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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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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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