On Homemade Happiness

I don't have a whole lot to say today, I just wanted you all to think about this. It was a sticker on the wall at my Dad's place;

"Happiness is homemade."

This has been one of my favorite quotes since I read it four days ago, and I think, despite being only three words long, it offers a lot to think about. We make our own happiness, and I think that's a responsibility a lot of people kind of neglect - which is a real shame. Everyone deserves happiness, but we have to realize that how happy we are, often depends on how happy we're willing to make ourselves.

So, don't forget to treat yourself right.

Thanks for reading! <3

On The Little Things

Why do we stop being fascinated by the little things?

A couple of weeks ago, I was heading back to work after my lunch break, and I saw this child being pushed down the path in a stroller by his mother. A bird flew across the path in front of him and he had this look of excitement that I've never seen on the face of an adult. I couldn't help but wonder when the last time I experienced something so simple and enjoyed it so much was.

So I gave myself a mission.

I am determined to enjoy the simple things from now on. As often as it's said and as cliche as it sounds, we get one life to live, and I plan to squeeze out of it every ounce of happiness that I possibly can. I refuse to let my perspective on life be anything less than extraordinary.

Some things that I've noticed since taking note of little things:

1. Sometimes insects are too big to gracefully land on a flower and it is hilarious to watch a clover bend beneath a plump bumblebee.

2. Birds are everywhere and are actually amazing, beautiful creatures.

3. I have no shame in using my puppy voice in front of any number of bystanders (who often don't speak much of my language).

4. A sticky note can work wonders when it comes to brightening your day. (Further explanation: I have a sticky note above my mirror which says "Someone out there thinks you are beautiful." My best friend came over, and when I wasn't looking, crossed out "Someone out there" and replaced it with her name. When I finally noticed, I couldn't help but laugh. I left it up, because it makes me smile every time I see it.)

5. The people you surround yourself with are incredibly influential on your happiness. Surrounding yourself with negativity clouds up your perspective and affects the way you view things.

I encourage you to take a look at things in a different light, even if it's just once in a while, and think about how amazing this life really is. If you do, let me know what you come up with - I'd love to hear about your new perspective! After all, we only get one shot at this life. Don't settle for mediocre.

On My Learning Experience

I have studied abroad in the Netherlands for the last 11 months (for those of you who don't know, I'm from Canada), and over that time, I'd like to think I've learned at least a few important life skills and lessons. Because I am addicted to the internet, and also because I haven't posted anything on here in approximately a century, I've decided to share some of the things I've learned with you here.

1. I love starting over. Between August 31st, 2013, and now, July of 2014, I have reinvented myself about a million times. I've changed my way of thinking, and my outlook on life, and the way I interact with people. There are few things more satisfying in life than becoming the person you want yourself to be, and while I'm not quite there yet, each time I make a change for myself, I get a little closer than I've ever been.

2. I hate endings. As much as I love starting over, I'll always have bittersweet feelings about things coming to a close. I'm horrible at goodbyes (as some of you may know), and as much as I am an advocate for feeling everything and experiencing pain as well as sadness, it still kills me to say goodbye to the friends and important people that I've met over the past year. I get attached to people easily, and even when I know the end is coming, sometimes I will still cry for four hours when saying goodbye to someone I really, truly cared about... Not that that's happened recently. *cough*

3. Exercise is, like, really important. I started taking running a little more seriously back in April, and I have never felt better. I got to do the Color Run in Amsterdam with my best friend +Kayla Wolfe back on May 31st, and it was a great experience. I know not everyone is into running, but even 15 minutes of yoga is great. I just need to clear my head sometimes and exercise is such a great outlet.

4. You can open a beer bottle with pretty much anything. Seriously. Some of the things I have used to open bottles this year include keys, countertops, a picnic bench, my teeth, and a spoon.

5. It is so worth it to be passionate about things. As someone who has had to say goodbye more times than I'd like to remember over the past year, it would be easy for me to develop the mindset of "if I don't care about them, it won't hurt when we say goodbye." However, I don't like that mindset. I think some parts of life have to be hard, because that's what proves the other parts are worth it. I would rather be heartbroken and know that I cared about my friends and loved ones to the fullest, than go through life knowing that I made some acquaintances and Facebook friends. Caring about things is what gets me out of bed in the morning, and it's the reason I enjoy life so much, and if that means that I cry when I say goodbye, then so be it. Worth it.

So there you have it. Some things I've learned while studying in the Netherlands. Now get out there and care about things.

PS - Please don't break your teeth on a bottle(cap).

PPS - Happy birthday to my Dad. See you soon! <3