I think, too often, we believe that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that only falls upon you when the weather is right. That this feeling is only given to those that are fortunate enough to have it forever.

But let me assure you, that is not how happiness works.

Happiness is a constant choice, not a result of something. There is not a goddamn thing in this world that will make you happy, you must consciously choose to be it. No person, no amount of money, no creature, no amount of sleep and certainly no amount of drugs will bring this happiness to you. It can only come from you.

Myself, I am beginning to realize that real happiness isn’t something large and sitting just on the horizon line but is something small, numerous and already here. Like the smile of someone you love, a decent breakfast, the lyrics of your favorite song, and your little everyday joys all lined up in a row.

It is not something that can be brought to you from success or wealth. It is exchanged for the small moments that make life worth living.

The daily, conscious decision to be happy can change your life. This everyday kind of happiness is something that you can hold onto when times get dark.

This happiness isn’t something that you have to chase or grab or go find. Happiness is you, it has been instilled inside every single person since birth. All we have to do is learn to associate with that part that is within us.

Happiness is not measured by the amount of money in your bank account, the number of ‘friends’ you have, nor the number of people that you have slept with. It is the overwhelming joy you feel in your heart. It is a fullness. It is a light that shines from within.

So stop trying to make happiness a destination and finally begin to pull strings of pure joy out from the darkest parts of your mind. Prove to yourself that you can be happy in being who you are. Where you are right now is perfectly okay because happiness is always with you.