Jen's Journal

I started my new job this Monday, and every day I am amazed at how well they treat their employees and the fact that everyone always looks rested, happy, and stress-free.

I’ve been trying to get into the mindset that if I seek happiness, that’s what I’ll get in return. Today, on the way to work, there was a guy walking his bike on the sidewalk, smiling from ear to ear. As I approached him, he said, “Hey, girl!”

It wasn’t in a creepy way or a cat-call way; It was in a genuinely happy way. I don’t see that very often. That doesn’t mean I must strive to be happy all of the time; that’s unrealistic. But, sometimes I don’t realize the power of one’s own mentality.

I catch myself complaining about every little thing, and I don’t realize that I’m creating my world every second of the day. If I watch things that are fucked up and violent, I’m going to be anxious. If I put too much on my plate, I will burn myself out. If I do yoga at least three times a week, I’ll be much calmer in intense situations.

So I’m really going to try to adopt happiness this year. I might go back to school. I’m learning how to crochet, and I’m trying to read books that make me feel something. I’m still figuring out who I want to keep in my life, and who I need to cut off. I’m still just making it up as I go along, but now I have a better idea of the kind of person I want to be.