If You're Happy and You Know It...

Everybody gets stressed. At the present moment, I'm unbelievably stressed. My shoulders are so tense that they're actually sore. I'm sensing that I'm in the middle of a "quarter-life crisis" - and apparently that is a real term. According to sources, a "quarter-life crisis" involves insecurity regarding long-term plans or life goals, disappointment with one's job, frustration with social ills, loneliness, desire to have children, a sense that everyone is doing better than you, confusion of identity, and financially-rooted stress.

Who am I? What do I want? And, how do I get it? These questions are most common in your mid-twenties because you have just been catapulted into the "real world" and want follow your dreams, but you have no idea where to begin.

I think everyone has these issues at some point in their life, whether or not it's termed a quarter-life crisis, a mid-life crisis, or whatever. But instead of getting down about it, there are many books out there to help you work through it. Sometimes creating a list is constructive, and can help you reevaluate your choices. It can be as simple as writing down what you're thankful for, or what makes you happy. This is beneficial at any age, no matter what stage in life you're in. It helps maintain an emotional balance, and just might bring you back on track. You can then surround yourself with the little things that will brighten your day.

What makes me happy...

food photography
experimenting with new recipes
a nap
bubble baths
helping a stranger
sangria
a long drive down a country road
curling up with a good book
a walk at dusk
a lakeside breeze
a perfectly sunny day
making someone laugh
music
peanut butter & jelly
babies
freshly washed sheets
rosy cheeks in the winter
casual Friday
fresh coffee
movie previews
a summer rain
farmer's markets (it's a rainbow of colors!)
Sunday night HBO
wearing a dress
Full House reruns

What makes YOU happy?

Fondly, Optimistic

Photo Credit: antoaneta