"If I just have ___ I'll be happy" is the biggest lie we tell ourselves.

We tell ourselves if we just lose that five pounds, we'd be happier. We tell ourselves that if we had more money and there wasn't a financial problem, we'd be happier. We tell ourselves that if we were better looking, we'd be happier. We constantly try to fill this void in our lives. We are always wanting the newest, biggest thing.

None of this will ever satisfy.

True happiness is found within. It is not found in a new car or a new handbag. This is a form of happiness, but temporary. This is a fleeting happiness. The kind of happiness I am talking about is eternal.

You have probably heard the phrase "Happiness is a journey, not a destination." This is so true. I realize this more and more everyday. I catch myself thinking things like "When I graduate, I'll have my life figured out" or "When I get married, I'll be satisfied." But that is looking in all the wrong places and will only lead to disappointment.

When you forget to live in the moment of life, you forget what a joy life is.

Constantly looking forward to the weekend is no way to live. Live every day to the fullest. The present moment is the only thing you have for sure in this life. Cherish it.

Happiness is sitting in front of the fire on a cold night with my dogs. It is seeing my friends accomplish things. It is laughing with my coworkers. It is spending time with my family. Happiness comes in many different forms.

Happiness is not a destination, but a journey. Don't speed. Take your time. When you look back on your life, are you going to remember rushing and making sure you weren't late to something or taking the time to have a genuine conversation with someone? I would pick the genuine conversation any day.

Take responsibility for your happiness.

No one else is in charge of making you happy. Every day you get to make a decision to have a negative or a positive attitude. Choose to be the light in someone's day. Smile at them. Ask them how they are doing and genuinely care about their answer. People notice when others are being fake. Be real. This will make you feel good in return.

Choose to be happy. You deserve happiness.

Cherish your time with your loved ones. Cherish all your time. You only get this one life to live, make it a good one! And a happy one as well.

'Til next time,

LB.