Things Happy People Do

I just finished reading over this article and found it extremely interesting.

I found that I do almost all the things on this list quite regularly.

I do however have one that I felt stuck out like a sore thumb.
"They devote some of their time to giving." 
I hardly volunteer. I'd like to use the excuse that I'm a busy college student, but aren't we all busy? I would truly love to find something to connect with and get that "helper's high". What a feeling... feeling so overjoyed because you helped another person? What a vague concept for us selfish human beings. But, isn't it so awesome that all the things that lead to depression, loneliness and sadness are self-seeking and it is the opposite of those that lead to happiness? Sure, you may argue that a few extra z's are self seeking, but at church this morning the pastor mentioned how you are really abiding by God's plan for you if you rest. We all need to recharge our batteries and think ourselves sometimes, but the key is to not make it all the time.

I also heard this week from my yoga instructor that people who are anxiety ridden do better on tests if they take the time to write down things that mean a lot to them before starting the exam. Crazy huh? I think I shall try it.

Just a thought of the day.

Ps. A few things that make me happy:
Clean sheets
A purring cat
Bubble baths
A dancing flame on a scented candle
A good book
Plugging in the Christmas lights above my bed
Going on a walk
Fall winds
Making a painting for a gift
Having deep conversations with my roommates
Listening to good music
Driving with my windows down
Yoga class
A good cappuccino
Playing my guitar
Cuddling up in bed and watching Netflix
A starry night
A harvest moon
Changing leaves
White Sheets
Picnics
The Sea
Worshiping the Lord (especially on the top of the parking garage during a windy, clear night).  

All pictures from this wonder tumblr. Just looking at this website makes me happy.

My DC Trip

A few snapshots of some of my favorite things and places I visited when I went to DC.

 This picture doesn't do the coffee art justice... I had kind of sloshed it around when walking around the DC Union Market.

 Peonies peaking out into an alleyway from a lovely flower shop.

 Serendipity frozen hot chocolate and my beautiful sister.

 Old Town Alexandria

 And of course... the monuments.

I was so nervous going on this trip... No one really seems to mention the scary part of traveling alone. I'm a 22 year old that is scared to travel on my own. I feel like i should go to an AA meeting about this, but I can't be the only one ... right? I think it's the anxiety in me; I find myself imaging everything that could go wrong, and I know that's not healthy.

But, I cannot tell you how accomplished I felt getting off the plane. Well, to be honest, maybe not the first plane, but when I returned home I felt so proud of myself (and maybe a mixture of relief as well). And you know what else? I realized that I truly love to travel. I love finding the best cup of coffee in town, the coolest boutique, or that small unknown spot that locals go to to eat their packed lunches and escape the mundane of their desk jobs. We all need to travel. It's doesn't matter if you live in the biggest city in the world or a rural town; there's something out there that we haven't seen and that's pretty cool if you ask me. 

An Update

Wow, life seems to zoom past. I felt like I just posted to this blog yesterday but obviously I did not. I've started my senior year of college and have a strange combination of itching to be done with classes and the unsettling feeling of not being ready to leave behind the friends, memories and fun.

Last week I was talking to my roommate Katie about the stresses of school and she turned to me and said,

"Our lives are glamorous right now. Think about it, if we want to lay by the pool one day; we can make it happen. We don't have as many responsibilities or spouses or kids to fill our days... We get to live with our best friends and hang with them every week. Soon we'll all be in different cities."

Woah. All this time, I had sat down in front of the TV (while stuffing my face) and thought the lives of The Hills stars or sports stars as glamorous. But me? Never. But, she's completely and utterly correct. Lets spell it out:

• I can spend my weekends attending football games and hanging with friends 
• I get winter and spring breaks
• I get to live in a bachelorette pad with some of my best friends 
• I have access to one of the best ministries in the world, Breakaway Ministries - and I am lucky to live close enough to go to it every Tuesday. 
• I don't have Friday classes 
• I am in a Pilates AND a yoga class 
• I'm surrounded by Christ loving, kind-hearted and beautiful women  

When I lay it out like this, it's really hard to argue with myself about how lucky I am. I also saw a quote the other day and it's been my mantra as of late; 

"The things you take for granted someone else is praying for." 

Every time I want to complain about my classes or homework I think about this quote. Someone else may be praying for this opportunity to learn and grow, and I am sitting here wallowing in my own self pity.  

Just a few thoughts. 

Hope everyone is doing lovely.