List 10 Things that make you really happy
Day 3: Crystal’s 30 Day Challenge
With a broken wrist right now, I have had some time to reflect and today’s topic made me really focus on what makes me happy. 😁
1.) Photography. Whether it’s taking photos at camera club, working on studio pictures in Photoshop at home, being inspired by incredible images online or talking about photography with my mom or others, it all just makes my day! A smile comes to my face more than my subjects sometimes, so much so that my cheek muscles often hurt after a shoot! Something about capturing the right moment, pose or expression on someone just brings me the greatest joy and I absolutely love making my models look their best! 💕
2.) Spending time with my cat. If anyone read my Day 2 Blog Challenge, I wrote all about my wonderful cat Poof and what he does for me. He has an incredible way of comforting, snuggling, purring and being my ultimate companion. We have a trust and love for one another that is unmatched and everyday I am so thankful that he randomly sauntered into our lives.
3.) Outside time! Everyday I make it a point to take a walk outside and I believe that it literally fuels my happiness! Whether it’s the Vitamin D, the calories burned, the endorphins released, the beautiful California sunshine or the camaradery with friends who go with me, after a walk I feel like a million bucks!
4.) Netflix shows. As silly as it sounds Netflix can really lift me up! Old episodes of “The Office”, random Comedy stand-up specials, getting lost in binge watching “Stranger Things” or finding a classic funny movie from my childhood like “Spaceballs”, “Weekend at Bernie’s”, “The Princess Bride” or “Beetlejuice” can turn any frown upside down!
5.) Good food! And I’m not talking about super healthy good for you food. I’m talking about some incredible homemade pasta dish or an authentic roast beef dip or bomb diggity Carne Asada tacos in downtown LA. Like I’m talking incredibly flavorful and tasty food that makes your mouth go - wow! This could be spicy Thai food, fresh sushi, Mediterranean, smoky BBQ or Chinese food but if done well and Yelped correctly we can go out there and give them a try to make our taste buds tingle!
6.) Massages. My husband Mike takes the cake (sorry, we were discussing food) for giving the best massages! He has the magic touch and everyday he either squeezes my tootsies, rotates my shoulders or massages my scalp and it’s almost coma (or at least drool) inducing! He rubs away my aches, pain and stress and shows me how much he loves me with his caring touch. I love him so much!
7.) Teaching others something. Lots of times this happens at work with either my customers or my coworkers. It brings me great joy to share an important piece of information that really clicks with someone. Whether that’s educating them on a process, a fact, a program or systems - knowing that what I’ve shared with them will be utilized and passed on is super important. At work we call this “tribal knowledge” and the more information we can share with one another, the more valuable and knowledgeable we all become!
8.) Music and dancing! I’ve been dancing since I was 5 with tap, ballet, jazz, tumbling and baton, but now I’m all about silly dancing! Turn up the volume on Flashback lunch, cause I’m gunna boogie down in the living room! LOL. We went to a Bollywood Night and 90’s Night for Dance Downtown this year and I seriously had the BEST time ever! Catchy beats, high energy and clapping hands make me so indescribably happy!
9.) Reconncecting with family & friends. Lately, thanks to Facebook, text messaging, IM and phone calls technolgy has brought me closer to family and friends that I would have otherwise lost touch with. Overseas or across the country, everybody is only a phone call away! Seeing them in person is of course even better, but feeling updated with everyone’s latest post, announced engagement or newest addition to the family is so great! Within these next two months, I am expecting to see so many wonderfully important people in my life and that is the biggest blessing of them all! Thank you friends and family! You bring me so much happiness!
10.) Coffee. Lastly, but maybe most importantly is coffee! I am new to the drink but I absolutely love it! We bought a Keurig coffee maker on Black Friday and I never realized how incredibly tasty coffee could be! I now love Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Coffee Bean and I’m working on trying lattes and expressos! I start each morning with a hot cup and it really puts me into a good mood like none other!
So thanks for reading my list of 10 things that make me happy. I’d suggest making your own quick list and read over it for a quick pick me up any time you need it! Because your happiness and mine is oh so important!
Smiles, hugs and caffeine wishes,
-Crystal Olguin
September 25, 2018
