The Pursuit of Happiness

I've never really been a happy person. There were days when I can honestly say I was happy (when my son was born leads the pack), but for the most part, I've been a relatively grouchy individual. Negative. Sarcastic. Gloomy some might say.

I was once bound by so many chains. More than I care to count, really. My baggage was large and heavy, and it affected everyone around me. My house became a disaster area, full of clutter and dirt. My office was a misery – and getting up for work every morning a struggle. My son was unhappy and acting out at school, and my father and I barely talked.

My life was a waste of time. My gloom showed in pounds of fat.

But here is what I've come to realize:  If we hug all of the world’s negativity to our chests, we have no room for joy. If we bury our heads in the ground like a cowardly ostrich, we’ll never see the sun. If we let grudges and sadness overwhelm us, we’ll never be able to come up for air. Depression, unhappiness, stress – these are all chains to ground us, hold us down, and keep us from our goals and dreams.

I will longer let negativity, unhappiness, spinelessness, and stress rule my life.

I will ride like the wind on my bike.

I will breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sunshine.

I will dance in the rain.

I will cultivate deeper relationships with people I care about.

I will be kind to all people no matter what the circumstance.

I will finally live my life, not let it live me.

I will do all this, and more, while embracing a healthier lifestyle and loving myself. I think I deserve this life. I hope I can prove it.