Moments of Happiness

There are few things that I love more than getting caught up in a moment. We all have this idea that life needs to be big, wild, and exciting. However, I am finding that is hardly true. I think that it is the little moments in life that mean the most to me.

This weekend, I went up north with my family. We went kayaking down a small, shallow river. We didn't spend the entire time talking or laughing. Mostly, we just sat in our own little boats and enjoyed the view around us. It was nice being together and having no pressures in the world weighing on my shoulders. I felt very at peace with the people I love surrounding me.

Another one of my moments came to me on the way to a job interview. I had to drive about 2 hours to get there and my boyfriend volunteered to go with me. It was so nice to have someone supporting me the whole way there. It turned out to be a really interesting morning filled with adventure. We laughed, talked, joked, and worried together. Knowing that I am not alone made a huge difference.

The truth is that life does not need to be eventful all the time in order for you to be happy. Sometimes, it really is nice to slow down a little and look around. I think that I get so caught up in life that I forget to actually enjoy myself along the way.

Put Yourself Out There

Once upon a time, I had a friend who was in the service. We never saw each other, but we would chat a little from time to time. Mostly share stories, secrets, and fears. We would listen to each other complain and try to give helpful advice. It was during one of these chats that I came to realize I am full of good advice. The problem is that I can tell others all these good ideas, but I never actually do any of them them myself.

See, he was saying that he wished he could have more friends, and simply be happier. Only, everyone that he knows is shipped out within a few months of friendship, so he chooses to be alone rather than have to say goodbye. It was at this time that I said, "Put yourself out there. You might get hurt, but you'll be a lot happier for having tried."

The second that I hit send, I realized this advice can apply to just about anything. Mostly, this advice can apply to me. I hold myself back a lot. I worry that I might fail or that the journey might get tough. I say no, rather than giving it a go and ending up flat on my face. This is the exact opposite of what I should do. I know that I have written about this very thing before. However, right now, I am worried about growing up. I am worried about finding a job and starting a new life. I am worried about taking a chance.

I hope that by admitting my fears of the future, I will be able to face them head-on. I'm excited for all of these new adventures, and nervous, too. I am certain that everything will work out, but I know that I need to put myself out there. Even if I end up getting hurt along the way, I will learn a lot by simply having tried.