Due to a series of unfortunate, unexpected, and completely unnecessary events in the past week, I’ve had a hard time finding my happy place.
That place is where I feel the most creative, where I need to be to write.
Knee deep in finishing one book project and starting another, I’m feeling a little panic that my happy place has been so elusive the last several days because my productivity has nearly been non-existent.
If I was writing some dark novel with lots of trauma and destruction, I think I might be able to handle it.
But the story lines generated in the sparkly pink world generally populating my thoughts don’t happen in this current mind set.
So I decided to see if I can find my way back to my happy place.
I thought I’d start by make a gratitude list – things I’m thankful for or bring me joy.
Captain Cavedweller is at the top of the list. He make me laugh, teases me mercilessly, is always there to support and encourage me, and he melts my heart daily.
I’m thankful for my parents. They didn’t just let me grow up, they raised me, taught me right from wrong, and gave me a good foundation on which to build my life.
I’m so thankful for my faith – to know that no matter what happens in life, I’m never alone.
I’m thankful for the ability to take the thoughts in my head and weave them into stories. It is a gift that leaves me feeling humble and grateful each and every day. Writing, for me, is a thing of fun, enjoyment, excitement, therapy and creativity.
My love of books brings me great joy. In the matter of a few minutes, I can leave my cares behind and find myself in a strange land, on an exciting adventure, meeting fascinating people.
Roses always make me smile. Captain Cavedweller knows this well. Regardless of whether they are in a bouquet he’s sent from the florist or cut from my own garden, roses speak to me in soft whispers of delicately perfumed air.
I love spring because it means we’ve survived winter and the heat of summer hasn’t yet arrived. I’m thankful for the ability to enjoy each season, to breath in deeply of the air, to see the changing colors, to hear the sounds and taste the flavors.
I’ll even admit to a certain fondness for these two felines who make me laugh at their antics. The one on the right , the Heinous Cat, is particularly odd, but so entertaining.
I’m thankful I live somewhere I can enjoy beautiful sunsets and the peace of country life can restore me at the end of the day.
I’m thankful for the women who’s feet are featured in this photo. They have become so dear to my heart and mean the world to me.
I’m thankful for my friends. They also make me laugh and help me not take myself too seriously.
They’ve also never discouraged me from buying just one more pair of shoes. That’s a highly important trait of good friends, you know, especially when you have a thing for cute shoes.
I’m also thankful for music and the ability to hear it. It can be soothing, pump me up, or help stir my creativity. And it makes me giggle uncontrollably when Captain Cavedweller messes up the lyrics (although I think sometimes that is entirely on purpose).
This list could go on for a very long time, so I’ll end it here. As I’ve written these things for which I am so grateful, more and more are popping into my head.
I guess that was the whole point of this little exercise – to remind me of all the blessings in my life and channel my thoughts in a more positive direction.
I’d love to hear about how you find your happy place.
