Without realizing it, I started my own version of Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. I'm almost 29 at the end of this year and finally, thankfully understanding that happiness is not some unobtainable, abstract concept only meant for the future or for the exceptional: exceptionally stupid, wealthy, attractive, goal-oriented. You can fill in the blank.
I packed up my boxes, finally moved out of my ex-boyfriend's, and have made peace with the truth: Just because our relationship didn't end up with marriage vows doesn't mean it wasn't life-changing for either of us. My Happiness Project won't be as specific and methodical as Gretchen's, but I'm slowing starting to see that no amount of things to cross off to-do lists, goals to accomplish and exciting future plans can make up for what you have right now.
I'm happy I get to live with my friend in a lovely condo with lots of light and space. Two words: vaulted ceilings. :D I'm happy to have a sister who I can guide and, at the same time, inspires me. I'm happy to know how resourceful I am. And simple, and creative. Who else could quit a job in this economy, leave without unemployment or severance pay, and go on to buy a DSLR, a laptop and have two of the most extraordinary travels of a lfietime? I'm happy new friends like Alice and old friends like Natalie read my blog and find my photos beautiful; and I'm glad I can encourage one of them to start her own. I'm also happy to have friends I can trust, even though they've disappointed me lately; I'm happy they've disappointed me, because this ultimately means I love them and want them -- and us -- to be at our best.
I'm looking forward to lots of decorating my new, pretty space; photo shoots with friends; balloon festivals and road trips to random lands; reconnecting with old friends; connecting with new; hiking and getting fit again; planning for Paris in April and my long-term goals of working with children. There are many things to do every day, because even though the days are long, the years are short. I'm excited.
But for now, lunch with Carol and meet my end-of-the-month deadlines.
You have to start somewhere.
You're a champion fighter in the form of a writer...and so much more. I can't believe how much your life has changed since I first wrote that to you. Lets hang out.
ReplyDeleteonce i catch up with work, i plan on taking your truce.
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