mean a LOT – I like to spend time listening as well. Tuning in to those around me, and what I notice going on. But I will be honest with you that the point of this whole rambling writing is about myself, not others. Because I have noticed something within myself, and I have realized the plan that I, and maybe everyone, should be following.

Why not be happy?

It really is a simple thing, but a deep and vast realization. Something that I have been sitting on for a while, pondering if it really was all that easy.

Truth be told – it isn’t.

Millennials have seen a lot in their lives, honestly probably too much. But that’s not the point. The point is that these things are going to keep coming, days will be tough eight days a week, and there will always be something to worry about. But I have realized that the time has come for me to just stop. Stop and think. Stop and realize that I don’t want to live in misery, and neither should anyone else.

Remember, you can’t pay your bills with tears.

Bills are paid, and lives are lived by experiences, memories, and moments that we treasure forever. Careers are made from passion, they aren’t made from anger.

I have finally come to realize that, I refuse to not enjoy myself while I am here – because really what other choice do I, or any of us, have? We can choose to live our lives in misery, almost enjoying the pain of daily stress and anxiety. Or we can choose to be happy. Find happiness and good in every situation – and that’s where I want to be.

I want to be happy, and I will be happy. I will enjoy every moment, and make myself smile every day.

Because I am here to be happy, and nothing else.