In a world full of darkness and despair, it is easy for us to separate ourselves from the world. It is easy to notice the hatred that runs through the course of the world throughout social media, the news, etc. We dissociate ourselves from those who do not seem to belong, or who may be struggling.
Sometimes the thing people need to see the most is the fact that they are not in this alone. In life in general, no one is truly alone. We all share common interests and goals, similar hopes and dreams, and along with the struggles that come as we figure out life as a whole separately and together.
A common thing we share is our desire and search for happiness. I find happiness in the little things in life such as serving, spending time with those I love most, watching my siblings cross the finish line at their cross country meet, smelling fresh cookies pulled out of the oven or even getting a simple text from a parent or grandparent letting me know they are thinking of me.
Everyone has their own way of finding happiness in their lives. It seems that as life goes on however, it becomes harder and harder to spend time doing the things that ground us and remind us of who we really are.
Life can be difficult right now, with depression, anxiety and fear flourishing. so I have committed the next year to my social platform, “Join the Happiness Project.” This social platform is centered around creating pro-social — activities or behaviors that benefit a community as a whole — events and mindsets that create a more positive environment as a whole in our communities.
I would love for you to join me in supporting those around us in our communities!
This can be done in several ways. Send me your ideas for activities and events, and buy a t-shirt (I currently have a fundraiser going on) to help fund events such as bingo nights, dances, game nights, etc. This t-shirt fundraiser ends on November 1, 2022.
I know that together we can bring our communities together, and grow as Garfield County as a whole. Join the Happiness Project. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish!
You can contact me at 435-201-7106 with ideas and to order shirts!
– by Hope Peterson (18) Miss Garfield County
Feature image caption: This year’s Miss Garfield, Hope Peterson, and her outstanding teen, McKynlee Cottam, are taking initiative on what they call “The Happiness Project.” The project helps organize pro-social activities to combat loneliness, anxiety, depression and fear in the community. Courtesy Hope Peterson.