What Makes Me Happy

Throughout these posts, I have mostly been looking at some sources of happiness as it pertains to all humans collectively. Now on a more individual note, I will share some of the things that make me happy and why they make me happy. It being the season of giving and all around general holiday cheer, I think this is very appropriate because I am very thankful for all of these things that make me happy. 1) My 3 best friends, Anthony, Amanda, and Jacob: it's not just the jokes that we share, it's their mere existence and companionship, the fact that I have a network of people who I know care for me. These are people that I can trust, that I know will always have my back even if we do not see eye to eye at all points in life. These people also make me happy because we think some of the same thoughts, and enjoy some of the same things. Even though I only have 3 of them, it is not quantity but rather quality that counts, they are a driving force in my life that keep me going when I want to give up. I have learned in my short existence that not all people are for you, but in fact some are against you and are just using you for their amusement or other selfish gains. These are 3 people that I know in my heart are not like that, and I hope to have in my life as long as I shall live. 2) My freedom and independence: this is a multidimensional facet of my life. Not only do I have freedom and certain rights because I am an American citizen, but I am also happy because I have that freedom as an African American citizen living in this time period. There were many like me that came before me who, because of hatred and oppression, were not afforded the same opportunities as me; and I am happy to be born when I was and where I was. Also, being away from home (my father's house) makes me happy. College affords me with freedoms and independence the likes of which I thought I would never see. In fact, as I am rising on the bus right now headed back to campus, I don't even care how long it will take (coming from New York) because I am happy just to be out of that house. In summation, the things in life that make me the happiest are companionship, and freedom (the freedom to make choices as I see fit, and not be persuaded or coerced into making choices I do not want). These two things stem from intrinsic desires as well as values; and it should come as no surprise that relationships and activities that are freely chosen make people the happiest. It is what I value about my best friends and the freedoms that I have that makes me happy. 3) Values that align with my own make me happy. Now that I have shared, it's time to ask you the important question, (the reason this blog exists). What makes YOU happy?