Being Happy vs. Being Content

As my birthday approaches, I’ve been reflecting on this past year. I realized that before this year, I was never really living. I would go places, meet people, and accomplish goals. But I was living my life contently, not happily. And I didn’t know it.

Sometimes we can be so driven that we forget about our own happiness. I never set out to find happiness because I thought smiling in pictures was enough. The people I met and things I’ve experienced this year changed my life. The joy I found this year is indescribable. Multiple things have led me to discover true happiness and I’ll share some of them with you:

1.) I learned how to love and care for someone beyond myself.

2.) Some people stopped being friends with me and I let them. I didn’t chase after acceptance, friendship, or love anymore.

3.) I learned the true definition of what it means to struggle.

4.) I didn’t accept every opportunity. I did what I felt was right in my heart.

5.) I learned to value genuine people around me.

6.) I changed my goals and accepted that my dreams might change as time goes on. Once I stopped holding onto a specific vision that I had for my future, I felt free.

7.) I learned that being independent doesn’t mean having to be alone.

8.) I appreciate small moments. The kind of moments that no camera will ever capture.

I wake up with a smile. I wake up with purpose. I stopped going through my day and started living. It’s remarkable as I look back at my victories, both big and small. I’m excited to see what this (happy) year brings and this time I promise, I will really start blogging more.