But whichever you pick, do it quick, 'cause you're starting to stick to the steps of the palace.

The way I see it, I've always had this idea that happiness is much more than the absence of tragedy. Just because you're not brokenhearted and miserable doesn't mean you're happy. I feel like a lot of people act like because there aren't horrendous events happening all around you, you should be happy. But I think it takes a little more than that. If there's always something missing in your life, it doesn't take the realization that you aren't surrounded by death and destruction to make you completely satisfied with your life. I'm not miserable. But I'm not really happy either. Because I know things could be a lot better, and I'd rather they be. Don't get me wrong, I'm appreciative of all that I do have in my life. But I've never been a settler. I can do better, have better, achieve better, realize better, experience better, and you're damn right I'm not going to be satisfied until I do. I'm happy periodically. But the kind of happy I'm talking about is the kind where everything is all and right in your life. And I kind of think that one day, when everything is all and right for me, I'll be glad that I never settled for less. Because I'll truly understand and appreciate what I've stumbled upon. Maybe I'll write myself a thank you note. 'Dear self, thanks. You know, for never giving up hope.' Until that day, I'll be happy to admit that I'm not truly happy. It's okay with me, I guess. That's what I am, I'm okay. I'm going, breathing, speaking, moving, living. And I'm okay. I could go after that happiness, and risk that everything will hurt and nothing will be okay anymore...or I could tread water. I can bank my okay, knowing it'll be there until I come across that little piece that was missing, the piece that finishes the happiness puzzle. So then which do you pick? Where you're safe, out of sight, and yourself but where everything's wrong? Or where everything's right and you know that you'll never belong? But hey, that's just the way I see it.