Happiness. It’s something we all want, we all chase, and we innately need. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That’s why we’re here.

Happiness is waking up on a Sunday morning, with an orange glow peaking through the curtains and warming your skin. It’s the first sip of coffee with your fingers curled around the mug.

Happiness is paying for the person behind you; creating a chain reaction. It’s complimenting a stranger, making their day. Happiness is waving back at the children on the school bus. It’s your dog getting excited to greet you as you walk through the door.

Happiness is hugging someone when they need it most, putting their broken pieces back together. It’s going for a run in the rain. Happiness is finding a song that relates to exactly what you’re going through. It’s when you build up the courage to kiss the girl.

Happiness is driving with the windows down, shouting the words of a song with your best friends. It’s beach bonfires, s’mores, and skinny dipping after midnight. It’s your favorite pair of jeans, a flannel, and a baseball cap. It’s seeing your friend who’s been struggling finally succeed.

It’s realizing that you are alive for a fucking reason, and acting like it. It’s looking in the mirror and seeing how beautiful you are. It’s getting up, dusting yourself off, and trying again. It’s about looking back to see the footprints of love and kindness you’ve left in this world.

And happiness is a choice. I hope you find the strength to choose it every day.