Post Five

There should never be a finite supply of gratitude. I believe that it is an individual choice to choose to be grateful or choose not to be. I am a complex thinker. I can argue both sides to many things, which results in having negativity as an option. I unfortunately sometimes relish in the past rather than looking forward, and I can be cynical about all the bad things that I have done or happened to me. I think all of us can be guilty of this, but I also believe that the way we view life and choose to carve our path through it is up to us. Big things don’t have to happen to me to be happy. I don’t need life-changing moments or grand gestures. If I relied on only those, I would be doing a lot of waiting. Happiness is a choice, and you need to fight for it, you need to find it, and you need to make it. You can’t just sit and wait to be “happy.” You need to wake up and choose it.

I have a jar called my ‘infinity jar,’ and I write down things that make me feel lucky to be alive. Whenever I have one of those not so happy days, I am teleported back to small moments. I am aware that what I am writing is not revolutionary, but I think it can be emphasized more. Not just for you, but also for me. Writing about it makes me remember all the joy that is around us. I hope you enjoy some of the things that bring a smile to my face, and I hope it brings one to yours :)

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My Infinity List

Gliding your hands against the water when you are on a paddleboard. It feels like you are cutting through soft glass while watching the trail of ripples you have made.

Laying in the grass while looking at how the sun shines through the leaves. If you do this in the Fall, it looks like the trees are glowing.

When you dive underwater and look up to see how the sun is reflecting through the waves, nothing can disturb you because there is nothing but total peace and calmness.

Picking pumpkins.

Seeing your tan lines when you slip out of your swimsuit, and seeing how the sun bleaches your hair.

Getting sun freckles. I always think of them as constellations of stars on your face.

Shaving your legs and slipping into clean sheets.

Your dog’s reaction when you get home, and you know they are just so happy.

Being the first person walking through fresh snow. There is such satisfaction knowing the first footprints are yours.

Snuggles from your best friend when you are eating cookie dough and watching “She’s the man.”

Warm kisses that give you butterflies. No further explanation is needed.

Watching Hocus Pocus while Pillsbury Halloween cookies are baking.

Eating a burger and drinking chocolate malt shake at your favorite diner.

Dancing in your underwear, because nobody is watching.

Complimenting a total stranger and seeing their smile knowing you made their day better.

Reading a good book on the beach.

Crying at a poem because the words are just so damn relatable.

Hugs.

Firm handshakes (I know I look like I would have a weak one, but never. Will I ever. Have a weak handshake.)

Taking Pottermore Quizzes.

Pulling out your sweaters and jeans.

Listening to songs in the car with the dial cranked.

Clicking with people new.

Stationary. I am a sucker for stationary.

Hikes.

Water after working out.

Coffee. At all times, coffee is a good idea.

Goodnight texts.

Goodmorning texts.

Reminders to wish on 11:11 (Even though I usually am the one doing the reminding).

Spongebob popsicles at the pool. Or for breakfast.

Study dates that result in you dancing in the library at 4:00 a.m.

Iced lemonade in mason jars.

Cooking and baking.

Rewatching Gilmore Girls every Fall.

Eating starbursts in the correct order (orange, yellow, red, and pink).

Hearing ‘I love yous.’

Saying ‘I love yous.’