Can Michigan be happier than #29?

No beating around the bush today, Michigan is miserable.  I was researching happiness, which sounds kind of strange I know.  I came across a research article on WalletHub that had a ranking of states based on happiness.  Now the article goes into great detail about the parameters, and I will put the article in at the end so that you can see it for yourself.  MICHIGAN IS 29.

You are thinking that is just a little under half, but we are only 21 spots away from being last and 28 spots away from being first.  How can Michigan be so miserable?  We have the great lakes, Mackinac Island, the upper peninsula, and many other wonderful things.  So I started to look around at other ranking and the highest I found us on the scale was here at 29.  Others were ranked all the way into the 30s.  

After all this information was just seeping into my brain, my hubby and I decided to go on an adventure.  While we were out I started to look around, and I saw it.  I saw people walking around practically frowning everywhere.  I was walking around with a crackerjack smile on my face and people didn't even notice.  

NO WAY!

Then I started to think about the other places I have lived, and those people were all miserable as well.  This cannot be possible.  I have to change this.  We cannot be miserable.  Then I started thinking about all the people I know personally and I don't think but two of them are happy and trust me it isn't you.  

Spent a lot of time on the topic trying to wrap my brain around the idea of bringing happiness to Michigan or even just one person.  I think it needs to start with you.  Everything starts with working on yourself.  Never will you be able to give happiness to your family, your wife, your kids, or anyone if you are completely drained and miserable.  I believe that the first step to that is accountability.  

Accountability for yourself and your actions sounds better said than done.  Plus it is extremely scary to actually say I did all these bad things and if I say anything what will they say about me?  Some of the best people I know and the people I respect the most have been able to admit their faults, and apologize for them.  Making an actual connection with the people who you have lost because your ego has gotten in the way takes place by doing that.

You wonder why would she tell me to do that?  

WHAT WILL PEOPLE SAY?  

You need to have the uncomfortable conversations and these awkward situations.  They will make you grow to be better people.  People are always going to have something to say about you.  Many people know this to be true.  People are either going to accept you or not.  Whether they do,  is REALLY none of your business.  Some of the things you will say will probably upset people, and it may even make some people stop talking to you.  

THAT IS OKAY, THEY ARE NOT YOUR PEOPLE!!!

Not everyone is going to accept you and that is okay TOO.  By taking accountability, that shifts the energy from you to the other person.  Everyone makes mistakes, and serious ones too.  Everyone has skeletons that they don't want to come crashing out like the Kool-Aid man.  Once you can identify your faults and take responsibility for the things you need to change, you will feel better, and start the chain reaction to a better life.  

I am Ashley Levesque.  

I am on a mission to make Michigan a happier place.  

Happier than #29.  

Happy everywhere. 

I want to change people and the way they think.  

First of all thanks for reading, thanks for coming.  If you like the new layout let me know below.  I think it is easier to find things.  New subscribe link at the top to follow the blog here.  Thanks for all the encouragement I have been getting.  I really like it.  And thanks again.  Make sure to share :-)

Ranking found in charts and tables: 

https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-states/6959/