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Count It All Joy

If there is even a slight chance at getting you something that makes you happy, risk it. Life is too short and happiness is too rare. – A.R. Lucas

Whitney Todd

Feb 05, 2018

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

208

Whitney Todd

We all have favorites. We all have things that make our heart beat a little faster. We all have things that we know will brighten up our day and show a little glimpse of a sparkle in our eye. They are the things that bring us joy; things that make us happy. They are nothing special, and they don’t have to be. We don’t compare them to others’ favorites. They are ours. The things that make us happy belong to us, and we need to count it all joy.

What brings joy to Whitney:

Pale Pink Peonies

The right shade of lipstick

Grace

When the right song plays at the right moment

Chubby babies

Making others genuinely crack a smile

Polka Dots

Finding meaning in a new verse

Love

Defying expectations

Coffee shops on cloudy days

The sun peeking through the trees

Handwritten letters

French expressions

Beauty and the Beast

Classics

Witty sayings

Making a batch of cookies and not baking them

Intellectual conversations

Cheat days

The smell of coffee

Surprises out of love

The feeling of being home

Finishing a book

Messy buns

Praying for others

The feeling of a fresh start

Eating cake for breakfast

Grandma’s hugs

The smell right before it starts to rain

Anything that sparkles

Well-tailored clothing

Curiosity

A wink

Knowing the victory has already been won.

I encourage you to think about what brings joy to your life. When you do that, write it down and reflect. Think about what is on your list and ask the question, “When have I last experienced this?”

Do more of that. Recreate it. Repeat it.

If you have a zest for it, what is stopping you from experiencing it? Write it down so you know to do it more. This is soul food for your growling, hungry heart.

It doesn’t have to be anything special. Write down the feelings, emotions, things and people that make you happy.

Count it all joy.

If there is even a slight chance at getting you something that makes you happy, risk it. Life is too short and happiness is too rare. – A.R. Lucas

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Count It All Joy

If there is even a slight chance at getting you something that makes you happy, risk it. Life is too short and happiness is too rare. – A.R. Lucas

Count it all joy.

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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