“Saying YES to
happiness means learning to say NO to things and people that stress you out.”
–Thema Davis
Not only are these words brilliant, but they are a perfect collaboration
of what I need to do, and what I’ve been
slightly too afraid to do. You know, sometimes it’s really hard to put your foot
down and demand respect or cut ties with someone who isn’t helping you grow. Oftentimes,
people like me tend to put the needs of others in the way of their own, simply
because it’s easier to please the world than it is to please ourselves. This is why, after long nights of anxiety
ridden restless sleep and listening to the wise words of people who love me, I’ve
decided to dedicate 2013 to focusing on my
own happiness.
I’m often told that I have
to stop stressing about him/her- that this is my life, so to stop worrying
if everyone else is happy, and focus on myself, and worry about my own
happiness, and, and, and…. these words truly hit home.
Happiness can mean something different to each individual
person. For me, happiness means something fairly personal. When I’m truly
happy, I’m healthy in all aspects of my life. I’m eating right all the time,
working out a lot, not drinking much alcohol, getting at least 8-9 hours of
sleep each night, writing poetry, helping animals, and being around people and places that
inspire me. My happiness means taking care of myself, and not bringing everyone
else’s stress and drama home with me. It means being a good friend to people who
are good friends in return. It means giving the best advice I can, but learning
to stop when it’s not appreciated. It means growing from my mistakes and
not being so hard on myself if I don’t achieve perfection. Happiness means
surrounding myself with people who honestly understand me and
only want what’s best for me. It means surrounding myself with people who I
only want the best for as well.
Putting myself first doesn’t mean loving anyone else less.
It just means that I’m only going to give the best of me to the people who
deserve it. It means that I’ll continue
to love the people and places I love as hard as I can possibly love them, and
they know I’ll never give up on them.
So far, 2013 has yet to disappoint me, but I think it’s all
give and take. You have to give in order to receive, and I’m willing to give
everything I can to stay on a healthy and happy path. I’m hopeful that some of
you can grow on this journey with me, learn to really love and respect
yourself, follow your dreams, and make choices that may be hard, but will help
create the best and happiest version yourself.
So, what makes you happy?
