Simple Happiness

I went through the hardest year of my life sophomore year, and it still affects me every day. I became a mother when my mom was in recovery, I had a lot of new opportunities, and school consumed my time. I wrote to my seminary teacher that the ONLY place I was truly happy was at the ocean in San Diego.

Well, that was setting me up for misery.

 My life shouldn’t be about comparing my happiness’s. Sure, I was extremely happy in the ocean, but I got that same happiness when I was outside watching the stars one night, or when I was playing basketball with friends after school.

I learned that I am not going to feel that extreme happiness all the time, (no one ever does) but here is a little trick: when you are in a place or experience that makes you happiest, let it fill you up. Absorb every last drop of happiness to take with you. Then, when that time is gone and you are looking back on “the times I was perfectly happy” don’t think, “I wish I could go back to that.” Think instead, “I’m thankful for that memory, and luckily I have stored up some of that happiness left.” 

Then, deep breath in, deep breath out.

Let the happiness recharge and suddenly it’s like you’re a new person.

Also, when something does make you happy, don’t move on, letting that moment quickly pass! Slow down, enjoy that time, and be grateful for those things that make you happy.

When I start feeling those sad emotions that used to be a constant feeling, I now have created a list in my head of what I can do to cheer myself up. Some things on that list include; taking a drive, going on a run, looking at the stars, going to my treehouse, lying in my hammock, sending someone a nice text, playing my favorite records (since old music is the best), playing the piano, listening to conference talks, playing with my siblings, watching an Audrey Hepburn movie etc. The possibilities for happiness are and always have been there.

None of my trials have gone away. My mom is still hurt. My friends are still struggling. I am still exhausted and school is still stressful. In fact, more trials had/have come! My grandpa's health was declining fast this summer. My friends are constantly fighting and creating drama. My great-grandma (whom is one of my biggest role models) could pass away any day. I have gone through a lot of heart-ache and heart break. I even got my first B(stupid Physics). 

But I smile. I smile because so far, I have made it through 100% of the hard days, even the seemingly impossible ones. I smile because I have the Lord on my side. I have warm bed, a loving family, and slippers. What else do I need?! I can be happy simply by being alive. I can smile simply because I just like smiling. To quote a wise elf, "smiling's my favorite!" 

I still have bad days. A lot of them. What teenage girl doesn't? But instead of just waiting to be happy again, I have learned enough about myself to make myself happy again. Trials will come, sad days will happen, and I may not always be my cheery self. But I'm trying. And I am grateful for Heavenly Father for never leaving me alone. 

It's been the best year of my life, with so much growth and happiness and learning curves. I loved 2014.

There is so much to be happy for.

-Hannah