So here is what it took me 28 years to figure out. I hope your sitting, because this is so ungroundbreaking, it is groundbreaking. You decide how to shape the world around you. I know, it sounds sort of Matrix-esque and in a way it is. I’ve spent much of my life worrying about the future and dwelling on the past. The problem is try as we might, existence is pretty linear and the part we have the most control over is the present. Sure, it is shaped by the past and will shape the future, but the only guaranteed thing you have is the NOW.


So now that I covered the whole existential existence thing in one paragraph, I will attempt to tell you the key to happiness. Decide to be happy. It is so true. I spent most of my young life depressed. At first, it was just because the opposite of depressed looked kid of dorky. All the kids I looked up to smoked, wore black and listened to Nine Inch Nails. So it looked cool. Eventually, I spent enough time pretending to be unhappy that I eventually became unhappy.


So here is the rub, so to speak. You have to just decide you’re going to be happy no matter what. I know someone right now who is getting chemotherapy and this person ranks among the happiest I have ever known. I also know quite a few people that have no legitimate problems and they manage to remain miserable. So you choose your team. Sometimes, you’ll play for both in the same day, but honestly the level of contentment and happiness you find in life is in the hands of one person and that person is you. You can take the ball and run with it or sit on the sidelines and complain.

I promise I will never use a sports analogy again. Just understand that the neurotic melancholy I write about on my blog is very real. I feel it, acknowledge it and live fully in that moment. Then I pick up from there and enjoy my life. 96% of the time I’m content, happy and well adjusted. It just seems the other 4% motivates me to write. Have a great weekend and remember a smile is only cheesy if you go dow…never mind.