How to Be Happy

How often do you find yourself wondering who you really are? Or asking yourself how to simply be happy? If you’ve asked these questions more than once, you’re not alone. These kinds of thoughts often pop up in our twenties and thirties, during those years when we’re still trying to carve out an identity, build a future, and live up to the expectations set by our families, society, or even ourselves. But something interesting tends to happen by the time we reach middle age: these questions don’t necessarily go away—they just evolve. In fact, they often come back louder, more persistent, and more personal.

Through my own journey on this wild and unpredictable planet, I’ve come to understand one key truth that makes life a whole lot happier and more fulfilling: Be yourself.

And not just in a passive, vague way. Be yourself with conviction. Own who you are without apology. That doesn’t mean you have to be the most successful, the smartest, the richest, or the most physically attractive person in the room. It simply means that you recognize your worth, appreciate your existence, and accept yourself fully. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else—you just need to love who you are, as you are, right now.

The old cliché is true: life really is what you make of it. But it’s more than just what you think—it’s about what you do. Happiness doesn’t usually come by sitting still and waiting for it to land in your lap. It arrives when you choose to take action aligned with your authentic self. When you stop living according to someone else’s rule book, moral compass, or rigid standards, and start living in a way that resonates with your own values, you begin to feel the weight of expectations lift. That’s when freedom—and joy—begin to take root.

So how do you start? First, stop worrying so much.

Seriously—stop obsessing over what you do for a living, how much money you make, what kind of car you drive, how you dress, or who’s watching. Let go of the fear of being judged. You are a marvelous creation, a miracle, simply because you exist. Your life has meaning and value even if no one claps for you. Don’t waste another ounce of your precious life energy worrying about anything outside of your control. Focus instead on what you’re doing, how you’re feeling, and whether it aligns with your true self.

And while you’re at it, be very mindful of the people you surround yourself with. If someone expects you to constantly explain, defend, or justify your life to them—whether it's a family member, co-worker, in-law, friend, or even your own child—take a step back. Ask yourself how those interactions make you feel. Do you feel uplifted and understood, or drained and judged?

You don’t need permission to protect your peace. You don’t have to keep toxic energy in your life just because it’s wrapped in a familiar face. Boundaries are a form of self-respect. If a relationship consistently makes you feel small, anxious, or “not enough,” it’s okay to walk away—or at least to take some healthy distance.

Celebrate the moments when you feel truly like you. Build a life around those moments. And when you find your confidence—however long that takes—reward yourself for it. Not with stuff, but with grace. Be proud of the little things: standing up for yourself, saying no, choosing rest, making space for joy.

So yes, be yourself. Be real. Be intentional. Be kind. And never forget to laugh a little along the way. You're unique—just like everyone else. And that's what makes life beautiful.

The grass isn't greener on the other side.

The grass is greener where you water it!

Truly accepting yourself is one of the most courageous and liberating things you can do. It means getting honest—really honest—about who you are. Not just the parts that are easy to love, but the parts that make you cringe, the mistakes you’ve made, the regrets you carry, and the lessons you’re still learning. Embrace it all. Every fiber, every cell, every contradiction that makes you uniquely you.

This kind of self-acceptance doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and deep reflection. You may need to face some uncomfortable truths and even invite constructive criticism from those you trust. That’s okay. Growth is never linear or tidy, but it’s always worth it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s authenticity.

Once you know who you are, live with integrity. Let your actions align with your values. Be honest, not just with others, but with yourself. Own your choices, your habits, your mistakes, and your successes. Take responsibility for your life. Stop blaming others or waiting for something to magically change. When you stand in your truth, life has a way of meeting you with opportunities, peace, and surprising rewards. But don’t confuse that with passivity—life won’t hand you joy just because you wish for it.

While I believe deeply in the power of manifestation and envisioning the life you want, wishing alone is not enough. You have to take action. You have to get up and move in the direction of your desires. Want something new? Set a goal. Want to change careers? Go back to school. Want to meet someone? Join a dating app or put yourself out there in real life. Whatever happiness looks like for you, stop waiting for the perfect time. It doesn’t exist.

We are not promised tomorrow. We are barely promised the rest of today. So stop delaying your joy. Start showing up fully for your own life now, just as you are. Take the leap, make the call, submit the application, have the hard conversation—whatever it is you need to do, do it.

The more honest, brave, and intentional you are, the more aligned your life becomes. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just be willing to start. Be yourself, take action, and let life surprise you.

Self-acceptance is often a virtue we don't give enough credit to. Life blooms in front of you when you truly accept who you are. Have confidence that you are exactly "who and what" you are meant to be! ONLY after you have done this can you really accept others, learn from them, love them, inspire and guide them, influence their life, enjoy life with them, let them go as they discover their own life journey and not be judgmental, controlling, jealous, envious, demanding, or needy. When you love who you are, you can release yourself from your past, embrace your present, and be excited about the future! You are free to dream, create and visualize everything you want and welcome it with open arms as it comes to fruition.

Find a mantra that you can say to yourself daily. Something inspirational, something that makes you remember how great it is to be YOU!

Life loves you. Wants to sustain you. It wants you to be happy, healthy, inspired! Let life be this. Discard negativity, cast out negative thoughts. Let a radiance of positive energy flow through you, and out of you to the world.

Never doubt your own value and worth. You have a purpose here. You were not an accident. You are not a mistake.

As you travel through yourself and discover who you are and become confident in your value, share it with the world! We all have a responsibility to make this world a better place!