I’ve been reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  It’s an account of her present day life and the ways she finds to stay positive in the here and now, whether that is holding her tongue in certain situations, being selfless or organizing, etc.  Simple tasks, really.  It’s interesting to think about what makes each of us tick because, after all, we are all different.  I’d suggest it to anyone who wants an inspiring, thought-provoking read.

Through reading this, it has made me think of myself and the way I present myself, the way I think, etc.  Happiness is a choice.  I can wake up in the morning and decide whether I want to struggle through the day or put a smile on my face and overcome anything negative that attempts to get in my way.  This is difficult, sometimes.  Of course it is for everyone at times.

In fact, I had a realization the other day.  I now work two jobs (basically summing up to 40 hrs of work a week), travel the 30-45 min. to Nashville for physical and occupational therapy two days a week, come home, cook and attempt to do something with fiance for the remaining couple hours, if possible.  My realization was this: So, this is what being a grown up is really like?  I know, I’m almost 25 and should have realized this long ago, but mind you, I’ve never had a full time job.  Plenty of part times while in school was enough for me, but this full time thing is a whole new ball game.  It’s common to feel mundane about life when you think this is all it has to offer.  Work, eat, sleep and do it all over again.  But, you know what?

I made a decision to put my big girl panties on and say, “No, this is not what life is all about!”  Sure, a job is important, and I’m happy to have one.  It is a big part of life, but it doesn’t have to be all there is to life.  I get to meet all kinds of different people and learn new things everyday at work.  Sure, driving to therapy back and forth gets old, but I get the strengthening I need along with some pretty great therapists.  In between all of that, I get to spend time with the man I’m going to grow old with, and I love it.  We enjoy watching things grow.  We plant loads of shrubs, herbs and soon-we will plant vegetables.  We travel, do things outside, cook and summer is our favorite season to spend together.

Life can get pretty hectic and stressful sometimes, but I’ve learned that sometimes if you take one thing at a time, some things are a breeze.  Other things can be tough to tackle, but we can do it!  Being a grown up can be boring, yes, but there are so many things to still look forward to.  Happiness is a choice, remember?  And I choose to think outside the box, and be happy.