I was reflecting on my life very much at the start of the new year and while I know I live a blessed life, I also know that I live an extremely happy and fulfilling one as well. People who know me personally know that I am not someone who gets sad easily and depression is definitely not something I can say I have truly ever experienced on a deep level. Of course there are days that bring its challenges but in the grand scheme of things, I love the life I am creating everyday and genuinely am a happy individual. Am I just born this way or am I doing something differently? Can others learn to live happier lives themselves?

My biggest advice is simple and it is a general principle that I have applied throughout my entire lifetime, both on a conscious and subconscious level: Find meaningfulness in your life and you will always find happiness. It is important to find meaning in all areas of your life whether it be within your profession, relationships, friendships, hobbies, etc. By finding meaning, I mean actually have a genuine connection and affinity towards everything you pursue. Don’t waste your time working for a company that you hate and that brings you down. Don’t invest your time in meaningless relationships that don’t have a significant impact on your heart. Don’t go through the motions of life because you feel you are “supposed to do something” or because “everyone is doing it.” You need to carve your own path and strive to find meaning behind everything that you do and happiness will always follow.