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A search for happiness

January 1 marks the initiation of New Year’s resolutions around the world. From weight loss to job success, we have all set goals, some of which we haven’t accomplished, at one point in our lives.

For this reason, I decided to step away from the more superficial resolutions and pick one I could stick to and would truly better me. I decided to simply be happy.

As someone who deals with anxiety and moderate depression, this was a hefty goal. It would take extra measures to attain.

To be happier, I would have to cut out the negatives (no more gossip or negative thoughts), plan a strict schedule for my homework (to limit stress) and to distance myself from those who would hinder my ability to grow and be happier.

Getting to the gym every day, keeping up with my homework and staying away from adverse energy has helped me significantly and has left me stress-free, allowing me to keep my resolution. I have definitely been smiling more.

However, I know it can be hard to stay motivated when the only thing you have the energy for is pushing yourself out of bed and into the kitchen. Sometimes there are days when it’s easier to stare at the stucco patterns of the ceiling than to go out with friends or actually do an assignment.

But I want those of you who are trying to rebalance your own “chemicals” to know that there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Focus on the small things first. Yes, it’s cliché, but when you take things one step at a time, and find accomplishments in the little things, it makes getting through the day easier and slowly builds you up toward your end goal.

The first step is waking up and getting out of bed. Second, make it to class. Third, work to keep a smile on your face. This is the hardest step, and sometimes we have to work a little hard to drown out some of those negative voices, but we can still keep that resolution to be happier.

So let me tell you this: You will be okay. I will be okay, and step by step that tunnel’s light is going to grow brighter and brighter as we get closer and closer to the end of it.

And even though it takes you or me a little while to stroll on through, I’ll bet that along the way, we’re going to meet some other people who join our journey and walk the tunnel with us.

So this year, don’t pin your victories or failures on a New Year’s resolution that, come February, you have to add to that list of the things you “wish you would have done.”

Instead, let this year be a year where you take a single step toward a goal, without restrictions, self-limitations or anxiety. Take your time, be you, and don’t forget to smile.

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