So many of us go through life carrying an ever-increasing load of emotional baggage, which weighs us down and holds us back from achieving what we are truly capable of.  And I’m here to implore you to put down that “baggage” . . . or better yet, metaphorically take a trip to the “shore of your happiness” and throw that baggage as far into the sea as you can, and never look back.

And for God’s sake, don’t let everyday set-backs deter you, or otherwise divert your focus as your sojourn along your path toward self-actualization . . . for your happiness is too important (remember, it is your reason for being) — and this is the case not merely for you, but for your loved ones as well.  This is because your happiness is naturally imparted on others you interact with, and tends to manifest in multiples with those you are closest with . . . which is a good thing, because happiness can be extremely contagious.

A recent case in point was observed in American Idol contestant Haley Reinhart, who was subjected to some unexpected harsh criticism from the Judges (particularly Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson) in the first of her two performances; however instead of folding, she maintained her focus and came out “like a lioness” in her follow-on effort, and gave the performance of the night, the season , , , and perhaps ever.

Such is the importance of believing in yourself (especially when others may not), while maintaining your focus and living in the moment with a sense of purpose in EVERYTHING that you do — for if you are able to do so, you’ll surprise even yourself at what you are able to accomplish.

In the above video, Haley empirically demonstrated how THE PAST DOES NOT EQUAL THE FUTURE.