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"It might be that to surrender to happiness was to accept defeat, but it was a defeat better than many victories." -W. Somerset Maugham
As promised, here is part two of my list of 50 things that bring me happiness.
In writing the two parts of this post, I have found it is both extremely easy and extremely hard to compile a list of things that bring joy to my life. There are so many things, how can I possibly choose the most important? I definitely went into this post knowing I wasn't even going to scratch the surface, and knowing that there was no possible way I could make it chronological in order of "importance."
In compiling 50 things that make me happy, I found there are small things, there are big ideas, there are people, there are places, there are smells...there is so much in my life that brings me joy, it is found not only in the extraordinary moments, but in the ones that feel insignificant. As a four-year-old, I never anticipated that memories of jumping into piles of leaves with my Pappaw and the dog would make fall nostalgic for me. I never knew the smell of mud and creek water would remind me of my grandparents. I suppose that is the glorious byproduct of living life. ""
Enjoy this second installment of 50 things that bring me happiness.
26. Organizing ANYTHING
I am a type-A perfectionist who doesn't sleep. What else could be done at two in the morning beside re-folding and re-organizing all of one's dressers?
27. Reading a fantastic book
Being at home has given me more time to read than I would EVER have at school, because of that I have rediscovered a lost love. It was definitely placed on the back burner with the combinations of academics and cheerleading, but I am completely unashamed to say that I treated myself to 10 books last week, and I can not wait to read them!
28. Presidents and First Ladies
I am so intrigued by government, but I could certainly do without the constant stream of scandals that comes out of D.C. Regardless, I find it fascinating when presidents and first ladies establish their platforms and find causes they are passionate about. It gives me a small glance into who they are and what they stand for. I suppose I enjoy seeing who each person is beyond the press room podium. Let's be honest though, the most important issue is obviously the Inaugural Ball gown. Those bring me great joy.
29. The Bronte sisters
Do I even NEED to elaborate?
30. Sleeping babies
They're cute and warm and smell so good and you can dress them up like little Chipotle burritos for Halloween. When they're sleeping though, they aren't crying. That's the important part. Two of my cousins recently had babies, and they are absolutely the most precious bundles of joy!
31. Pick-up lines
I'll admit, this is an amendment after the events of last week. Pick-up lines are so corny and tacky, and I've never heard one that actually works. I find [some] of them incredibly thoughtful though. If a guy is willing to compliment me and make me laugh upon meeting me, maybe he is worth a second glance.... Unless it's a dirty pick-up line! Steer clear of those ones, ladies!
"I may have gotten a 5 on the AP test, but you're a 10."
32. Puppies and kittens!
I didn't have any pets up until I was twelve, so I didn't know the joy an animal could bring to a household until I was in middle school. My Macie girl was the light of my life for eight years. She was a mischievous little thing who always pulled the dish towel from the oven; she loved bananas, going on rides, and keeping my feet warm under her fuzzy belly. The Davis' home has felt quite empty since last October, but I'm sure my parents will break down any day and buy us another puppy. I would even be okay with a cute little kitty, but mom doesn't seem to like that idea too much. She claims she is allergic or something...
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| my macie girl |
33. Giving gifts and writing letters
My post from a few weeks ago does an excellent job of putting a bow on this statement. I love making people feel appreciated and acknowledged. The best way I know how to do that is with cookies and handwritten letters. It's my thing.
34. Lemonade
I'm pretty sure it actually runs through my veins...
35. Pearls.
They're classic. Never will pearls go out of style and that is what I love about them. Since I was young I have grown up seeing my Mammaw pair pearls with EVERYTHING. I suppose that is where my fondness began. For my sixteenth birthday she bought me my very own string that I will cherish forever.
36. Meeting "random" people who end up changing my life
Because of my wildly introverted ways, I tend to be forced into "chance meetings."
"Jordyn," you may be saying, "this makes no sense whatsoever." Ah, but it does. Because I tend not to venture out of my social circle, I tend to build stronger relationships with the people I do interact with. Those people who play "ceremonial" roles in the lives of my peers have often been the key players in my life: friends, coaches, teachers, bosses, elders, I can explain how each one has changed me.
37. Memoirs
I suppose I am simply a nosy person... I would like to see myself as "inquisitive." That makes me sound less creepy, right? There is something so intriguing about someone's account of his own life. There are so many details that occur that only you, yourself can know, and if the author is willing to share, it creates such an intimate moment. Perhaps it is a letter from father to son, maybe it is a fleeting holiday memory. I feel so privileged to be invited into the author's life, and I cherish every detail that is divulged.
38. Love
It's cheesy, I know. I've mentioned it multiple times on this list, but there is something so comforting about two people who are madly in love. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic who hasn't found a husband, but longevity is something I admire. My parents have been married for 20 years and somehow they don't hate each other yet. That is inspiring.
39. Expanding my vocabulary
I literally spent three hours inputting college prep English vocabulary words into quizlet and not once did the thought "ugh, this is so mundane...this is excruciatingly tedious" cross my mind. Instead a flood of excitement washed over me when I saw a word I didn't recognize. While English certainly isn't a romance language, there are so many beautiful ways to articulate thoughts and feelings. Why would I ever settle for something as banal as "I am sad."
40. My family
They've been there for me since day one. Never have they left me feeling inadequate or inferior. They have always supported my endeavors, even when I was walking down every fork in the road...blindfolded. I am so fortunate to have such loving parents, and I hope to never take that for granted. Sure my fourteen-year-old sass machine of a brother makes me want to shove scissors into my ears sometimes... but I still love him more than anything. When he isn't busy bullying me, he's actually a pretty funny fella.
