Do What Makes You Happy

Life can be quite simple. If you let it be, that is. And you know how you simplify things ... do what makes you happy. The complications begin when you start doing things you don't want to do.

Doing things you don't want to doesn't make your life more complicated because they are difficult tasks (although some may be), they complicate it because you put effort into thinking about all you want to do. Wouldn't it just be easier to do what you want?

Now, don't take this the wrong way. Sometimes we really do have to do things we don't want to ... just make sure there's a reason behind them. For example, I didn't want to take that Advanced Business Calculus class in college, but I did. I knew it would take care of a lot of requirements, and I wanted a college degree. I did it for what I ultimately wanted.

See, I'm not saying you should drop every class you don't want to take, or quit your job because it's not exactly what you want to do. Stick with those philosophy and biology classes, because you're doing it for what you want in the end. And, don't just quit your job. Keep at it, but don't stop looking for what makes you happy. And if you do quit, make sure to save money so you can live without worrying. Or you could always do something crazy like move from Wisconsin to New York City (on a side note, I did prepare and save for my move)! Remember, it takes more than a day job to define who you are. There's plenty of other hours in a day to do what you love, so do it ... don't just think about.

Once you realize what makes you happy, go for it and conquer it. Whether it be prosecuting criminals in a courtroom, performing in front of people in an East Village bar or throwing your bachelor/bachelorette lifestyle away to be with someone you really want.

Stop trying to please others. You can't always do what your parents want and you can't be everything to everybody. Just be everything for yourself. And when you have to do something you don't want to, think about why you're doing it. If it's not bringing you closer to what you ultimately want, then what are you doing? Don't tell me you're doing it solely for money ... I will want to punch you in the face. Actually, you should want to punch yourself in the face. You should know money won't bring happiness, you fool. I realized that when I decided to major in journalism. I obviously made that choice because it made me happy. My future salary never crossed my mind ... and it still doesn't.

Everyone can be happy. The best people in the world are. And I bet they are all doing what they want with their lives.

Just remember that you can't always have your cake and eat it too. It's better to eat the cake and have a better reward in the end ... better than just a cake to look at. And, you'll still be hungry.