Throughout the duration of our lives, we are constantly told to do what makes us happy, whether that be traveling the world or the momentary flicker of delight after indulging in your favorite ice cream. As young adults, we are so focused on the “bigger picture” in life that we forget the little joys that surround us daily. So, how can we, in a world filled with endless opportunities, find everlasting bliss?

Put yourself first

I think the root of happiness begins with you. I’m not suggesting to become some self-absorbed individual who neglects others. However, too many times we brush our happiness off to the side because we’re either putting other people before ourselves or we become too caught up in other things. Sometimes it’s okay to put our happiness on the back burner, but never permanently.

Eliminate toxic people

Toxic people are inevitably bound to enter your life at some point. These people act as ankle weights and will drag you down, even if you don’t notice it at first. They are usually skilled with the ability to manipulate and slowly wreak havoc in your life. They don’t want to see you succeed unless they’re simultaneously being rewarded. Eliminate these kind of people in your life and I can promise you the weights you once felt shackled to will be removed.

Make mistakes

The world is an enormous place filled with an eclectic bunch of people and places. So often we live life so cautiously, becoming so fixated on how something might end that we never truly feel the experience as we're going through it. Go get your heart broken--you’ll come out with tougher skin. Fall down--you’ll get back up. By making mistakes, you start to build a better, happier version of yourself. By being afraid of making mistakes, you’re only denying yourself of the many possibilities that are obtainable.

Keep moving

We all have a tendency to worry about what we don’t have or what we could lose, as opposed to focusing on the things we do have or could gain. The truth is that whatever is going to happen is going to happen with or without your worries. So worrying about things you cannot control is just a waste of your time and energy. Uncertainty can be exhilarating. Embrace it.

Be bold

Life is meant to be lived, and when I say lived, I mean really truly lived. Nothing in life is guaranteed to be successful and that’s how it should be. Instead of complaining, “If I only had…”, work hard and go out and get it. Feeling awkward and uncomfortable is what allows you to grow. Take risks, try something new, and be bold.

Happiness isn’t elusive. It isn’t inaccessible. It’s right here; it always has been and it always will be. You just have to grab it and hold on to it. Being true to who you are and doing what you love is bound to create a lifetime of happiness.