I was thinking the other day about how I let things get to me—the stuff that doesn’t work out like I planned, unkind critiques, or any kind of general negativity (the person who was rude on the subway, the girl behind the register who had a bad day and took it out on her customers). I tend to let myself focus on that. I zero in on the small percentage of people or experiences out there that have put a dent in my day.

But instead, I think we (myself included) should remember the positive. Remember the guy at Starbucks who give you a dollar because you didn’t quite have enough change for your morning coffee, or the lady on the the highway you let you into the insane merge lane during rush hour traffic. Remember the incredible goal you accomplished, the dream gig you just got, or the person who took the time to write you a letter saying how much your work inspired her during a sad time in her life.

I am terrible at letting the good stuff stick. But maybe we can all help each other out a little and remember the good times, the best moments, the nice people, and the kindnesses that do come our way…

Thanks for the inspiration, oh joy!

thanks to, lbnass, i have been going through my waaaaay old livejournal lately. i found this post that lists ten things at any given period in my life that make me happy - things that vary from serious to silly. here’s a current list of 10 things that bring me joy, though i’m sure my list could go on & on (hence why my list goes to 11). what brings you joy?

august 2012

1. my thirties!

2. pilsen. life in pilsen. home.

3. my mom’s strength

4. allison. always.

5. footy. the fact that i’m 32 and somehow i’m still managing to play a contact sport on a very regular basis.

6. toyota park. the team, energy, friendships, memories that i’m surrounded by when i’m there.

7. momiji dolls

8. pink sparkling moscato 

9. new beginnings

10.  nass attack » reconnecting » the vodka i have in her freezer

11. b

****

(december 2007)
10 things that bring me joy::
1. soccer, the chicago fire, etc
2. vinyl toys  (rotofugi)
3. lemony snickets & young adult fiction
4. living solo
5. my gold cleats
6. pilsen
7. wax wax waxxxxxing
8. vegan chocolate peanut butter ice cream
9. new friendships, new people
10. az or bust!

****

(too bad i currently feel quite the opposite of joy, maybe this is an awful time for me to fill out this survey. i’m overwhelmingly stressed with work, money, and my current love life. on another side of things, maybe this will cheer me up. ready. go.)

earlier in 2007
10 things that bring me joy::
1. allison kt hack (always & forever, even when she’s an awful pain)
2. sarah m and her nuturing ways
3. sara hops and our growing friendship
4. beth and how easy things seem to fall into our friendship so naturally
5. waxxxxxing (bikini, brazilian)
6. vegan chocolate peanut butter ice cream 
7. living solo
8. pilsen
9. sweetness fc/playing soccer
10. my big sister relationship with tiff (she’s the big sis, not me)
11. my new found friendship with katie q
12. chicago fire/toyota park/blanco/chirs rolfe/matt pickens
13. arizona or bust

(my list, which exceeds 10, seems boring to me this time around. hmph.)

****

july 2006:
10 things that bring me joy::
1. allison kt hack
2. playing lots of soccer & drinking less/being hungover less
3. my ever evolving friendship with sarah, beth, and sara
4. mr. mitchell l
5. having a job with amazing benefits— free grad school & health benefits!
6. becoming a grown up.
7. pedicures!
8. peach vodka
9. my birthday (soon to be coming up)
10. kindness & manners

****

november 2005:
10 things that bring me joy::
1. allison kt hack
2. playing soccer/watching soccer/the chicago fire/soccer in general
3. matte lattes (especially on days like today)
4. creativity
5. my evolving friendship w/ sarah, beth, & sara and so many countless others
(you know if your name should be included here)
6. living across the hall from john
7. first kisses
8. learning from others & teaching others
9. compassion, kindness, & caring— in general
10. new haircuts