Such a simple yet, complex topic. Happiness. What is happiness? Have you ever found yourself wondering how to be happy? Most people at some point in life ask this question.

Too much work and not enough leisure or “me” time can leave you wondering what your life is about. Without finding the true passion in your life you will be left wondering what went wrong.

Exploring what happiness is, what it takes to be happy and how to be happy starts with truly understanding yourself.

What is your passion? What makes you tick? Who and what do you love? What’s important to you. These questions are just the beginning of finding real happiness.

How to Be Happy 101:

The following 5 points will outline how you can achieve self-driven happiness. It’s important to remember that happiness must come from within yourself first. After you figure that part out you can look to other sources of happiness from friends, family, travel, and leisure.

1. Self Confidence

Self-confidence is the first ingredient you need. If you don’t have an adequate level of self-worth and confidence it will be difficult to be happy.

Self-doubt and low self-esteem have a huge impact on your overall wellness and ability to perceive any real joy. Look yourself in the mirror and recite positive self-affirmations. Say to yourself; “I’m beautiful, I’m unique, I’m necessary, I’m brilliant, I’m capable.”

Even if you don’t believe it now you will after 30 days of self-affirmations in the mirror. Sit down and write everything you like about yourself. Your strengths, goals and positive points.

Reflect on these and take them in. Ask family and friends, even co-workers. Perhaps you have awards from work or certain achievements to look at.

2. Forget the Haters

Seriously, please do this. We live in a world where everything is broadcasted on social media, so it’s easy to see what people think of you. Don’t pay attention to negative words, thoughts or comments made about you.

Mostly because they’re just opinions from people who don’t even know the real you or see your true potential. You know who you are, what you do and how valuable you are to this world.

Never let anyone define your worth.

3. Stay Off Social Media

Everyone loves Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. But, sometimes it’s necessary to unplug from these apps/sites.

Give yourself a break from seeing the allusion of happiness on social media. The truth is everyone wants their life to look flawless and perfect on social media. No one will post about their failures or bad days so don’t beat yourself up over seeing an allusion which probably isn’t even real.

You will be much happier once you find balance and ground yourself in the real world. Reality isn’t on social media. Only fantasy and allusion.

4. Get Rid of Negative People

This may sound harsh, but get rid of negative family and friends. These people can be the absolute death of your self-esteem. Learning how to be happy starts with saying no to negative/toxic people.

This can be your boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, cousin, even your own parents. If someone is constantly belittling you, being rude and making you feel worthless then cut them off. Do it quickly and without justification.

You don’t need to justify your need for a peaceful life and sanity. There’s absolutely no way you can find happiness if someone is always being negative in your surroundings. You won’t even realize how big the burden is until you have a few weeks without the toxic relationship bringing you down.

5. Be Merciful and Seek Peace

Harboring grudges and negative thoughts will totally kill your happiness. The truth is we are all human and we all make mistakes. Let the hardships go and forgive. Forgiveness will help you move forward and live your best life.

Find peace with everyone you run into. Even if they don’t like you. Be the bigger person. The enlightened, peace-seeking person who has better things to do than argue or be bothered by someone else.

Remember you are in complete control of your actions. Knowing you’re in control can provide a certain peace and happiness in itself. No one has the power to make you react in a negative way.

Once you provide mercy and peace to every situation you will feel a weight being lifted off your shoulders.