"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections." 

~ unknown

Even though I couldn't care less about which celebrity wore it best, I listened to the cashier at a local convenience store about 10 minutes this morning talk about it.

This little old lady, with her half buttoned smock and eye shadow up to her eyebrows waits on me almost every morning I go there. She always seems so happy.

At first I thought she was just faking a happy face, making the best of a situation I didn't know about. After all, she couldn't be happy working at the convenience store everyday, could she? BUT I was missing the biggest part of why I was happy when I saw her there...she DOES enjoy her job. She seems happy.....because SHE IS happy!

My life doesn't always look like I want it to. I spend many days going into work, when I'd rather work from home or from a beach-side office that I share with some other equally artistic people as me. I drive an old VW Passat, when I'd prefer a brand new Jeep Wrangler or Saab convertible.

But seriously, would the world change all that much if I had more money, a different job, or a nicer car? The wrapping paper would be different, but the gifts inside would stay the same.

The way I feel about myself; how much I open myself to new people and new experiences; how often I choose to smile or laugh just because it feels good. None of these things depend on my life situation.

So I'm gonna work hard on the following things:

1. Enjoy the present moment.  

2. Notice and appreciate the details. Enjoy the little things and your happiness will grow.  Think about things that fill you with joy...spending time with your kids, riding your bike, watching a movie with some good friends. Focus on those things, and let them brighten your day. That way, no matter what changes, you'll have a variety of simple pleasures to help you through.

3. Everyday is a new opportunity to be better then yesterday. Look at the things you do as opportunities to get better from one day to the next.

4. Always ask yourself - "How can I be that person I want to be in this moment?"

5. Find joy in the present moment - happiness is a moment-to-moment choice, one that many have a hard time making. Other people will notice if you make that choice. AND you will motivate them to do the same..

HAPPINESS is about how you interpret what's in front of you. How proud you are of the way you live your life. How willing you are to enjoy simple pleasures, even if things aren't perfect.