Achievement Unlocked: Happiness

For those of you who don’t know, it’s been one s***-storm of a month for my family and I. I’ve had my own health issues, and my sister and mother were involved in a roll-over accident (see previous post) that left my mother temporarily paralyzed. She is now living in a hospice that will rehab her and teach her how to walk again … if the nerves respond, that is. She’s had a lot of damage previously done to her spinal column and brain, which is making it extremely difficult for her to rehab in the same way normal patients do. For now, we hope and wait. I’m sure I’ll flip shit the moment I hear she can move her toes. Baby steps … right? For now, she and my sister are alive. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Despite the darkness, I’ve strangely surfaced with an entirely new attitude and respect for life. I was accepted into the accelerated Nursing/Flight Medic program that I wanted, successfully sold most of my belongings to pay for bills/moving/school, and truly found a level of peace in my life that I’ve never experienced before. It’s crazy that in all of this mess, I’ve gotten to a point that I’ve been trying to achieve for years … I’m happy.

My theory on happiness is this: it always exists, you just have to know where to find it. Some people find it in their jobs, family, or buying a new car. It was a complete “ah-ha” moment when I realized that I had to find my happiness on my own … and the places that I find it are unique to ME. So for those who are searching for that road map, close your eyes and rid yourself of negativity and do the following:

1. Remove all of the “toxic” people from your life. Oprah first introduced this idea to me, and she was 100% right. If you keep people around who have no value to you, cause you drama, or simply bring negative energy into your life – kick their ass out! Life is short, why should they share a part of your beautiful life? Most are unable to do this in fear that they’ll be alone – but trust me on this – being alone is so much better than keeping toxic people on your shoulder. Sure, it’s not easy when it’s someone who you’re close to or have a history with – but in order to find true happiness, you have to put yourself first. You can’t find happiness by clinging to a relationship or even friends – you have to keep afloat on your own. You can do it, trust me.
2. Work out. No, really, sweat your ass off. Go for a walk, run, bike – step on the treadmill. It releases stress and makes you look amazing, giving you energy and confidence. This is coming from a girl who hates  working out – I’ve just learned to appreciate the benefits it gives me.
3. This is more of the same from the first point, but put yourself first. This means spending an entire 24 hour period alone. Turn off your phone and ask yourself “what do I need to do for myself today?”. For me, it was combined with terminating the toxic people from my life, cooking a complicated meal that no one else but me would eat, taking a shower that lasted way beyond my environmental limits, and going through old pictures/documents/news articles. For so long I had forgotten who I was … and then I got past the 20th news article from some award I won 3 years ago and it hit me: I’m Danielle Fucking Dodson. Where the Hell has she been the past three years?
4. Stop blaming your sadness/unhappiness on failed relationships (friends or romantic). Don’t invest your anger in something that is dead, gone, and worthless. It only keeps you in the darkest of places. You are where you are because of a combination of good and bad things, but never just one. Recognize the good in your life and replicate that in every way possible. The past is in the past, but if there’s goodness somewhere in there – for Pete’s sake, bring it back!

There are plenty more steps I took and “a-ha” moments I had, but those are the basics. The rest is your journey. For now, I will share with you some of the unique places that I have found my light:

Re-connecting with my Mom’s dog while she’s in the hospital. I’m never alone here.

Driving in the car, windows down, shades on, music up. If that isn’t happiness, I don’t know what is.

No words. Just smiles.

Finding sleep. Rest. This is key in happiness.

Changed the hair up, always gives me a new attitude.

Burning old memories that kept haunting me. Felt like closure. I suggest it.

Master of all that is hair/eyebrows/deep conversations/drunken walks around the Plaza. Love this woman to death.

Randomly winning $25 … it’s the little things.

My friends know how to cheer me up by using a search engine … kind of the best people ever.

I found love in my friends, especially Leslie. Such a beautiful person, truly.

Found a little happiness in the form of a fortune cookie … I should write a book, huh? Been on that for 2 years, but this made me smile.

Obviously, I found much happiness in this beast.

I met my cousin, Alyssa. She is enthusiastic and lovely, my new protige, if you will. She brings so much joy into my life.

My other cousin, Chris. Handsome, right? ;-)

I found my Aunt Amy. Such a beautiful woman, and more than I could ever have dreamed of as an Aunt.

My best friend Jess

Promises, promises. You find happiness in promises.

Of course, I met my Dad. He is wonderful, and I have no words for how amazing he is. So proud to be his daughter. (I guess this means I’m a Steeler fan now ..)

I still have my wonderful sister, Kylie – even though we almost lost her in an accident. She is my rock, and quite possibly the strongest person I know. Truly, can’t wait to see what kind of woman she becomes.

Being suprized at work by these guys … maybe you recognize them?

To you and yours … I hope you find your happiness. Whether it’s reflecting on memories, kissing best friends or old flames to see if the spark is still there, holding a hug for a little longer than you should, or buying underwear that is way too expensive for you – do it. It’s worth it.

Always,