+ 10 Things that Make Me Happy +

I'm wanting to get back into writing more. As a result, I've found a 30 day writing challenge to do!

List 10 things that make you really happy.

Dogs make me incredibly happy. All dogs. Any dogs that will let me near them. Unfortunately mine had to be put to sleep May 13th so I'm currently without a doggie companion. Though, I discovered today the ex-boy's dog's fur is all up in my sweater which just made me miss them both terribly. He had the sweetest and most ridiculous puggle.

Books. They're like the best thing ever to be imagined into existence! They can take you away to other times and places. It allows you to do things that you otherwise never could: such as fight dragons, sail on the seven seas searching for Moby Dick, falling through the rabbit hole, or destroying the one ring.

Friends. These are the people I choose to be my family. The humans I choose to keep around and share my time and attention with. Usually they offer up great conversations, unyielding support and affection, and some pretty fantastic adventures. They're my favorites. Mostly they make me happy because they remind me how great life has been. They share in my best and worst memories, my greatest victories and devastating defeats. They're my kindred spirits that give me purpose.

Family. The people blood ties force me to interact with and spend time around. Most of the time I'm fond of them as they give me a roof to live under. They're good for a laugh at times, too. As well as just being pretty good people, I just get frustrated living with them. Mostly because I thought I'd have my own place by now, but I don't. However, it's unlikely I'd be me without them so it is what it is.

Rivers. There's something indescribably beautiful and tranquil about being on a river with a fly rod in hand. The gentle murmur of the flowing stream, the emerald of the trees, the chirping of the birds, and the rising of the fish. I feel alive and calm there.

The Gym. I never thought I'd say that in my life, but I actually really enjoy being there. Watching as my muscles work and move in ways they've never had to before, the strength of my muscles increasing each day I dedicate myself to get healthier. Every time I add more weight to my routines and end up refreshingly exhausted before leaving. The gentle ache reminding me I achieved something new and awesome!

Mountains. Really the outdoors. I like hiking and being around trees. I like the rustling of the wind, the scent of mud and rain, and the sounds of the forests. I think if I could be a hermit in a log cabin lost in some woods I'd be okay with that. It feels nice and calm. It's home.

My Students. They're sweet, witty, and sarcastic. What's not to like about that? Sure, they're a little needy and sometimes they won't stop talking, but they're good kids. I love watching them grow and mature with age. I like seeing how they get more independent and their skills grow. I genuinely like who they are as people and I end up being so very fond of them. I'm always so proud when they grow or graduate.

My tattoos. It might sound weird that they make me happy, but they do. They're a road map on my body that reveals some of my most profound pain disguised as art and seemingly innocent. Majora's Mask seems like an innocent game reference, but it holds so much more meaning to me. It was a way to cope with a few losses. As is my foot tattoo. It's a dedication to my dogs but also my lost loved ones and all the struggles I've faced. Each day I see my tattoos I am happy, proud, and am reminded that nothing can't be won.

Learning. I think learning has to be the final thing that makes me happy. I am always striving to better myself and improve. I want to instill life long learning in my students and as such I am all for it in my own life. No one knows everything. It's just implausible, but you can always learn more. It's a way to change and grow forever.