One of my favorite chapters in the book, was where Connor listed where he found his happiness. Therefore, it sparked my interest to reflect on where I find my happiness.
Where I Find Happiness
- Sitting on my balcony on a rainy morning with a cup of coffee.
- Putting on warm clothes straight from the dryer.
- People watching at the Seattle Center (where the Space Needle located) and coffee shops.
- Taking sunset walks. In my opinion, like snowflakes, no two sunsets are the same. I seem to breathe better and think less when watching a sunset over the Olympic Mountains.
- Cooking new recipes. I am definitely more of a cook than a baker, and there is something so rewarding with successfully creating a recipe from a cookbook.
- Hibernating with a book with the weight and warmth of heavy blankets on me. I am definitely tactile-seeking; therefore, the weight of blankets is very soothing while I am engrossed with reading a new book.
- Hiking and wandering around in nature. I become fully immersed in my surroundings, and it is a truly liberating experience.
- Watching home videos. I had an amazing childhood, and I am fortunate my parents recorded most of it. To see my childhood experiences and adventures through my eyes as an adult, reinforces how lucky I am to have memories that I can rewatch over and over again, especially since many of my relatives have passed away.
- Photography. Since moving to the PNW, I have gone through a lifestyle change. I explore more; I try new things more, and document things more with taking photos. It brings me instant joy to go back through my camera roll and see the things I have done already, which of course, sparks my desire to do more amazing things.
- Embracing the inner foodie in me. I love devouring as much food as possible while traveling, and definitely prefer doing family-style at meals.
- Autumn is my favorite season. Seattle is less busy. Hikes are so beautiful that I have to remember that what I am seeing is truly reality and not a fantasy. In addition, autumn eats (casseroles, soups, crockpot recipes) are my comfort foods.
- Purging my belongings and giving them to charity. As I have gotten older, I have been trying to be less materialistic. It is comforting to get rid of something in my life that I am no longer using, and knowing it will eventually get to someone that needs/wants it.
- Skyping with friends and family. It is difficult being thousands of miles away from those that I love. This is one of the times where I will endorse technological advancements, because it allows me to stay in touch, and to be part of things happening far away from me.
- Listening to music. I am still working on the power of silence and finding comfort in that. I listen to music as much as I can; in the car and walking throughout the city I listen to music a lot, and it aids me in collecting my thoughts, and also it aids in me in turning my brain off.
- Making lists. This is another way for me to organize my thoughts and to make goals for the future. Crossing things off my lists is so satisfying.
- Going offline. Although I enjoy seeing updates on social media, there is definitely something catharsis about not having the capability to be online. No matter how much I try not to let news and updates affect my emotions, it happens. Therefore, I find it a necessity to spend a chunk of time where I go offline.
- Thunderstorms. I am known as a pluviophile (a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days), but my love for thunderstorms goes back to when I was child in the Midwest. In the Midwest, we have thunder so strong it shakes the walls and hanging pictures fall to the floor. In Seattle, thunderstorms are rare, and so when they do occur, it is so lovely to sit inside reading a book, playing board games, or binge-watching something on TV.
- Getting snail mail that isn't a bill or junk. I love getting cards, post cards, and letters from friends and family.
- Going on road trips with friends. There is just something about traveling with friends, especially old friends, that heightens my sense of adventure and willingness to try new things.
- Clean apartment. I enjoy my apartment to be organized and clean. However, before I leave for vacations or a weekend getaway, I always deep clean my apartment; because there is no better feeling than coming back to a clean apartment after traveling.
Ultimate Happiness: Having the courage to move to cities and jobs and not be stuck or settle. This mantra has led me to the fulfilling and rewarding life I currently have in Seattle. I am a creature of habit, and a type-A personality, so challenging myself to seek and follow through with new experiences is a major accomplishment for me!
So what brings you happiness, and are you taking enough time to assure you are happy with yourself and with others?
