If you were to ask me a year ago what made me happy, I would have answered you with something completely different than what I would say now. Moving all the way across the country has taught me so much about myself, and has revealed many things about life that I would have never guessed.
Being away from everything I know has certainly forced me to be even more independent. For the past 24 years, my life has mainly been about my family, friends and social outlets. I have always had a large network and support system, and have had people that are close to me surrounding me my whole life. Moving to California, I have started to realize that my life is starting to become less about the people I love and my social plans, and more about me. It is a crazy feeling, one similar to when I went abroad, to be stripped away from everything you know and left trying to figure out who the hell you are and what in the world makes you happy. It is a much more difficult answer to find than question to ask.
So what I have come up with is this: People can be unreliable. They move, things change, friendships end, people go in different directions, you lose touch, they cancel on you, disappoint, make you extremely happy, or extremely sad. I have also come to the conclusion that the only real person you can rely on is yourself. At any given moment, things can change. Nothing is certain, nothing is promise. Above and beyond, you are the only one who can make yourself happy.
I guess we all know this intrinsically, but somehow the answer to this question is seemingly difficult to find. What makes me happy? Well, I have put together my "toolkit of happiness" (if you will) and listed it below.
My Toolkit (reliable, safe, never disappointing, will not cancel on me)
- Dancing and performing for people
- Going for a long run to the ocean
- Reading a good book
- Going to the beach
- Exploring a new area
- Sitting at a coffee shop and writing
- Picking up a new hobby or sport
- People watching
- Listening to music, seeing a live show
- Taking pictures
- Shopping at open markets
- Watching the sunset
- Taking a yoga class
- Going for a long hike
I am still exploring the things that make me happy, and am in constant pursuit of my happy place. Little by little, I am finding that place. It is a strong and empowering feeling to know these things about myself and feeling completely self reliant and happy, each day.
What is in your happy-ness tool kit? :)
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