I feel that I have learned a few things from personal experience and from others. I think that happiness is an important thing that every single person deserves. So, with that being said here are the secrets to become happier.

1. Take responsibility for your own actions or mistakes

i believe that self-accountability is a crucial thing to practice. If you mess up you need to own it. Scream it, shout it, call it what it is; a mistake. We are all humans and nobody is perfect, but owning our mistakes is important. Stop making excuses or putting the blame on others for your actions. When something does happen admit it to yourself and whoever is necessary and apologize. Once we can be accountable for ourselves we become more aware of what we do.

2. Say what you mean, mean what you say

Don't hide behind loaded words and hidden meanings. Communication is a big key with relationships with others, and if your communication is confusing it doesn't work well. There is no need for passive aggressiveness or sad gestures to get attention. When someone asks you what is wrong just tell them honestly if there is a problem. I am a big believer in communication to solve problems, so communicate well and work through your problems with others. Resolving conflict in a healthy way is such an important part of friendships and romantic relationships. Once you can accomplish this you are on your way to a better relationship.

3. Live in the moment

I know we all think about the past and worry about the future, but this is counterproductive in life. We cannot change the past, but we can live in the now and try to better the future. Life is short and sometimes second chances don't come around. Never miss an opportunity to do something that might change your life for the better.

4. Take risks

Change can be good, but it can also be scary. Of course not everything works out, but if you never try then you'll never know. I would rather be able to say i made a mistake by doing something than never having tried. Don't be afraid to move out of your comfort zone and take a chance.

5. Surround yourself with good influences

The people we hang around do affect us. Be around people that are positive and don't bring you down. It's so important to be around people that allow you to be yourself. If you have to change who you are to be with somebody than chances are you shouldn't be around them. Find people that encourage you, support you, enhance you, and make you happy.

6. Let things go

Holding grudges is unhealthy. i understand some situations are different and forgiveness may not be an option. However; don't cling to these feelings still and stay stuck in the past forever. Some situations you have to accept what you can change and forget the rest.

7. Take care of yourself

Self care is so important, but many people often overlook this. What i mean by self care is looking after your own mental and physical health. When you are overworked or stressed out take some time away from the situation. Get some sleep. Drink your water. Eat your fruits and vegetables. We must care you for ourselves because these are the things only we can do for ourselves. When we feel healthy we are generally happier and more confident. I recently have been trying this, and it really does make a big impact.

8. Ignore what others think

Other people's opinions do not matter. If you are happy with who you are and what you are doing then that is great. Don't allow others to bring you down or make you feel less than what you are. Everybody is amazing and special in their own way, so just be who you are.

9. Love yourself

Self love is so important to being happy. When you accept yourself and love who you are everything just seems to fall into place. Even if you don't love yourself now you can work on it and learn to.

10. Never compromise you you are

We often get caught up in other people and forget about who we are and what we want. Never give in to pressure from others to be anything other than what or who you want to be. The moment we compromise what we believe in for another peoples we lose ourselves, and this losing battle. Stay strong in your convictions and always remember what it is you stand for.