I heard a quote the other day that said, “happiness is a choice.” I sat and thought about that quote for a while because sometimes it doesn’t really feel that way, but it is true. Happiness is all about our perspective and intentional actions.
November reminded me that we can find so much happiness, even in little, mundane things.
This was a huge month for me. I finally left my teenage years behind and turned 20. I came home for the first time in three months, which felt so surreal, and I was officially back in the Bryce Jordan Center to cover Penn State wrestling (my favorite time of the year).
Looking back, this month was a collection of meaningful moments that made me appreciate everything I have in this little, yet not so little, life.
1. The Best visit
I don’t think people understand how much Irene has impacted my life. High school was such a low point for me, and certain people truly carried me through. Irene has been with me through thick and thin, and now being 200 miles apart can be a big struggle.
It meant the world to me that she decided to come up on my birthday weekend and give me a little sense of home.
2. kicking off penn state wrestling season
It is my favorite time of the year — wrestling season! For those who don’t know, I am a die-hard Penn State wrestling fan, and it is actually one of the reasons I came to Penn State. Now, I write for Penn State’s student-run blog, Onward State, and I work as a wrestling beat writer.
It is honestly something I am so proud of, and I get so much joy out of doing it. Going to media throughout the week, talking to the wrestlers, writing their stories and being at every single match has been such a rewarding experience.
Being back in the Bryce Jordan Center just puts a smile on my face.
3. Finding joy in the kitchen
As someone with a huge sweet tooth, I really enjoy baking. I also find it very therapeutic. This month, for my Greek mythology class, I was asked to come up with a creative way to interpret classical Greek myths.
Projects are never fun, but I had free rein with this one. So, I thought to myself, how can I do this in a way that would bring me the most happiness?
After thinking about it for a while, I decided the best way to do this would be through baking. I spent hours in the kitchen whipping up chocolate and strawberry cupcakes to represent the Greek goddess Aphrodite, since both chocolate and strawberry are aphrodisiac foods.
4. Reunion with my friends
I will be honest. It pains a part of me to leave State College and come home. I think I have built an amazing life for myself in State College, and leaving that behind can sometimes feel like taking a step backwards.
One thing I look forward to when I come home is seeing my family and friends. I already mentioned how much Irene has impacted my life, but Sam is another friend who has grown alongside me over the years. Getting to spend Thanksgiving evening with them meant the world to me, because they are two people I am incredibly thankful for.
5. Celebrating my birthday (a little late)
Growing up, my parents always made my birthday a big deal. I thought once I got to college, that would change, but it didn’t. My freshman year, I was able to spend my birthday with my parents, but this year, they couldn’t be with me.
So, my mom, being the amazing mom that she is, took it upon herself to make sure that we celebrated with my family on Thanksgiving Day. Every year, I always tell her that she doesn’t need to get me presents; just a chocolate cake will suffice. This year, she got me the most beautiful chocolate cake, and that is what I call happiness.
You can’t always control what happens, but you can control what you give your energy to. Yes, November was a great month, but it was also stressful.
Only you can decide whether you want to stay stuck in negativity or find the little moments of happiness in your life. These things may not seem like much, but they each made me realize just how great life can be.