Hate, Happiness, and Hope--Erika

What is happiness? Maybe it was your first Disneyland trip when you were five, maybe it was when you received your first phone, or maybe it was when your crush in 7th grade admitted she/he liked you. All of these events have something in common, you're gaining something for yourself. When did happiness turn into something tangible? Whatever happened to when coming home after school was the happiest thing in the world? You could play outside or spend time with your family. Although now going “home” is not always the better option. For me, I love being at home, it's my safe place and where I feel most comfortable. Although, school on the other hand,it is not my most favorite place to be but, I still have to come and do my work. The sad thing is, walking through the halls shouldn’t feel like the most judgmental place to be. This is because most happiness is taken from us, by other human beings. It shouldn't be fair that one other body can control your emotions or have that power over you. We let those who hold a higher position, whether that be popularity or another form of social ranking have control over what we feel we can or cannot do. Who gave that person the permission to take away your happiness? We were put on this earth to serve ourselves and others with caring compassionate hands. There is an entire world out there and a universe in you. Therefore, I challenge you to take back your happiness, grab control over it, don’t care what others think and definitely don’t let someone else determine your fate. As aristotle said, ​"Happiness depends upon ourselves." It is so simple to not give that girl you “don’t like” a dirty look, pick up someone else’s trash, hug your mom, admit when you're wrong, apologize, say please and thank you, just be decent humans. It takes more energy to ruin someone's day by being hurtful than to not bother them at all. I’m not saying everyone or even you are a bad person, but it doesn’t hurt to take a step back and examine your past. I’m also not saying that I am perfect, because who is? Literally, EVERYONE makes mistakes, and trying to fix those is always a good idea, second chances are given. So, spend time with your family, because time is limited and should be cherished at all cost especially with those you love. Having compassion for others spreads like a disease, but like everything in this world there is always an evil to go hand in hand along with the good. In my opinion the goal of life is to reach divine happiness in whatever you’re doing, and then continue to spread that to others. As I mentioned earlier, there is an entire world out there, you can do anything to get away from toxic relationships and go exploring for your happiness.


So, be good to people, and let that goodness shine in your soul.