Happiness is...

"I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance, but by our disposition" ~Martha Washington

Happiness is such an elusive thing. Some people search for it their entire lives and never find it, and others seem to have an endless supply, regardless of their circumstance. So how does one person, who supposedly has everything anyone could ever want be so miserable and another person who has next to nothing be chronically cheerful? Well...I think I might actually have found the answer. 

Lets face it, sometimes life sucks. The smallest, stupidest thing can send your whole day off balance. Someone cuts you off in traffic, for example... You can: A.) let it affect the rest of your day, or B.) consider that although you came across one bad driver, there are thousands of people who drive everyday who obey the rules and practice the cooperation and patience required to allow the system to run smoothly. 
I also know people are completely removed from, yet are so affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, or tragedies such as the Aurora Shooting or Sandy Hook. Yes, we should all mourn these occurrences, and take time to honor those lives lost, as well as their loved ones. Truth is though, I love what happens afterward.. the outpouring of love and support from around the world. If there's one thing I love, it's watching many groups of people, who often have different backgrounds, values, and beliefs, come together to support a common cause. I always try to remember that, no matter how much bad there is in the world, there is just as much, if not more good in the world as well. 

Then there are those who are always waiting for something to make them happy, like that one job promotion, or finding the perfect man to start your life with. I think if you wait for the big things to make you happy, you're much less likely to notice and appreciate everything in between. I firmly believe that the key to overall happiness is stringing together all the little things, and defining your happiness in those small, everyday things. 

To me, happiness is...a boat ride on a beautiful Wednesday morning, or your little sister pushing you off the tube because your the only one who has yet to get wet, or randomly going to target and finding 4 mary kate and ashley movies for 12 bucks... nostalgia anyone?? <3