A Pessimist’s Guide to a Happy Life--Jonathan

There are two steps to being happy, at least in my perspective. These two steps
are crucial to being the best version of yourself you could be, and a way to stay true to yourself. The key to happiness is simple, take the time to breathe, and chase your passion. As corny as it sounds, it’s one of the few truths in life. Apply it and the world is yours. Life is all about growth and learning from experience. 

Take the time to breathe, relax and realize that everything will be okay. It’s november of your senior year, you’re submitting college applications, you’re drowning in AP homework, and bombarded with stuff going on at home. Let’s be honest, you’re probably reading this submission the day blog comments are due, stressing over making the deadline. Take the time to breathe. Our hardships are here to make us stronger and wiser people, be grateful that life presents you with challenges that make you see the beauty of life and the struggles and growing opportunities we’re given. Take the time to acknowledge where you’re at, and “smell the roses”, so to speak. High School comes once, and goes quickly. Appreciate all it has to offer, go to dances, games, events. Make the most out of what you are presented with, and let go of unnecessary stresses. Be good to yourself, we all know school, work, and family are incredibly draining at times. Take time to ensure you’re at your best mentally and stay healthy. Once you take the time to breathe and relax, you become the controller of your universe, and nothing can stop you, let go and realize that things happen for a reason.

Chase your passion. Don’t make the mistake of living a life that isn't on your own terms. Take that art class you’ve been dying to learn from, ask that girl out, post

that song you wrote! Our passions are the driving force behind our actions and the motivation that pushes us through the hardships of life. Your passion is who you are, and don’t be afraid to shoot for the stars. Nobody has ever regretted chasing their dreams. Don’t let anybody stop you, put a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good, you only have one life, don’t live it letting others dictate your world. When toxic people try to bring you down, you’ll prove them wrong because you are fierce, driven and passionate. It’s you against the world and when the opportunity arises, do not back down. Chase your passion because at the end of the day you want to know in your heart you chased your dream and didn’t let anybody stop you. Don’t let a parent, teacher, or anybody for that matter tell you that your dream is too big, too small , or unattainable because we all knows the greatest and most innovative people had to come adversity to reach greatness. You are the controller of your destiny. Remember that your situations do not define you- but your reactions to them do. Let go, breathe, and chase what drives you, and the world will be yours and you will be happy and live a life knowing you have been true to your heart. Live life at 100, because one day you’ll be looking back, and you’ll want to be smiling, not regretting.