We all want to be be happy. But what does that actually mean?
And while we’re sitting down making New Years Resolutions about being happier, it’s a great time to work out what that means.
Otherwise, resolving just to be happy is setting yourself up for failure.
Why?
Happiness itself is a vague idea and simply not a constant state of being -- it’s moments of our lives. Sometimes we seek them out, and sometimes they surprise us.
Well then how can you achieve it?
First, define it. Start with what makes you happy. When do you feel it, and why?

You’ll find those moments when your lips slightly part and curl up because you saw a funny commercial, when you spend time with a friend or when you smell fresh baked cinnamon rolls.
Then make a plan to continually put yourself in a position to smile.
Think about the ones you can control, like making your favorite cup of coffee or going out to a movie with a friend, and make plans. These become action items for good, continuing self-care.
Create a schedule. Once a day, once a week, or once a month, just as long as you continue to follow the best you can.
And don’t forget to write about it! Start a happy journal every time you get a positive feeling write it down so that when you have those face-in-the-mud-I-won’t-come-back-from-this-days, you can go back and read and get a glimpse of what happiness means to you.
Always remember that you have the power to control your happiness.
Happy New Year and here’s to a happier 2017!