7 Things That Keep Me Young and Happy

Okay...maybe not this young

One of my friends posted on facebook today "don't grow up, it's a trap" I found it funny, but also very poignant. As we get older we forget about all of the things that made us so happy and unique when we were younger. Fortunately, 25 has been a good year for me and I am grateful for the things that keep me youthful.

1. My students (even when they are crazy) are so full of energy and vibrancy that it is hard to not smile when I am around them. I am thankful to work with such gifted, electric kids.

2. My desire to travel and see the world. The more places I go, the more I realize how infinitely tiny I am in this universe. I realize that I don't really know anything about anything, and I find that feeling so comforting sometimes. Well there is nothing wrong with being self assured, I definitely love the magic of not knowing where I will be in a years time.

3. (no joke) Korean beauty products! With so much green tea, essence of snail and cucumber floating around in beauty world, it is difficult to not feel youthful and refreshed. This is another reason I can't understand the plastic surgery craze in Korea. They have access to some of the best products I've ever encountered and they mean serious business.

4. My inability to be decisive. While this has gotten me in trouble on occasion and greatly annoyed many of my friends, it has also been my greatest asset. It allows me maximum flexiblity and the chance to just go with the wind a bit. Where are we going on vacation? I don't know. I don't care, I just want to go. What are we having for dinner? I'm not too fussed, I just want to try something new. I enjoy living my life this way and so far it has opened me up to a wealth of experiences I never thought I would have.

5. My desire to meet new people from all over the world. I firmly believe the best way to meet people is to drunkenly sing and dance to Oasis with strangers! Okay, maybe not quite (although that has started many an interesting relationship for me). I don't really discriminate, I speak to everyone, get to know them, ask questions and take a genuine interest in what they have to say. Meeting people is my addiction.

6. Trying things that terrify me. When I was younger my brother was in a show about a girl who did something every year (on her birthday) that scared her. I have pretty much adopted it as my motto. Nothing humbles me faster than realizing I am scared shitless, whether it be bungee jumping, riding a camel, swimming in the ocean or telling someone I care about them (the hardest by far).

7. Laughing a lot! Laughing is probably my favorite past time and I am really looking forward to having laugh lines when I am old. I find I am happiest when I am not taking myself seriously. I hope I still feel that way in 25 years!