My Happy List

Hello! I hope this post finds you well and content. There are so many things to love about life, so I decided to write down mine. I hope this list makes you also feel a bit happier than before and I hope I can spread a bit of joy and positivity through this post. So here's my list:
1.) Quotes: I think it is really cool when someone can form phrases and words that will stick with you and impact you for a very long time. I have a bunch of quotes stored up, and whenever I need a pick-me-up, they seem to do the trick.
2.) Disclaimer: This may sound vain and/or materialistic, but it still makes me happy,
When clothes seem like they were made just for me. They fit right and the clothes seems to go with my personality.
3.) Writing and Receiving Cards: Call me old-school, but I love getting mail. I think writing cards and keeping stationaries is a dying art. I hope others as well as myself can keep it alive. There's nothing quite as thoughtful as a hand-written note or letter.
4.) Smiling at strangers: It may be seen as creepy by some people, but this world is way too busy and impersonal, and sharing a smile with someone else, is just a great way to gather positivity and spread it. Positivity is contagious, so let's infect everyone.
5.) Reading: And by reading I mean ACTUAL PHYSICAL PAPER BOOKS. There's something almost magical about turning the pages of a great book and sinking into a comfy couch and letting your imagination wander. Books and stories take us to new places with fascinating characters and settings.
6.) Writing: This goes hand-in-hand with reading. But I've found that for me, there is something very therapeutic about expressing my feelings and creativity without always worrying about how other people may view them. My journals are private, unless I feel like sharing them with family and close friends, so I don't have to worry about how it will sound. Journals are essentially rough drafts.
7.) Dance: I guess this goes with writing. But dance is all about telling a story. There's always a beginning, middle and end. But as dancers, there aren't words, there's movement. It's pure art. dancers use their bodies as their medium and the music just accompanies. I love watching what other amazing choreographers come up with because we all have a story that needs to be told.

Little Things

Summer is the time when I find myself in my "happy place" for longer periods of time. The weather is gorgeous, days are longer, country music is at its prime and there's more time to snuggle with my dog. I'm enjoying my summers while I can, because it won't be long until i join the rest of corporate America and work full-time. And not everyone gets to take advantage of a slower pace of life during the summer. But it doesn't take too much to give yourself some peace and quiet. 

Even if you don't think you have a lot of time for yourself, you do. 

If you woke up a little earlier than usual, and took time to fix your coffee, tea, and/or breakfast, you might actually be able to savor and enjoy the day's start. Or create a playlist of all your favorite songs, and listen to it while on your way to work. And if you sing your heart out shamelessly, that's a bonus.

After work, take a walk or snuggle up with a book. Take a hot bath and unwind. Don't obsess over emails and phone calls while you are eating, or driving or walking. Just push your mind to remain in the present and savor each little moment of quiet and tranquility. After a while, it does wonders to your body.

Enjoy today. Take deep breaths, and don't forget to do something just for yourself. You work hard, and you deserve it. 

-Chloe