April 11, 2008

intentional happiness

Last night I went out with some friends I hadn't seen in a while and we talked a lot about the life/work balance that we're all trying to figure out. More proof that even though we're in our early twenties, we have so little energy (and time and money) right now for fun. Because unlike college, there's not unlimited, effortless fun in a three block radius at all times.

Because this is apparently happening to everyone, my three best friends and I have been compiling a list of "intentional happiness building" ie things that one can do to increase one's happiness right now at any time.


Here are a few gems:
(1) drink a glass (just one) of whiskey/wine/your preferred relaxation beverage of choice, while listening to the sexiest music you own (I'd recommend Billie Holiday) while painting your toenails and wearing bright colored underwear so as not to feel too overwhelmed with how sexy you are
(2) haul your hiney to the hardware store and buy some new materials. So many hot craft possibilities. For example, I adore chicken wire - perfect for push-pinning to the wall and hanging earrings, necklaces, etc.
(3) browse a used book store for an old classic novel to read. Not only will you feel kind of awesome for plopping down with folks like Tolstoy, you will remember that reading is an unparalleled way to explore another world and reflect on/distance yourself from your own experience.
(4) strut/Model walk. break it out anywhere, anytime - it's sometimes more fun in some fiiine heels, but a little more baller if you do it in sweats and running shoes. Extra points if you're walking down a crowded street.
(5) reach out to a friend crush. Do something active with them--hike, ice skate, bowl, contra dance, bike--somewhere you haven't been before
(6) create (and keep) standing dates, whether its for lunch every week, a TV show, drinks after work - something you CAN count on amidst all this instability and ephemeral-ness


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"She is a friend of mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It's good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind."
~Toni Morrison, Beloved

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