Enjoying life

What really makes you happy?

I read in article somewhere the best way to avoid depression is to surround yourself with people you love and make you happy. That is more effective that making lots and lots of money because as we all know the cliche phrase - money cannot buy happinesss. However, countless writers have argued on that point to suggest that it can be - to an extent.

After being overseas I realised that I am very easily satisfied and really do enjoy the simple things in life. Before, I used to want a Chanel bag and planned to get it with my first million. However, after spending time with people whose company I really enjoy and doing things that I love (which is no longer just shopping) but just chatting, knitting and singing, I realise that whilst you do need money, you don't need an endless amount to make you happy.

Right now I think I am feeling a tad unhappy (yes possibily because I was disappointed and yes, it may possibily because of a boy as you can see from my post - new boyfriends) so I am thinking of things that make me happy. I'm going to try and list ten things that make me happy and I think this is important for anyone who is feeling a bit down and want to cheer themselves up. It might not work right away but it is a way to show that you have other things to look forward to in life and whenever you do reach a bump in the road, it doesn't mean it's the end. It just means you need some time to think of a strategy to walk around it or get over it - literally.

1. Reading. This takes the mind elsewhere as well as pevents one from getting dementia.

2. Playing with pets. This may sound childish and simple but they are innocent creatures (even though snakes and spiders are a bit scary but as long as they cheer you up...) and sometimes it's good to be like them and not think too much about things.

3. Chatting with friends. This is the best psychologist one could ask for. Well, it does depend on what kind of friends as in, they can't be drainer friends. But I guess if they really are genuine friends then you do hang out with them because they make you feel good about yourself. So say goodbye to those assholes who try and compete and put you down - that's not a very nice friend.

4. Cleaning. Despite how absurd it sounds, its actually very soothing because it feels like you're being productive and you can see the end product of the room or whatever being neat at the end of the labour. It's an immediate visual accomplishment.

5. Eat. No I'm just kidding. I think it's the worse thing you can do because the more you eat, the fatter you'll become and then you'll just get more depressed about your appearance the it'll just be a cycle that will continue. Instead, exercise is a great way to release frustatration. The other pluses is that you get to lose weight and get fit and have a good nights sleep at the end of it.

6. Movies - just like books they are a way to get your mind off things. Although the choice of movies are important and if you're feeling heartbroken, it's probably best that you don't watch a romance movie - unless you're happy to wallow in sorrow. Which is just pathetic so move on and watch something with war.

7. Creating something. For me anyway, I'd like to create this epic dessert/coffee shop one day which will hopefully be internationally franchised. At the same time, I'm an extremely lazy person which is why I've only been talking about it for years and have done nothing. I really do want to do this which means lots of work - like business plans, past historic data which is probably market sensitive and therefore hard to get your hands on, more research and building up on ideas (which is my current status). But broadly speaking, it's doing something that you are interested in doing which is productive and fulfilling.

8. Dancing. Perhaps it's because I'm so unco that I forget about my troubles and focus on not hitting anyone or falling over. But this hobby, in addition to music (depends on the mood) is a great way to forget about why you were worrying about something so petty and small.

9. Bike riding somewhere pretty - like full of greenery and flowers. I recently discovered that firstly I can ride a bike (because I've only ever ridden tricycles and yes, I'm 23) and that I really enjoy riding it in pretty areas because it's truly so relaxing and refreshing.

10. Be with the one you love. I suppose this would be the obvious one but it's hard to think of it especially if it them that are causing you distress. So perhaps this would better fit under the category of chatting with friends but right now I can't think of what else that makes me truly happy so I'll have to leave it at that. Shopping is good but it's not maintainable because at the end of the day, it's just material goods and is only skin deep.

Ok, I did think of an 11. Making yourself look good. I know it sounds vain and in a way, I guess it is. But if you dress up and think that you look good then this confidence will shine through - especially when you go out and meet people. So making yourself feel beautiful not necessarily meaning for it to be skin deep but if you feel beautiful on the inside, that is what is most important.

So what makes me happy? It would be #10 but because I can't have that and it is time for bed what would really make me happy right now would be to fall asleep and wake up tomorrow and remember it's a brand new day with no worries.

xox