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| I'm getting mush on ya...breaking out the Christmas photos |
41. Helping others
It brings me so much joy to relieve a burden from someone else's shoulders. If I can make life easier for one person, I would call that a successful day. That has often gotten me in trouble, and led me through some skewed thought patterns, but it is the fatal flaw that will never leave me.
42. Recovery
It's marvelous to eat whatever I want just because it sounds delicious. It is spectacular to not have purple nails. It is amazing to be able to walk up stairs. It is incredible to have enough joy in my life that I am writing an entire list about it.
43. Hot apple cider
There are few things more relaxing than an over sized mug of hot apple cider. I don't care if it is 95 degrees in the middle of July, a cup of cider before bed is perfect end to any day.
44. My Mammaw Marilyn's recipes, sweaters, and jewelry
My Mammaw Marilyn died when I was only four. As I have gotten older I have slowly lost the vivid memories I used to posses, but I have been blessed enough to have sporadic reminders of her presence in my life. I wear her quirky, cozy Halloween sweater when I'm cold. I have a locket with her picture in it. We even have her artwork scattered about our house. She was absolutely my first friend, and I am so grateful for the small reminders I have in my life.
45. My Costa Rica perfume
Every time I spray it, I am transported to my room in an open hotel in the middle of Carillos. I am reminded of the beautiful friendships I made on that trip and ways in which my life changed forever. Scent is powerful, y'all.
46. Cheerleading
Aside from writing, I am sure cheerleading was my first love. It allowed me to participate in an activity with friends, it allowed me to flesh out my competitive drive, it allowed me to try new things. It has even taken me across the country. Cheerleading is certainly stitched into my identity and I wouldn't have it any other way. To be clear though, I will be a-okay when I can no longer cheer. My body can't handle much more... Sprained ankles, dislocated knees, bruised vertebrae, concussions... you can take it all.
47. Snow in December
Snow is only acceptable in December. Not November. Not January, February, or March. December is a festive, magical month filled with cookies, and candy canes, and hot cocoa, and finals and sparkles. I can handle a month of snow, after a month is just becomes tedious. I do not want to scraped the ice off my car every day. I do not want to waste gas letting it heat up for 20 minutes. I do not want to drive with a blanket on my lap. Snow in December is magical. Snow in any other month makes me a hermit.
48. The prospect of a woman president
**Disclaimer: I was told that if I mention anyone by name I will need to look for a different place to live. I like my house, so I will not anger the powers that be... Continue on.
There are very few people who actually know where I stand politically. I will happily tell you that I do lean toward one side, but I accept policies and viewpoints from both parties; each have their strengths, each have their weaknesses--ignoring one side simply because of a label would be close-minded of me.
With that being said, I would define myself as a lukewarm feminist. I want every option to be available to me--my actions may not always support the idea that men and women should be equals in all aspects, but y'all, I want the possibility to make the feminist choice!
The prospect of a woman leading the United States of America is incredibly exciting! Our country has produced so many great leaders, and women have most definitely held those positions. Why shouldn't a woman run the nation? I am not saying I would vote for a candidate because she is a woman--she should certainly must be the most qualified, but I believe there is a very real possibility that number 45 could be addressed as "Madam President," and that makes me excited for those who call themselves real feminists.
Young girls are told they can "be whatever they want to be," yet if there are no role models for them to admire, how are they to believe it? Medicine used to be a man's game, now there are excellent female doctors in nearly every practice. Imagine if the same thing were true of careers in politics or engineering, or other STEM-based careers. Precedent can be broken, and it only takes one woman to do so.
49. The smell of my Pappaw's hairspray
Just as my dad's cologne brings me solace, so does the smell of my Pappaw's hairspray. It takes me back to my childhood and I am reminded of our games of hide and seek, our days spent skipping rocks on the creek, and he and I having Alan Jackson dance parties. The smell of my Pappaw's hairspray makes me feel protected and safe.
50. Friendships I have formed over the past 20 years of living
I have never been one to have a large group of friends, but the group of friends that has rotated with me throughout my life is more than I could have ever asked for. These girls have cried with me, gotten angry with me, rolled in the snow with me, and climbed on rooftops with me. Though we don't always speak, I am always grateful for the girls that made the world a little less scary and a bit more manageable.
Before I sign off I would like to make one quick comment regarding a shift in the content of this page. Maybe you aren't interested in reading 50 reasons why I'm happy. Perhaps you are nosy and want to read about all the ways my eating disorder has destroyed my life. I made the decision a few weeks ago that very little of what I have left to say on this blog with be regarding my eating disorder. Whether it was conscious or subconscious I am not sure.
Originally I started this blog because I felt there needed to be more awareness given to the subject. Now, I believe I have said my peace. The words I needed to convey were typed out in the form of my story. I was open about my struggle, and now I am ready to move on. I am more than happy to talk about it if the situation warrants it, if someone is curious, or someone else needs to hear my story. Moving forward, though, very little content will deal with my eating disorder. For the first time in a while I am so genuinely happy, and I feel no obligation to dwell on how horrible the past two-four years have been. I am looking ahead, and I am incredibly excited to see what the future holds for me.
Thank you to those of you who have stuck with me through the unpleasant recovery posts and made it to the gratitude and happiness posts. You're the only reason this blog has become successful.
xoxo,
jkd
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