I am pretty confident that underneath it all we all know and believe this. Yet, I also think we allow the external environment influence and coax us into thinking we need people and things to be happy. Well, to some extent those things absolutely contribute to our happiness, but they are not the basis- you are.

Often this very simple truth is muddled by the complications of life- though life is only as complicated as you want it to be. Yep, you do have control- reclaim it! It starts with making time for yourself. Perhaps you dedicate an hour every night before you go to bed to read something enriching or inspiring and take time to reflect upon your day and your actions. Are you who you want to be? How do you manifest what you want? Taking time out to think about it and envision it is a great start.

You can also check in with yourself throughout each day. Are you nourishing and appreciating yourself? Maybe a little more water would help you feel better? Or fitting in thirty minutes at the gym? Maybe it is something as simple as finding a beautiful piece of music and listening to it to bring your mood up and allowing yourself to feel happy.

Being happy requires your own acceptance and celebration first. What do you do for you? Even something as small as making the bed each morning sends the message that you care for yourself and the environment you create.

I don’t know everything, in the slightest way, but what I do know is that you cannot control other people- you can only control yourself and your thoughts and perceptions. So be strong in your determination to honor yourself and provide for your own happiness, because only you can make you happy.