Aristotle's Wise Words

"Coffee shops and drizzling rain, 70s tunes brought back to fame. My tea is hot and burns my tongue, I sit back and think of summer, of dancing in the sun. Students are studying, friends are giggling, couples blush as they speak quietly to each other...."

What you just read was an excerpt of my actual journal. I wanted to document a moment where I felt truly content with life, a moment where I felt present and in the "now". I am fortunate to have these minor epiphanies on an almost daily basis, but I know for many people it is hard to take a moment and actively feel joy. It's quiet sad actually: In this day and age, where technology has sped up our communication and has heavily affected not only our attention span but also our patience, it's difficult for people to take a moment and realize how lucky they are to be alive. When was the last time you took a moment to take in your surroundings, to count your blessings, to appreciate the fact that you are alive and well? It's probably been awhile... And that's okay!! Because guess what? You can start now! Take a moment right now to just sit back and appreciate your life in this moment and time. You are alive. You are healthy. You have everything you need and more (I mean if you're reading this, it's probably off of a smart phone or computer...). There is someone out there who cares so much about you. You are so incredibly special and nobody in this world could ever fill your place.

I am not only lucky because I have these bursts of gratitude on an almost daily basis, but after a lot of hard work and patience with myself, I have come to truly love myself. Here's the thing, for some reason its "cool" to not love yourself. If you think you're beautiful, intelligent, awesome etc. you're considered vain and narcissistic. On the other hand, if you believe that you are worthless, unimportant and a piece of trash, people will say that you're pathetic and need to stop being so self-pitiful. So really there are no winners. But in 2016, I made it a goal to love myself by the end of the year. Basically this can be achieved in many different ways, and everyone has to find his/her own way, but for me it was to eat foods that made me feel good, take up journaling, meditation and yoga (hippie liberal vegan chick, yup that's me!). The change I found in myself was remarkable. I am happier than I've ever been, I am more grateful for everyday occurrences, and I feel as though I am one with nature and the universe. I mean honestly, sometimes I will be sitting on my bed, doing absolutely nothing, seriously nothing(!) and all I can think is that I am so happy and grateful to be alive and to be where I am at, surrounded by the people I'm surrounded by. I hope everyone can come to a point and feel that way as well, because it's incredible.

Here are some of my tips (that truly helped me) to becoming a happier person:

1. Appreciate the little things. This one can be very challenging. You'd think "aw what? No, I've totally got this! Please, I am the master at appreciating the little things." But honestly it took me a while before I got the hang of this one. It's well worth it though. 
2. Expect nothing. "Wow, way to be super vague. What does this even mean?" Here's the thing, if you stop pinning false realities on events that haven't happened yet, or on people who are not yourself, you will be much more receptive of the outcome. For me, I practiced this on Christmas. I told my parents I didn't want anything, because truly I didn't need anything. I went into Christmas with no expectation, and was therefore exceedingly grateful for what I did receive.
3. Stop holding on to stuff. Physical items, while great to look at or wear or whatever, have no true value. Don't get me wrong, the diamond necklace you got for your anniversary by all means do not throw that out, but that one ragged shirt you forgot you had that's at the bottom of your drawer... I mean do you really need that? (I doubt it). I know getting rid of "things" can be tough, especially if they hold a sentimental value, but you will feel so much better after doing so. If you don't believe me, there are many great books out there to help you de-clutter! 
4. Go outside. The outdoors work wonders. It's hard to find a place that is untouched by man's concrete jungle, but the next time you feel anxious or stressed take a break from your technology and go outside, even if it's only for 10 seconds. Breathe in some fresh air and practice being present in the moment. (Bonus points if you take a walk while leaving your phone at home!)
5. Be a little selfish. This is something I learned in the last few weeks: It's okay to be selfish sometimes. I mean this in the sense that truly you need to live life for yourself and do what makes you happy, and if some of your friends don't vibe the same way, then might just have to say: "Sorry, I'm doing this for myself."

Granted, there is so much more that goes into becoming a happy person, but these are some great starting points. As I said above, people need to find their own way to loving themselves and to becoming happier people. 

Start small: for a week, find something you're grateful for each morning. Find something you like about you yourself, this doesn't have to be physical, liking your tenacity or your cooking skills is wonderful too. Talk to people who make you feel good. 

Being truly happy is a difficult path to follow, but the end result is so so so worth it. 

Aristotle said it best, "Happiness depends upon ourselves." You only have one life, start appreciating the heck out of it while you still can! Life is fantastic and people need to start realizing it.

Even in dark times, finding small things to be thankful for will bring positivity to you and hopefully create a more favorable mindset for the bigger picture.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderfully happy day!