I often forget what makes me truly happy. Dragging my ass out into the cold to hang out with friends can be a chore, but I usually have a good time. Keeping up with my blog can be difficult, but I always feel a happy buzz when I’ve written a really good entry that says just what I want to say. Putting on my workout clothes and going to the gym often makes me mumble profanities under my breath, but I usually feel a little high after a good run. Oh, and chocolate always tickles the happy part of my brain, but I suspect I will always remember that even if I go completely senile.
Lately I’ve remembered that I love making stuff. Making stuff makes me happy. I made some of my Christmas presents this year, like a photo collage and a Haterade label for a friend who likes to say “Don’t drink the Haterade!” After I’ve spent an hour or two creating something that did not exist before, something that will hopefully make someone else happy, I get a hit of happiness myself. I admire what I’ve made and smile a little. Plus, I’ve occupied my brain and my hands for awhile in a way that does not involve food.
I didn’t spend much on gifts this year, but I honestly never do. I can count the number of people I’ve giving gifts to on my toes, and the people I give gifts to don’t expect iPods wrapped in diamonds. The most expensive gift I ever bought was a TiVo for my mom, which I figured I owed her after living rent free in her house for a year. I live rather thriftily as it is, splurging mostly on food. I’ve never really understood why some people spend thousands of dollars during Christmas, but I don’t have any kids either and my cats are Pagans.
I think I should try to make more time for hobbies where I make things. I did a lot of cross-stitch as a kid. (No, I wasn’t very popular. Why do you ask?) I’ve crocheted hats and I have a sewing machine collecting dust that I could put to good use. Part of the appeal of craft stores is imagining all the cool things I could make, even if the stuff I make is slightly more crooked. I think I understand the Martha Stewart types a little better now. Making fancy meals and placemats isn’t really my thing, but wanting to make something cool certainly is.
What makes you happy?
