Lately...

I've been thinking a lot about happiness and joy.

And how skewed our perception of these two words really are.

I spent a large majority of my life thinking things like "When _____ happens, then I'll be happy"

"When I am a missionary, all of my problems will disappear, and I'll be happy"

"When I've been out six months... things will get easier and then I'll be happy"

"When school starts, I'll be happy"

"When I'm in a relationship, then I'll be happy"

Do you see how detrimental these thoughts are? 

I have some sad news. I've been a missionary, I've started school, and I've been in plenty of relationships that aren't happy.

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I don't think we ever really "arrive" at our individual perception of a perfect life, but, I do think that we can choose each day to be happy despite our circumstances.

As I was walking to class on the first day of school, it hit me. I was truly happy. Not because I was finally married or engaged or out of debt or skinny.

But because I chose to be.

"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who, thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout their lives. These are they who are truly happy." 

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf