"How do you continue to smile when you have every reason not to keep smiling?" This a question that I hear on a regular basis. I have come to the conclusion to answer that question once and for all. I am going to reveal all my secrets to my seemingly always happy face. I will be honest I haven't always been this happy. Here are some of the ways I remain happy in my life:

1. I don't let my life always define how I feel.

Life to me is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to life. Yes, there are times where I let myself feel all the emotions. But I only do that when I am with my friends and people who understand and love me or sometimes alone by myself.

2. Surrounding myself with people who love, care and understand me has been a major game changer.

I will be honest and say I lived most of my life thinking I was unlovable. Then one day, at college, my roommate said something, that hit me hard and took a long time to realize that it was true. She said, "There are a lot of people who love you, Marina." I didn't really understand love. Over the time I have spent at college, I have come to understand love.

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3. My music playlist is a key player.

When I cannot convince myself, I use my playlist. I use my playlist to remind myself how much I am loved and people care about me.

4. Fake It Until I Make It.

I am not always as happy as I seem. I often don't feel as happy as I look. A dear friend always told me that "You are never fully dressed without a smile. A smile is the best makeup you can wear." I made it a goal from then on to always smile even when I don't feel like having a winning smile.