Keys To My Happiness
What makes you happy? I’ve done a lot of thinking about that during the past few weeks as we’ve battled with Hurricane Sandy and all the upheaval she brought.
Helping others makes me happy: We were very fortunate. The storm did not cause us any damage. We didn’t lose power. We didn’t even lose any trees. But others around us weren’t as lucky. Our friends were without power for more than a week. So were my parents. We opened our home to them—our friends stayed over for three days, my parents used our house during the day, and eventually gave in and stayed with us after our friends left. It was hectic and crazy, and I’m pretty sure neither my husband nor I have added “Open a B&B” to our retirement list ideas, but I loved being able to help the people I care about.
We’ve known our friends for almost 13 years. Our kids grew up together. After spending the first week after the storm stuck in the house and staring at each other, it was nice to have some new people to talk to (and stare at). We celebrated Halloween together, we talked and we checked in with one another each day. My parents provided lots of laughs and my kids had more time to spend with their grandparents. My dad even channeled his inner Danny Tanner and cleaned my vacuum (I put my foot down at the idea of dust busting the vacuum to remove the dust).
Time with my family makes me happy: As much as I loved having everyone over our house, it was also nice to get back to just the four of us. Routines are comforting, as is knowing what each person needs or wants without having to ask. Spending so much time with others made me appreciate the time I get to spend with my family even more.
Alone time makes me happy: I’m an only child. These past two weeks made me realize that in order for me to recharge and be even semi-human, I need some time to myself. Luckily, I was able to get at least an hour or two each day, where I didn’t have to talk to anyone. I could be alone with my own thoughts as I did whatever needed doing. Even trips to the grocery store by myself were sufficient, though not ideal, for me to get my sanity back.
Writing makes me happy: Unfortunately, I didn’t have a whole lot of time to write. Hosting people takes work and used up much of the time I would have spent writing. At first, I didn’t miss it—I was probably too busy! But after everyone left and I was able to sit at my computer and think (rather than play on Facebook), I realized how much I really did miss it! I’m glad to be back.
This post is part of a Blog Hop. Check out the other participants here
