As someone who struggles with maintaining a happy-go-lucky optimistic attitude, I find the emotion happy to be elusive and unattainable. I have noticed that a lot of people tend to feel this way and that honestly makes me sad. To know that people I personally know and love, and even people I don't know, feel this way is upsetting. I am only one person and can't reverse all unhappiness, some days I can't even fix my own but, I want to try. I am making an effort in my own life to look on the bright side and these are some of the tips I use. I hope they help you too.

1. Keep a Happiness Journal.

After receiving a journal from a dear friend, I wanted to make sure it was put to good use. I began writing the happy moments in my life that happened. I never force myself to write, I only write if I legitimately feel happy. If you can't commit to writing each day, then this is perfect for you because you only write when you feel authentically happy. I encourage everyone to right in some capacity but don't write if you're faking your happiness, then the truly happy moments will be diminished.

2. Take Pictures Of/During Happy Moments.

This is similar to the previous tip, but it is still worthwhile. This summer I made sure to take pictures of everything, my adventures, my loved ones and yes, selfies, lots and lots of selfies. On bad days looking back lets me to see both loved ones and fun times,which improves my mood. Being able to visually remember yourself at your happiest is actually very important, it reminds you that you are able to feel happy.

3. Allow Yourself to Feel Happy.

Sometimes, you don't want to feel happy. You think that you deserve to feel the way you do, that you don't deserve to be happy. You may also think that it's easier to be sad, but that also means life is miserable. being sad everyday sucks and if you have the option to be happy, take it. Everyone deserves to be happy, no matter what you or anyone else says.

These are small things, but I can honestly say that they help. I hope that they make you at least a little happy and, if you know someone who would benefit from these, please share this with them. Shine on, rain doesn't last forever.