You, Happy.

What is it about your life that gives you a reason to wake up every morning with a smile?
I mean, even if you’re not a morning person (and the sound of your alarm clock makes you want to smash it into a million unfixable pieces), you deserve to wake up with a positive mindset for the rest of your day.

You should look forward to every 24 hour time span ahead of you, even though it may not be the best of them all. If you can drag yourself climb out of bed every morning with motivation and determination to be your best every day – you’re living life, right.

Stop wasting any time being unhappy. You, my friend, deserve better than that. Whatever it is you need to do to get to the happiest you that you can be — go. Do it now.
Make it happen.

 

 

 

 

Their Story

Upon wrapping up a refreshing conversation with a new friend this week, I was inspired to keep my place at the circular bar when she graciously escaped for another social event that evening. Although I didn’t really need it, the bartender was kind of enough to top off my wine glass, which only encouraged me to sit and enjoy the people filling up the stylish restaurant around me.

I knew the woman was going to be a character by her eccentric wardrobe and the bouquet of vivid tulips she was offering to the duo of handsome bartenders. She was definitely old enough to be my grandmother, but her personality was full of spunk and spirit. A classic martini (apparently her usual) was immediately placed in front of her, followed by a full plate of oysters. She was ecstatic, as I coyly watched her slurp them back in good fashion.

We ended up sharing a delightful conversation about our pride in calling Vancouver our home. Both her and I gushed about how much we both enjoyed the salty, cool ocean air and endless views of mountains and green trees. Since we were seated at the bar of a restaurant well known for bringing the delicious tastes of the ocean to your plate, we discussed our love for fresh seafood – something we missed dearly when we lived in Alberta at some point. She was so enthused to be talking to me, while I was simply stimulated by her positive vibes and vibrant personality.

I eventually left her for another round of drinks with another friend somewhere else. As I left, she ordered her usual bowl of soup – which she encouraged me to try upon my next visit – while the two cute bartenders continued to entertain her and provide her the attention she expected and enjoyed.

Although I was initially hoping I’d be able to spark conversation with a handsome man during my time atop that bar stool, I left smiling after sharing a drink and unique conversation with the spirited woman with the brightly coloured tulips at the seafood bar.

Next time you’re flying solo somewhere, take an hour or two to savour a drink and be open to the company of another exotic individual.

Strawberry Slush

 

You might learn a thing or two about the world around you, maybe someone might capture your heart and change your day.
Don’t be scared to talk to strangers, and live a little.

Proposal for a Promise

The relationship was hardly perfect, but it somehow made sense.

We fought about silly things, but tried to work it out every time. We were one of those couples who continuously broke up and got back together. We loved each other, but we were young. While we were learning how to be in a serious relationship, we were still trying to ‘enjoy our youth’ and in the process, we made mistakes.

He wasn’t perfect and neither was I. Once upon a time somewhere along the way, I messed up. I did something I wasn’t (and I’m still not) proud of and I was on the verge of losing my very first love. I gave him a reason to doubt me and what we had, and I had tainted the relationship. I wanted to fix it, so I did the first and only thing I could think of to make him realize how real my love for him was.

One day, with my credit card drained of hundreds of my hard earned dollars and my heart in knots, I showed up to his home. I sat him down and told him how much I loved him and that I deeply regretted my bad decisions, and that I wanted him to know that he was the only one I wanted.

I gave him a promise ring.

Promise Ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know what made me think he’d want one or that he’d even wear it. The ironic thing, was that I’m not sure I ever felt that he was going to be the man I married and shared a happily ever after with. But, (like I mentioned before) I was young and I was naive. I was blinded by the overwhelming feelings in my heart and thought a simple piece of expensive metal was going to magically make everything better.

I write this post, because I found that ring today – tucked away in a drawer behind other pieces of random trinkets and socks. I’m not sure why I still have it and I haven’t decided what I’m going to do with it now.

That ring did nothing to help our relationship. He didn’t wear it often and even when he did, we still fought over ridiculous things, argued non-stop, and broke up over and over (and over) again. Obviously we weren’t meant to be, and we’re lucky that it was just a ring symbolizing a small (broken) promise and not a wedding band that was supposed to symbolize a lifetime of vows.

The truth is: you can’t buy love and you can’t make someone truly love you with materialistic things. To win someone over with your love, you’ve got to prove your feelings with physical actions, and genuine emotion; you have to be yourself, be honest, and be passionate. The trick is to let your love grow with time. Falling head over heels at first sight is rare (actually, I’ve never had that happen) and the most solid relationships are built off a lot of days spent sharing simple loving moments.

I can’t help but smile and giggle at the fact I once proposed a promise of ‘let’s be together for a really long time’ to a boy. People really do do crazy things when they’re in love. This ring, and it’s now minimal worth (on so many levels) is proof.