Nov

12 Things That Put An Instant Smile On My Face

Being unemployed gives me more time to think than the average person, but this isn’t always a good thing. It can lead you to worrying too much about your self-worth and if you’re spending your time wisely, at least that’s how I’ve been feeling. The toughest part about not knowing where the future may take you is finding the right energy to drive your passion and goals; you need to find a way to keep motivated, or 12! I decided that, to encourage myself and others around me who may feel the same, I’d put together a list of things that keep me on track and put the biggest smile on my face.

1) My best friends. They mean the world to me. They’re my support system and have helped me become the confident and strong woman I am today. They give me the courage to strive to become a better person and leave behind those who don’t take the time to be a part of my life, or at least ask about it.

2) Listening to kick-ass songs by pretty kick-ass artists. Music is the soundtrack to my life; I don’t know what I would do without some Swedish House Mafia, The Fray or Journey in my day. This is a pretty happy song to wind down your day to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8inJtTG_DuU

3) Ice cream! This sweet treat always finds a way to make me feel better, even if there was nothing wrong to start off with; put some cookie dough in there and you’ve found your way to my heart!

4) Having a good conversation with a perfect stranger (a sane one of course). I find it refreshing to be able to spill my guts to someone who is willing to simply listen as opposed to thinking of an answer or witty reply to what I’m saying. I know they won’t judge me on my past actions, good or bad.

5) Writing out my thoughts, especially the ones I’m too afraid to admit to myself out loud. My writing process usually involves a whole lot of semicolons and side notes, but I feel like I can breathe a little easier after I’ve shown my journal who is boss.

6) Giving someone a reason to smile, every day. I used to go to this one coffee shop, where a barista once told me: “You have the best smile. Seeing it instantly puts me in a good mood.” From that day on, I’ve made sure to keep that up; you just never know who you’re going to make smile in return.

7) Doing random research on a topic that has been intriguing me, and I’m not talking about creeping Facebook! This topic for me is usually anything having to do with the Italian Renaissance. It’s just one of those things that need no explanation because there is none other than the fact that it gets my mind going, which makes me happy.

8) Getting a good workout in. This takes its own motivation to start, but once you keep it up, it will provide its own.

9) Giving something new and exciting a shot! You won’t get too far by sitting around in your room watching Netflix all day, though it can be highly entertaining. To make my life more interesting lately, I started my own blog (how about that?!).

10) Watching Christmas movies. I may not be a big fan of white fluffy snow in real life, but seeing it on the same screen as a mushy gushy holiday rom com makes me pretty happy. The holidays really do bring out the best in me.

11) Dancing. This is one of the activities that cheers me up the most. I’m always excited to get up and dance, whether I’m taking a walk in public and a good song comes on or I’m in my room with the music turned up to try out new and potentially dangerous dance moves.

12) Getting all dolled up for a night out with the girls, which usually involves putting on my favourite red lipstick. Wearing red on my lips and hitting the town gives me the biggest confidence boost; I feel fire red and on top of the world.