It’s funny how life works in mysterious ways.

We’re always looking for something to tell us that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be whether that be having the right major, being with the right person, choosing the right college, etc., etc. The truth is, all the signs we are looking for are going to come when we least expect it. I happened to get one last weekend when I walked into Cold Stone Creamery.

As I waited in line I heard one of the workers begin to sing. I looked toward the counter and watched as this lady drizzled caramel onto a heaping scoop of ice cream. She began to mix it all together all while having the biggest grin on her face. I couldn’t help but smile myself. This lady was well into retirement age, yet she still felt the need to work at an ice cream shop. This was clearly something that she loved to wake up and go to however many days a week. In that moment I felt in tune with her. Her happiness was radiating, and I felt as though I was able to soak up some that happiness.

Being a college student brings on a lot of time to grow and also a lot of time to think. Maybe too much time to think for that matter. So much so that you begin to question all of your life decisions and you start to believe you’ve made all of the wrong choices. A few weeks ago I was asked if I was scared that my major didn’t give me a set job. At that moment I realized that I have no way of knowing where I will be in a few years from now. I had been struggling with myself ever since that day up until I walked into that ice cream shop

I don’t know her name, her age, her life, or anything about her other than she genuinely loved what she was doing. This moment reminded me that happiness is all any of us should want out of life. Not money. Not fancy cars. Not the coolest job. Not the biggest and best house. Not impressing everyone. Not making others jealous. Just happiness. There are countless things to smile about each and every day in our lives. The amount of love and happiness in the world means that we should never let any setback remove these smiles from our faces. I can't find any reason to not be optimistic in every situation. I don’t care if the career I have doesn’t bring in the big bucks.

All I want is to wake up each and every morning and do something that I love. That is our purpose in life. I hope that someday when I am working at my future job someone will walk in and see me smiling at nothing. They will see how happy I am with my life and maybe they too will realize what this lady taught me. So, I just want to close by saying thank you to this stranger.

Thank you for reminding me to simply want to be happy.