The Secret To Happiness...

How do I play catch up? Is there such a thing? I've spent the last few weeks, since being sick, trying to do such a thing.

Well I could always start about a few things I have been super thankful for...but I'll save that for closer to Christmas and New Years! [It should be a good one!]


But today...taking my mind of my work for a few minutes... I found myself engaged by a collegemate of mine's picture and blog post. Going through classes, I had no idea what this girl had planned post-college. Over holidays, I knew she traveled to Haiti to help in many ways.

I ended up graduating a semester before my classmates, so I didn't keep in touch with any of them [just via FB]. I saw this same girl, that I was talking about above, had officially moved to Haiti to become a missionary when she graduated. I am in awe of her courage, optimism, and integrity. Her blogs are fascinating and give me a good laugh every now and then, and get in touch with my emotions. I just love her story. She is so in love. With life and the plan that has been created for her...including a significant other and a family. Click here to check out her blog!

Below is the photo she posted today with the caption, "The secret to happiness is beach days." ...I am one jealous girl!

Photo credit: Kayla Grooters

I wish her and her family the best. I love their updates! I hope you do too! (Check out ViBella Jewelry, while you're at it!)



**************************************

While I totally agree with her on this secret to happiness statement, I thought I'd share a few things that are my secret to happiness.

1. The people I surround myself with.
2. Nutrition/Health...trust me, it works & should be on everyones list!
3. Gym time...you knew it was coming! I feel so alive when I'm at the gym—especially when teaching fitness classes—the adrenaline of performing in front of participants is awesome!
4. My career...even though some people think it's a rather unnecessary job, I truly do love being a graphic designer.
5. Senses...being able to see colors, feel textures, smell smells, and hear noises...don't take those things for granted!
6. Being able to travel. While I've spent 90% of my traveling in Las Vegas, I enjoy it more every time. I try to find the beauty in each destination—even if I've been there five times! 
7. Having me time...you would think that this would be considered at the gym. But "me time" includes just being by myself...no matter where I'm at. Thinking to myself, doing things by myself, or for myself...it's necessary to stay sane as a human!
8. Dancing! Having rhythm is a GIFT! I could dance to anything! I've had people tell me that dancers are so lucky, especially if this other person has no coordination. And I've seen my fair share of people that lack rhythm or coordination. But, of course, they have something they're good at that I may lack in, too.
9. Laughing. Simple as that.
10. Having someone (or someones) to miss. I think people take this for granted. Missing someone is such a special, and sometimes overwhelming, thing. But without it, how do learn to appreciate the presence of another human (or animal for that matter!)? 

Just a girl who didn't understand a lap pulldown... :)