Happy Place

When we’re stressed out, tired, or unhappy, inevitably someone will say “think about your happy place”.

What is a happy place to you? Where is your happy place? For me, it kind of depends on my mood, my location and the time of year. I think a variety of happy places are a good thing.

When I was a teenager growing up, I often went to the city. There, in my random wanderings, I found a spot. It was right by a bridge and there wasn’t a gate back then. I’d sit on the stone/cement steps at all odd hours, just thinking. I’d even sit there in the rain. It was a peaceful spot, and I could peer out the round hole, examining the nearly rusted-away wrought iron in it (wondering if there was ever any glass in it), listening to the sounds of nature and city at once. I was never bothered there, nor did I ever bother anyone else. On a recent trip “home”, I stopped there. The scene is now as you see it: a big locked gate and the ivy has overgrown the round hole. It’s still there, but inaccessible and therefore, alien to me in a way. I can’t get there from here anymore. I doubt the owners of the big mansion would appreciate me walking up to their door and requesting them to open the gate so I can sit there again. This one is only a happy place in my mind now, but a happy one nonetheless.

On the right you can still see part of that round "window".

I have some critters at home, although I’m not really sure who owns who. Meet Booger, nicknamed this mostly because he has a very funny attitude and personality. He is a registered Arabian stallion, and quite beautiful, but his personality even outshines his good looks. He’ll steal your pizza and run away with it; he’ll steal the dog bed drying on the deck, run away with it, rip it up and then lay down on it; he’ll drink your Irish Death stout and knock you over to get it; he plays with buckets and anything he can reach with his nimble nose. Hanging out with him, in any weather, is a treat and brings a special peace I can find few other places. You can be mad at the world, and he’s there for you to lean on, hug and hide under his huge mane. Of course, be mad at him, and he runs away, bouncing and farting.

Behold! Booger, Destroyer of Road Cones. Sorry about terrible photo quality!

Of course, in the arms of my chosen is always a happy place…but I’m not going to kiss and tell. I WILL say that he is a great supporter, and is there for me when I need it.

My current favorite new/old place and special treat is the sauna. Why haven’t I been using it? It’s at the gym (where I should ALSO be more often), right by work. Last night, we re-acquainted ourselves. It was a real joy and the dry heat felt really good after a long, strenuous workout. I felt rewarded!

So, think about where your happy spot is…if it’s a memory, a real or imagined place, or near a specific someone or something. Have a great day! I’m headed off to several of my favorite happy spots!