My life has never gone the direction I want it to go. I've seen loved ones tragically pass away, and I've dealt with personal health challenges. I've had my heart broken and my hopes shattered over and over. Yet inside I can honestly say that I am happy.

I choose to do these 10 things:

1. I believe in God

Someone definitely listens as I pray. I feel in my soul that God does exist, and I believe he is a loving god who wants me to be happy.

Because I believe in God, I do my best to align my life with his commandments and teachings.

God knows better than me, and I trust in his plan and timing. This belief gives me hope.

2. I serve

Nothing feels better than helping someone else. Each day I think of someone I can reach out to with a phone call or text, and I volunteer when church or community opportunities arise. This deepens my gratitude and helps me forget about my own problems.

3. I exercise

All that stuff you hear about endorphins, yeah, it's true. I feel so great when I exercise, so I make it a daily priority. Feeling good about my body and health enhances every part of my life.

4. I work

I hate being idle. I love accomplishing tasks and seeing a finished product. I actually enjoy mowing the lawn and organizing my room because working helps me feel accomplished and productive. I try to keep myself busy and get things done.

Work is rewarding, and earning money is pretty great too.

5. I set goals

I never feel content and always strive to be better. The best way to accomplish this is by setting small, achievable goals and reviewing them often. Progress, in any degree, fuels happiness and generates achievement.

6. I eat chocolate

I don't make myself sick, but I eat chocolate, and it helps.

7. I play

I think life is meant to be fun!

I believe in middle-of-the-night road trips and grocery store dance parties. I make time for girl's nights, and I love an intense game of cards. I try new things and prioritize my hobbies. Laughter is a daily medication.

I play hard!

8. I create

As humans we have the ability to create something that has never existed before. Okay, THAT IS COOL! I am not artistic or musical or poetic, but I love to create. I take pictures, I write, and I color. I love to choreograph dances and make bracelets. And surprisingly, this makes me really happy.

9. I cry

I let myself be sad sometimes. It's possible to have bad days and cry yourself to sleep and also be totally happy deep within. Life is never perfect and it's important to grieve and acknowledge pain and heartache. If I'm having a bad day, I don't pretend to be fine. I spend adequate time being sad so that I can move on and be happy.

10. I fail

I take risks and put myself out there. I share my opinion and try new things, and inevitably, I fail. A LOT. But, surprisingly, the many failures in my life give me an opportunity to grow, and this has been a huge blessing in my life. I learn from failure. My character is tested and proved. I become stronger.

And once in a while, I succeed.