I am usually happy, even during the most difficult times- especially now that I live in my favourite city, I study and teach for a living, and I am within an arms reach of boyfriend, rather than syncing up our schedules over skype and staying up until 6am. But even then I was happy- sad sometimes, stressed often, lonely occaionally-but happy ran though it.
I suffered anxiety, and still do, but it slowly became manageable- with help and a realisation that you miss out on so much when abstract fears take over. So I try not to let them. I still have the occasional duvet day when I hit Netflix hard and question my life decisions, but who doesn’t. The point is, however utterly disastrous, miserable, upsetting, and awful (and that was just my last haircut) something may seem, there are a million better things waiting.
Today I received some news which was the perfect example of happiness, and it inspired this blog post. So here are five things that make me happy, and my happy fairycakes, the easiest way to feel creative.
1. Be creative.
I have a myriad of projects (largely unfinished) that I relax into after a unproductive archive day or a particularly stressful tutoring session. I have tackled quilts, rugs, bags, pouches, decopatch, cards, paintings, collages- anything that makes me feel productive. Craft projects are the ultimate statement- you were here and you made something……HEAR ME ROAR. Even sewing injuries can’t faze me (for long).
2. Baking.
This was a grumpasaurus rex, made for a sad flatmate. Baking! An extension on creativity perhaps, but nonetheless, a fantastic way to feel happy- and unlike rugs, quilts, bags, cards etc, you can eat what you make.
3. Animals.
My cat is back in Cotswolds and descending into “older cat madness”, but I still love him and miss him every day in London. Being around animals is both relaxing and hilarious, and the feeling can be quite hard to come by, especially as urban foxes and battered pigeons offer little in way of affection. My boyfriend and I pulled on walking boots and heading to Hackney City Farm- for a small square of the Cotswolds within a very urban landscape. Several punky chickens and lazy pigs later, and I felt more relaxed and so happy.
4. Good Deeds.
The cupcakes below were baked for a fundraiser, and it feels so good to do something fun for a good cause. You get a happiness buzz from doing something for others ESPECIALLY if you get the fun of doing something creative in the mean time.
5. Walking.
Walking is the ultimate way to maximise happiness. Its free- very important, it allows you to see every part of a place, and, as we all know from Elle Woods, exercise releases endorphins, and endorphins make you HAPPY. I have never been a runner, despite my mindless optimism, and walking has always made me feel so much better- a healthy, fresh air alternative that doesn’t shatter your kneecaps. The great thing about walking in London- apart from the fact its free, did I mention that?- is that you can pass through parks, markets, high streets and alleyways, and still be within walking distance from home. This place is so varied, and I love that so much.
So anyway. Happiness. And fairy cakes really do embody happiness- creativity, bright colours, enjoyment, eating, sweet things….it goes on. The following were created for various charity events, and I had so much fun inventing patterns for each one.
This post is dedicated to my friends and my family- who I love, whether I am happy or not (I usually am.)
Stay Unchained<3
Unchained Baking 