Sometimes the hardest thing in life (other than that whole “being alive” thing) is being happy. Everyone is trying to find happiness or stay happy in any way they can. We all have some idea of what it feels like, and yet, if we’re such experts on being happy why are we not just doing it constantly?

There is no BIG SECRET THAT EVERYONE EXCEPT FOR YOU KNOWS, although it can sometimes feel like that. Lately I’ve been forgetting these basic, common truths, so this post is me telling myself what I already know. Hopefully you’ll find the reminder equally useful. –Adam J. Kurtz

how to be happy happier: embrace yourself, acknowledge the sad, create & meet goals, find fresh inspiration, sunshine & rainbows, celebrate everything, feel content, forget the destination
embrace yourself: life is constantly reminding us about what we dont have, but what about all that we do have? what makes you special? what do you have to offer the world around you? what do you enjoy? find the things that you do love about yourself. theyre enough.
acknowledge the sad: hiding your darkest feelings from strangers is probably smart??? hiding them from yourself is not. recognize what is hurting you. take steps to address it. this might mean talking to somebody who understands. this might mean taking real time to process.
create and meet goals: having something positive to look forward to is important. we no longer have the structure of childhood to keep us motivated and subsequently rewarded. so set goals for yourself, big or small. then meet them. then set new ones & keep on going (forever).
find fresh inspiration: your thing can start to feel like the only thing, but theres just so much to experience, learn or invest in. this doesnt mean a career change, its just nice to remember the world has plenty to offer. travel more, read more, learn new skills & try new things.
sunshine & rainbows: its not all sunshine and rainbows, but a lot of it actually is! sunshine is literally good for you, so go soak up that vitamin D. the sun is a massive star that will outlive all of us. as for rainbows, well, youve got to weather the storm first. hang in there.
celebrate everything: the things you take for granted are likely major accomplishments for someone else. paying rent on time is an accomplishment. getting errands done is an accomplishment. even just waking up is an accomplishment worth celebrating (possibly with coffee).
feel content: nobody gets everything they want. there will always be something. new problems arise. instead of striving for perfection, strive for contentedness. find a way to be happy with what you already have and youll always have exactly what you need.
forget the destination: you dont even need this one but here it goes anyway!!!!!! happiness is not a place, it is a journey. you do not arrive at joy, but you can strive to create it in small & enjoyable ways. stop searching for the end or itll find you before you ever find it.

If you have other tips or advice on being happy, let me know in the comments. Sorry, does this sound desperate?? I just feel like I could use a little extra help this month and maybe I’m not the only one.

THINGS ARE WHAT YOU MAKE OF THEM: Life Advice For Creatives by Adam J. Kurtz
Things Are What You Make of Them: Life Advice for Creatives

Adam J. KurtzAdam J. Kurtz is a Brooklyn-based artist and author of several books including the international-bestselling 1 Page at a Time journal. His dark (but optimistic) humor comes to life in an offbeat line of gifts and small trinkets. Follow @ADAMJK for more.

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