BEING A HAPPY TEENAGER
Andrew Matthews
Happiness
You can think of many things that can make you scream and cry out of anger. If you try to list all the things you hate in this world, it would probably be a very long list. However, just like thinking about everything you hate, you can also choose to think about the things you love. You can make a long list of the things that make you happy. Instead of thinking about all the bad things in life, choose to look at the good side. If you focus on the things that make you smile, you will be happy. Happiness comes easily when you look at the things you love. Whoever told you that you needed to change yourself to be happy was lying. Happiness comes in all shapes and sizes. You can be tall, short, skinny, or chubby, and you will still be happy. Stop focusing on the outside labels and appearances. Happiness comes only to those who truly accept themselves. Comparing yourself to other people will only make you miserable. If you are happy, you will attract happy people too. It’s just the way the world works. What you feel on the inside gets to the outside. It is why keeping a positive mindset can change your experiences in life.
Don’t believe it? Let’s look at Jenny. Jenny was invited to a birthday party across from her house. Being friends with the other kid’s mom, Jenny’s mom forced her to attend the party. Jenny refused, saying that she didn’t want to go. However, her mom said it would be a good social event where she could make friends. Jenny wasn’t that good at communication, so she had some difficulties making some friends. On her way to the house, Jenny was already sure it would be a terrible night. She knew she wouldn't make any friends and would go home more miserable than ever. At the end of the night, Jenny was right. No one said a single word to her. However, it wasn't because they didn't want to. Many people wanted to be friends with Jenny, but she kept an angry and intimidating look that scared them away. She looked so miserable that no one wanted to go near her. Because Jenny was too busy thinking about how terrible the night was, she didn’t notice how other people wanted to talk to her. This situation is a perfect example of how your feelings can get on the outside. If Jenny had been more open and positive about the idea, maybe she would have had a new friend by the end of the night. Stop worrying about everything too much. Fear is caused by excessive worrying about what could happen. By focusing too much on the future, you forget to live in the present. If worrying won’t do you any good, then why worry in the first place?
If you want to make a difference, take action instead of worrying. Doing something will allow you to change what is to come. Replace all your worries with positive thoughts. Think about what you want to happen and manifest it. Happiness comes from acceptance and choosing to be happy. Some people have problems, but still, they are happy. If you think you will be happier without all of your problems, you need to rethink your life. Happiness comes despite all your problems. Even the poorest people are still happy because they chose to be. Practice gratitude and find happiness in contentment. Don’t look for the things you don’t have and think about the things that you have. If you learn to appreciate what you have, you will discover the ultimate kind of happiness.