Finding Life’s Ultimate Treasure: Happiness

It’s not easy to remain internally happy when your external surroundings aren’t ideal. Earlier this year, I came to a powerful realization: you cannot change what is out of your control. I have since learned to embrace the aspects of my life that I can align my interests to,  to foster my own happiness. I’m going to share some steps you can take to prioritize joy in your life by focusing on your needs. 

Ignore the “Distractions” Around You

As we mature, who we are is not always solely based on our inner self. Our external experiences play a major role in developing our identity, which reinforces the importance of making thoughtful choices. Sometimes our impulses get the better of us, and we forget what is truly needed to achieve our goals. For instance, after seeing all my friends find a boyfriend, I felt that I needed one as well. During this time, my mind was not firmly set on my dreams, as I did not consider that relationships take time and effort. Being in a relationship made me feel less happy than I already was. I was losing sight of the career goals that I had dreamed of since I was a little girl, all because of my fear of missing out. 

What I learned from this experience is to ensure you constantly reflect on who you are, and what you long to achieve. I realized that all individuals are different, and I have no obligation to follow anyone else’s path. Changing the world through medicine is my passion, and it requires a lifetime of dedication. I believe that you can only find happiness if you are working towards what you long for, and thus it is crucial to stay true to your dreams no matter what external influences are at play.

Do Not Base Your Happiness on Others

The only thing we truly have control over is ourselves. It is unrealistic to hope that others will act the way that you want them to, for we can never know what they are going through. It is inevitable that their emotions will fluctuate, and thus it makes no sense for you to base your happiness on them. If you fall into a pattern of tying your emotions to others, then you will only feel happy if they are happy. If they are sad, then you must also be sad. It could get to a point where you feel like you are not who you once were, that you are not the same person who had a goal for their future and the motivation to achieve it.

Motivation is quite interesting. You require it to feel happy, but you cannot obtain it without happiness. At the end of the day, it is essential to live for you and only you, because it gives you a purpose every single day.

Follow the trends you want, wear the outfit you want, and ultimately, be the person you want. When you take control of yourself, you have the power to create happiness in your life, because you are the only one holding the steering wheel. 

Surround Yourself with Real Friends 

Most of the adults in our lives have lived through the exact same experiences as us. Consequently, many adults tell us to make friends with people who truly care for us. As young adults, we are constantly faced with complex situations, one of them being determining who belongs in our friend circle. 

If there is one thing that I have learned in my lifetime, it’s that your friends can make or break you. When I was younger, one of my friends was very toxic. She would verbally attack the way I dressed, the way my family behaved, and tell me that I was not fit for success. This “friend” put me in a dark hole, and the only way I thought I could get out was by changing myself. 

Happiness left my life because I made the wrong choice in who I could be vulnerable with. To ensure that you don’t make the same mistake, surround yourself with people who you know will have your best interests at heart.

Make the right choice by surrounding yourself with individuals who share the same interest as you—your happiness. Real friends are people who will remain by your side no matter what, and they are essential to remaining truly happy.

In summary, life is full of hard choices and challenges. But that’s part of what makes this journey so unforgettable. If you remain true to yourself by reflecting on what you need to achieve your goals, you will naturally make the right choices for you. It will be hard at times to resist the temptations and peer pressure around you, but just remember to prioritize your long-term goals over short-term happiness. You will begin to embrace the road to success and find true happiness in your life.