Some people find happiness in reading, others find it in singing. Some people even find happiness in sleeping. Basically, everyone has that one thing in their life that makes them the happiest. For me, that thing is CrossFit, especially my "box" that almost acts as a second home to me and approximately 300 other people.

For a while, I would just go to CrossFit to workout and occasionally chat with a few people while there. Then I'd come home and go on with my day. But as my time at my box went on, it became harder and harder to leave each day even though I'd be back in less than 24 hours. It's not just because I literally love working out and getting better at CrossFit (although that is a large part of it). It's mainly due to the fact that the people who work out beside me are some of my most favorite people in the world.

It's kind of crazy to think that over 300 people from all walks of life have such a strong bond over health and fitness. But it's also so cool. I've learned so much from the people I've come to know at my box. I've learned about their careers, their families, their trials and their tribulations. The people at my box take time out of their busy days just to chat about anything with someone who they hardly know for a few minutes after a workout. In this day and age, that's not something to ever take for granted. The people I work out with every day are the first people to congratulate me on significant events, to ask how school is doing and to tell me I looked nice in my latest Facebook profile picture.

One of the most amazing parts of my CrossFit box is the opportunity I have to watch people overcome challenges. Whether it be jumping onto a higher box than usual, lifting a heavier weight or getting that coveted first pull-up, watching people succeed is a wonderful feeling. And sometimes after a rough day, watching yourself and your friends achieve goals is just the thing you need to feel better. After workouts you congratulate, high-five and fist bump everyone in your class whether you know them or not. And when you're the last person to finish a workout, you get the loudest cheers, every single time. You heard me. At my happy place, regardless of how long it took you to do a workout, you get cheered on as if you just won an event at the Olympics.

The fact that I get to go to a place where I feel safe and happy every single day is truly a blessing. The fact that I'm surrounded by like-minded people all working to achieve the same goals is incredible. I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to meet so many great people because of CrossFit. They aren't just people I workout with. They are truly my friends, regardless of our differences, regardless of where we came from. We find a common ground in a love of CrossFit and a love of our happy place. So, CrossFit Mount Laurel, thank you for being my happy place.