Every single day I realize how short life really is, how important it is to cherish all of the time that we have on this earth with the people we love, doing things we enjoy, and witnessing all of the beauty this world provides for us.

I realize it when I see the sun setting at a later time, and when I see flowers blooming, but also on the day that I set out my carved pumpkin, or on the day of the first snowfall. I realize it when I start another year of school or when another birthday passes, and I’m surrounded once again by my family and friends.

I always say I want to see so many places and cultures, and I want those I care about right alongside me. I always think about how often I should tell people how I feel about them, because in life, you never know when it might be your last chance to say something you mean. I think about the future, when I will tell the story of my life to my kids and grandkids, and what I want to be able to tell them I experienced. I want to tell them I was, and still am happy.

I recently watched a documentary entitled, Happy, directed by Tom Shadyac, and it made me realize how important it is to cherish this life. Full of people who had tackled adversity and had become happier because of it, this documentary highlighted that all everyone really wants in life is to be happy, and that most people spend all their time forever chasing that dream. Some think it’s impossible, but I would challenge them to watch the film, because it shows how happiness really is attainable, and how we can truly all find our inner peace in life. Watching the documentary, I thought of some tips that might make myself happier, and am trying my best to stick to them from here on out.

Here they are:

Love with all your heart, always.

Appreciate all that you have, because there will come a day when something, or someone, very special to you can’t be with you anymore.

Even if you live a miraculous life and somehow never lose anything that is important to you, appreciate everything anyway. You are incredibly lucky to have all that you do.

Tell people how you feel about them (but be kind, and if you don’t have anything nice to say, maybe nothing needs to be said at all). Tell your mom, dad, sister and all your family, your best friend, and your boyfriend that you love them more than anything. Tell your friends from far away that you love and miss them and tell your friends from nearby that you love and miss them too.

Never lie. Don’t tell someone you love them in a way you don’t. Don’t tell someone you miss them if you don’t think you do. Life is too short to be dishonest about things that are so important. Every person deserves to have those who say they love and miss them to be telling the truth, so if you don't feel that way, don't pretend.

Work hard and dream big. Don’t get sloppy, and be the best you can.

Live for you. Make big decisions based on your intuition, because not only is it probably right, but some things just can’t be answered by anyone but you.

Enjoy all of the little things in life, and enjoy life itself. Fall in love with the life you create for yourself, on the good days and the bad. Enjoy life when your hair falls just right and when you feel good in what you’re wearing, and when you see a puppy walking down the street. Enjoy life when your favorite song comes on the radio and you sing as loud as you can, or when your schedule (and budget) allows a quick trip to your favorite ice cream stand. Enjoy life when it’s the first day of spring and when it’s the last day of summer. Enjoy life on the holidays, during the celebrations, while watching the fireworks or listening to the waves of the ocean crash into the shore, and enjoy the feeling you get when you finish a book with a perfect ending.

Each and every one of you are in charge of your own life, just like I am. I want to live mine to the fullest and be able to tell people sincerely, “I am happy”.