Finding your joy

It seems to me that there are three basic types of people in this world: people who are happy, people who are not - and people who fall somewhere in between. I think the majority of us fall somewhere in between, but I know several who seem to have it all and are miserable; and a few who seem to have nothing and are happy as can be.

I'm not sure what the formula for happiness is but I think it has something to do with being content with what you have and not wanting what you cannot obtain. I'm sure part of it has to do with the realization that money and material items aren't nearly as important as the irreplaceable things (like good relationships) - things that enrich your life without costing a dime. It's about being able to dig into dirt that is barren and infertile and making something grow - a sense of accomplishment. It is also about finding your joy - the magical thing that can transport you away from the stress of your life and bring you back rejuvenated and renewed.

I'll be the first to admit that I am a bit materialistic. For me, material things do bring a degree of happiness. It can be a quick fix, but sometimes that's all I need. Where I find my true joy and happiness though, is being able to indulge in the inner cravings and needs that have nothing to do with retail therapy. My soul is extremely restless and staying stagnant for any amount of time brings me emotional distress. I crave movement, I crave stimulation - I crave interaction. I see the world as a rich and inviting adventure and I want to be out in it.

I am my happiest when I'm out on my skates. (Inline, or 'rollerblading'.) I've been skating for about 16 years, and I'm all about speed and distance. My favorite time to skate is in the early evening - when the sun is about two hours from setting. The burn of my muscles working, the wind in my face, the warmth of the sun on my skin; the sights and sounds of the outdoors - pure bliss. The smells of sunscreen, the river, the trees, and sweat are intoxicating. I keep one earbud in and one earbud out so I can hear my music and still be aware of cyclist coming up behind me. It is sensory overload and completely exhilarating. My heart pounds, my breath quickens, and I am completely involved in every aspect of the experience. Skating engages all of my senses and responses - body and mind working together to accomplish something akin to flying. It's playtime. All of my worries, fears, and stresses melt away. I feel more connected to myself during this than I do at any other time.

I sometimes wish I lived somewhere warm so I could skate year round - as it is now though, I usually start skating in March and get my last skate in October or (if I'm lucky) November. So there's usually only a couple of months where it's too cold and I feel lost. Ice skating doesn't have the same feel to it because usually I'm in an indoor rink and my senses aren't as engaged. I have found something that almost takes me to that same place, and that is snowshoeing. I wish I could bottle the sensation so I could take a whiff and be transported to my happy place anytime I want...

Find your joy. Find the thing that makes you feel 100% aware and connected and immersed in your surroundings. Find the thing that makes your heart pound, your blood race, and your emotions soar. Life is an adventure, don't stand on the sidelines - embrace and experience it for as long as you can....