I was encouraged by Athena over on AmbiGaming to post 10 things that make me happy. So here goes!

1. Family & Friends
Human relationships tend to bring a lot of complexity and fulfillment. The older I get, the more I value the loyalty, honesty, and compassion of those closest to me. They are simply irreplaceable.

2. Michigan
Despite the economy—despite everything else that could be said—Michigan is still one of the most beautiful places to live in the US if you love the outdoors. I love living in a state where I can travel just over an hour to reach a pristine beach, I can walk through a deep forest to reach some falls, and I can simply enjoy the sometimes moody temperament and tranquility of nature in its element.

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3. Writing
For better or worse, I have always been a thinker. That and I probably question too much. Writing has contributed greatly to my written and spoken voice and helped me work through ideas and express creativity. It is something that I am often engaged in whether formally or for personal reasons. I simply would not be who I am today without the pondering and expressing of words.

4. Travel
I haven’t been able to travel as much as I wish, but that changes more with each year that passes. Experiencing new places and meeting various people is always an insightful adventure.

5. Pets
Animals are needy, goofy, and often oblivious, but darn do I like em. Being greeted at the door by a dog or being smothered by a cat in the morning brings a simple sense of happiness to my life.

6. Music
I have often said that if I had to live the rest of my life with access to only one type of media/entertainment, it would be music. Music truly does speak to my soul on a number of levels and is something I cannot live without. From listening to occasionally playing, music brings an organic happiness.

7. Video Games
Obviously video games had to make the list, right? 😉 I have talked about this before, but video games provide such engaging entertainment. Not only that, but they can be a means of escape, stress relief, and can even teach us. That’s pretty great all around.

8. Reading
I was encouraged to read and to read often from a young age. I’m pretty sure that was one of the most defining factors that led me into education. I appreciate a good story, a world full of characters, and the imaginations and experiences of individuals who have taken the time and care to share with the rest of us.

9. Learning
Besides gaming, learning just comes with the territory. I find a lot of enjoyment in inquiring and exploring whether this takes place in the traditional, academic sense or just out in everyday life. A love for learning was instilled in me by my parents and is a passion I carry with me everywhere.

10. Cooking
I never saw this one coming, but a few years ago I discovered that cooking can actually be enjoyable and a good way to relieve stress. It’s fun, it’s creative, and it can be a wonderful activity to share with those you love. Grilling? Baking? Let’s go!

That wraps up my blogging for the week. 🙂 Feel free to share a few things that make you happy if you like. And have a wonderful rest of the weekend!