The past few days have been absolutely lovely – weatherwise – here in Minnesota.  Granted, it’s likely a titch warmer than it is supposed to be at this time of year, but who am I to complain.  The sky has been stunning – bright blues, fairly cloud free, and just picture perfect and smile inducing.

It is quite the contrast to what has been going on generally in the world. It seems as if over the last few weeks (and months and years really) there has been a lot more negativity especially in the ways that people are talking to each other and about each other.  Granted, we’re in an election year (with two especially divisive constitutional amendments on the ballot here in MN), and this has become expected, but it doesn’t mean it’s right.  I have a hard time, at times, reading the news or going on twitter because of the hate being shared and spread just makes me feel . . . .sad.

Now, I’m smart enough to know that I can’t change the entire world, I can’t make everyone have a positive worldview.  But what I can do is control my own worldview and how I interact with those around me.  I can make choices that further my happiness and are right for me.  For too long I ignored these things – the positive forces around me.  I would find reasons to avoid it or get rid of it for a variety of reasons.  Once I stopped fighting against my own happiness and fighting for it, I realized that life is good.  Now, this doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and puppies, but once you realize that making decisions that are pro-you is not only easy, but rewarding, things come into focus.  Sometimes it’ll take awhile, and be hard, but seriously – fight to be happy.  Don’t stop, ever.  When it gets challenging, take small steps but keep moving!  Surround yourself with positive people and with what makes you happy.  Don’t live for someone else’s view of what life is or should be – live for yours.  Listen to yourself, and to quote one of my favorite musicals, “trust your instincts, close your eyes, and leap” towards the things that make you happy.

I will end this post with a quote from an episode of Warehouse 13:

“The world has joy in it. When you find a place that allows you to experience that joy. When you find people that make you feel safe and loved, like you belong. You don’t walk away from it. You fight for it. The world is such a scary place. Sometimes it seems like it’s nothing but anger. And violence. And hurt. It can be terrifying when you’re out there in it. But if you know where to look for it… the world also has warmth. And love. And forgiveness. The world has joy in it. When you find a place that allows you to experience that joy, when you find people that make you feel safe and loved, like you belong… you don’t walk away from it. You fight for it.“

A/N: The title of this post comes from this song.  Go listen, ok?