..."And they lived happily ever after." 

What does that even mean? Did Cinderella and her prince get married, move to the suburbs and have two little blond kids? Maybe Snow White opened a wildly successful culinary school with her prince and slowly worked their way to fame and fortune. Did Ariel marry Eric, open a singing school, and inspire the lives of children forever? What is all this "Happily Ever After" nonsense? What happens after the credits roll at the end of a Disney film?

My idea of a "happily ever after" is marrying my best friend, having three kids, enjoying my job, but putting my family and friends first. Financial security is crucial, but there's no need to be grossly rich. Maybe there will be a boat, maybe not. And that's it. No prince on a noble steed coming to whisk me off into the sunset. No spell needs to be broken. No song and dance - just simple happiness.

Too often, I think people have this idea of "happily ever after" as something that will happen in the future and that they have to wait for it as if it hasn't happened yet. Why isn't it "happily ever right now"? I'm not married and I don't have three kids, but I definitely enjoy my job and still put my family and friends first. Maybe I'm a broke college kid, but that's okay. The boat, that will come. Right now, I'm happy. Tomorrow, I will be happy. In ten years, when my "happily ever after" stuff has come, I will be happy.

What I'm getting at it that people are always waiting for happiness. Appreciate now. We wait all week for the weekend. We wait all December for Christmas. We wait all year for school to be over and for the summer to come. Why wait? "Happily ever after" is great, but "happily ever right now" is what's important. 

I have this theory: People should take some advice from dogs. Dogs know how to live.

1. Sit.
What's the point in getting stressed out? Just relax. Find the perfect spot on the couch and curl up. Get someone to pet you if they're around.

2. Stay.
When you've got good people around you, don't go anywhere.

3. High Five.
Never pass up a good high five. The worst is leaving someone hanging. People generally get mad if you do this.

4. Greet people with love.
Whenever you see someone for the first time, run up to them and shower with kisses and wagging tails. It will make them happy to feel loved.

5. Take advantage of your "cute face".
Sometimes, people just need to be convinced with a little puppy dog face. It helps, trust me. (But don't abuse it; people won't take you seriously anymore.)

6. When you find good food, eat it.
Maybe it's not so often you find an awesome treat, so when you do, don't pass it up!

7. Wag your tail.
When you're happy and you know it, let other people know it. Happiness is contagious.

8. Chase your tail.
Everyone's gotta play once in a while. Even if you look a little ridiculous doing it, go for it. 

9. Go for a walk.
Exercise is important.

10. Kiss.
Show your love.