The Recipe for Happiness

A few semesters ago I wrote a research paper on Happiness and wether or not it is something that can be defined. In terms, happiness is "a state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy." But I wanted to find out exactly what makes you feel that! My conclusion was that happiness is simply different for each person. Over the past few years, my happiness seemed to be confused and lost. I was on this ultimate search for it, when really it was within me all the time. I was just too stubborn to see it. Over the past few months, I have felt utterly filled with complete happiness. I have also come to the conclusion that the recipe for happiness has one ingredient....GRATITUDE. Therefore this post is a list of just 10 of the things I am grateful for or the reasons why I am happy!

1. Jesus Christ- Through Christ's atonement, I am able to feel the remarkable sensation of forgiveness. My life has been truly blessed having been raised in the Gospel & being able to lean on the Savior at ALL times.



2. My Family- 'Ohana means family, Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.' My family is my biggest support. Without them, my life would have no meaning. They are truly remarkable and have helped me grow and learn from the many experiences we have gone through. My mom & my brother are my best friends. And my grandparents have been some of the biggest influences on my life. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for their teachings and examples.



3. Job- Although monetary value is not the most important thing for happiness, it is a necessity. I am so grateful for my job that allows me to eat, have a car, go on vacations, buy clothes, etc. Thank You Luke for giving me a job especially in these hard times!



4. Scriptures/Prophets- The sciptures and the counsel from our Prophets help me get day to day. They give me guidance and help me make many of my decisions!



5. Sunshine & Smiles- What more can you ask for in a day than sunshine & smiles. I love SUNSHINE! Feeling the warmth of the sun or seeing the rays shine down on us is one of the most enjoyable things to me. Not only that, but how can you resist feeling good when someone smiles at you! Also, when I smile I feel much happier. If there were just a few more smiles throughout your day, wouldn't the world be such a better place??



6. Good Friends & Lovers- Ashlyn & Bethanie are two people I am grateful to have in my life. They listen to me complain, repeat myself, be indecisive and a little silly most the time! But I am so glad to have good friends who are there for me! Thank you Bethanie for being my conscience and helping me make better desicions! :) Also to my Lovers...you know who you are :) Thank you for helping me grow and learn about life. 



7. The Gym- I like to refer to the gym as my "Perfect Boyfriend". He's there for me at any hour of the day, makes me a better person, & always makes me happy due to the release of endorphins. Working out always makes me feel better about myself. Even if I look the same, it makes me feel accomplished!



8. Music- The good thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain...Everyone knows music is my life. It takes me to a different place. Music gets me through the good, the bad, and the ugly! Would DIE without it!



9. Freedom- Many times I take this for granted. How grateful I am to live in a country where I can go and do as I please. And thank you to all the soldiers who are or who have fought for me and my freedom.



10. Trials- Although at the time trials can be very hard and make me very sad, they have made me who I am today! I am so happy that I have got to experience life so that I can further help others by having my own knowledge.