Choosing Happiness

I want to start by saying that I am so amazed by the outpouring of support from friends after my last blog post. I was humbled by the conversations it sparked, where I realized I was not the only one who felt the way I did. I heard stories of hurt and confusion as people shared their experiences with me about how real life was so different from the life they had envisioned. And I offered comfort, all the while knowing that maybe it was the simple act of being heard that was most important in those moments.  

I spent a lot of time reading over the past two weeks (that's what infusing "me time" into your schedule does!) and the books that I've devoured have somehow been able to provide some counsel to me. One of the books I read contained this quote: 

"That was just it.  You never knew what lay ahead; the future was one thing that could never be broken, because it had not yet had the chance to be anything.  One minute you're walking through a dark woods, alone, and then the landscape shifts, and you see it. Something wondrous and unexpected, almost magical, that you never would have found had you not kept going." - from Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen. 

I couldn't have said it better myself.  There is something magical out there for me and for all those who are hurting.  I have a piece of art that hangs on the wall in my office that reminds me and all those who see it to "Choose Happiness." It has hung there for close to two years and has gradually turned into my personal mantra.  Even when life seems to be falling apart, there is joy to be found in the clearings of life's forests. It is up to us to open our eyes to find those clearings.

So I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for those personal narratives where the author makes big changes to her life. Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project has helped me to recognize the steps I need to take to make my life full of more joy and happiness. I just finished reading Anna David's Falling for Me and I was reminded that I need to live my life and not wait for someone else to make me happy. I'm not to the point where I feel like I less of a person for not having a partner,  but there is some truth in her premise of making yourself into the best possible version of yourself. Stop simply talking about doing things and start actually doing. Stretch yourself and do the things you didn't think you could do before.  What's holding you back?  When I read that,  I thought to myself,  what was I waiting for? 

Somewhere in the past few weeks I stumbled upon a friend who had created a list of 25 things she wanted to do at 25. Those of you who know me know that I love lists and nothing delights me more than creating a bucket list. Whether it be a list of things to do this fall or 101 things to do in 1001 days, I love the idea of a dream list. So naturally,  I decided to come up with my own list of things to do before I turn 26 (yes, I know I started a month in). I have nothing to wait for and I need to jump in.  I'm sure Anna David and Gretchen Rubin would cheer me on, reminding me to become the most true and authentic version of myself. So here are some of the highlights of my list:
1. Run a half marathon
2. Skydive
3. Go ice skating
4. Attend something political
5. Host a tea party
6. Take a belly dancing class
7. Write to 25 people who inspire me
8. Visit Boston
9. Go camping
10. Build a snowman
11. Start a blog

The next year is sure to be one full of adventure and stretching myself to be Courtney--the Courtney who not only dreams,  but acts on her dreams.  And along the way I can only hope to find true happiness.

Trust the Ride

I was starting to think I had it all together.  I was turning 25, I was surrounded by an amazing group of friends and a job I adore.  I'd met this boy I really liked and I was very involved in my community through church and professional organizations.  To top it off, I was living in Des Moines, my dream city.

But then life happened.  I realized I was over committed and never had a night at home, which after two weeks, began to wear on me. I was neglecting to take care of myself.  And then, a week later, the boy decided to break things off. And suddenly I was a mess. 

All I'm going to say is thank goodness for those amazing friends who have supported me through all the tears of the past few weeks, because without them, I don't know where I would be. But really, is my experience that much different than the average 20-something? Change the details a little, but it seems that most of my friends have felt like their life is falling apart at some point in recent history.  And why? I can't speak for everyone,  but here is what I've discovered about myself the last few weeks.  I've come to realize that I don't know where I'm going and I'm not sure I even know what I want. Where I am now is definitely not where I expected I would be at 25. I'm not in a committed relationship (or planning a wedding,  thank goodness!), nor do I have my master's degree. I'm not living in a trendy loft in downtown Des Moines. But is that really what matters? I have two amazing roommates and a comfortable home. I have a job I love and coworkers who truly understand me--sometimes more than I understand myself.  I am connected to a loving church family that believes in the young people of the world. No, my present doesn't look a thing like the life I'd planned out after college, but that's ok. I'm learning so much about myself and what I am capable of because I am on a path with an unknown destination.  If everything had turned out how I thought it would after college, current me would not have grown as much, nor would she be as happy. 

This isn't to say I'm not scared to death about the future, because I most definitely am. I can't even imagine my life at 30, let alone 50 or 75. I think the tears from the past few weeks come not from losing a boy, but from losing some connection to the 25 year old identity I feel I should have.  I see all the engagements and weddings on Facebook and I just wonder when it'll be my turn. But then I realize that I'm walking down uncharted territory and I have to learn to be OK with that. It's taken me a long time to get to this point, but I need to stop measuring my 25 year old self against everyone else's.  My experience is just as real and vivid and true, even if it doesn't seem to fit the mold of what is expected. In my humble opinion, no one really knows what they are doing,  but those people who embrace the possibility of tomorrow are the ones who seem to have it together.

This summer I had the opportunity to spend a week in Nicaragua. During our week of mission, we also had the opportunity to go zip lining in the rainforest.  At one point I was asked if I wanted to zipline "Superwoman" style--meaning I was hooked to one of our guides with my feet and I flew over the trees with my arms out like Superwoman. After some hesitation,  I said yes. I am so glad I did, as it was the most beautiful experience to be able to feel like you are flying over the trees. To truly enjoy the ride, I had to give up control and trust in those around me.  

And maybe that's the point of all this introspection.  Maybe I'm not supposed to plan out my life so much. That's not to say that I shouldn't dream big dreams,  but maybe I need to just keep putting one foot in front of another and trust in the journey. Maybe when life gives us opportunities,  we need to trust in the ride and say yes. Rich and beautiful life experiences can only come from giving up my planned vision for myself and letting myself say yes to the world.