What's your happy place?

Over Thanksgiving, my family and I were talking about a common college admission essay questions regarding our happy place or a place that has specific meaning to us.  The writers are supposed to write about why these places are important, how they make them feel, and what the significance of the places allow the writers to do.  We all asked each other what our special places are.  Answers ranged from a mother's kitchen and a bedroom to a stage or Starbucks!

  What's your special place?  Really think about it - even if it doesn't physically exist anymore.  During stressful times, it's important to think about these happy places.  Who was with you?  What are you doing?  How good does it make you feel?  What do you feel empowered to do?  Even if you can't physically go to that place when the world is crazy, you CAN escape for energy.

  You see, energy is a funny thing.  In order to gain some, we have to expend some.  However, sometimes moving and sweating isn't actually what we need when everything feels hectic.  Sometimes, we have to sit, and MOVE and EXERCISE our MINDS to be at our happy place.  Visualize everything about it and feel everything about it.  These happy places can remind us of why we work so hard for whatever is going on.

  If it helps, I have several happy places.  I love Union Square Park, my car, my bedroom, my Grandparents' Kitchen, my college, and next to both of my parents.  These are all places where I feel safe and each elicit different feelings.  I love standing with my parents because my dad makes me feel safe and my mom challenges me to do more.  When I'm struggling with a decision, I picture myself with both of them (if I can't call them or see them) and trying to figure out what they would help me to see.  I love my college because that's where I grew from a shy girl to a courageous young woman.  I love USQ Park because it's a great way to see how big the world is with so many things happening at once.  These are all places I can go to physically or mentally to help me keep calm and find my focus.  Where are yours?