"I'm beginning to recognize that real happiness isn't something large and looming on the horizon ahead, but something small, numerous, and already here." I recently read this quote online and it made me ponder because I have always thought of happiness as something extravagant but in actuality happiness is the little things. Happiness is spending time with yourself just by simply lounging around or taking yourself out on a date. Happiness could be bonding with your family. Oftentimes we overlook what's in front of us but happiness is right here, it's the beautiful and mundane moments.
The view I witnessed while I was isolating at home. It was a rough experience but I was hopeful because there will be no sunshine without a little rain, right?
My dogs kept me sane while isolating. Being an extrovert stuck at home was quite depressing but luckily my dogs were with me. This is my dog, Tomiko who kept me company. I was unable to take photos of my other dogs Yuka and Saki.
It has only been a few days since I got out of the house because apparently last week, I had Covid-like symptoms. My family and I suspected that I had Covid since I had itchy throat, body malaise, runny nose, colds, and low-grade fever. Apparently I only manifested mild to moderate symptoms but what scared me the most was the fact that I developed rashes which was very unusual. Luckily, I was able to surpass the ordeal and recovered after a week. However, I did not want to be complacent with the fact that I recovered so I stayed at home until the 10th day of my isolation.
View en route to the mall after 10 days of isolation. It was a beautiful and sunny afternoon.
After my isolation, I decided to visit my favorite waxing salon, No Strips located at SM Seaside. Luckily, I was the only customer at that time and so I felt safe. The staff were very accommodating as well. Due to the typhoon and me being sick, I was unable to visit them right away for my underarm and half-legs wax. Thankfully, I was able to make time for myself.
I bought coffee before heading to the waxing salon because I needed the energy to be out and about.
No Strips waxing salon has a beautiful interior and it was well-sanitized. I took some photos before the waxing procedure which took about 45 minutes.
There were instances where in my parents would ask me, "Why would you need to go the waxing salon, you're just at home, no one would see you?" but that's not the point of going to the waxing salon. Body hair is absolutely normal and I wish I had the confidence of being able to flaunt it and I truly admire those women who do so. But since I haven't developed that confidence, I feel beautiful when I am able to have my monthly wax appointment. It is what makes me happy.
These are mirror selfies I took after the waxing procedure. I felt really happy because I was able to tolerate the pain and the staff were very nice to me and assured me that I would be able to get through it. I love taking care of myself.
Two days after my self-care day, I accompanied my parents since they needed to do some errands around the city. First, I asked my father to do a quick stopover at the nearest coffee shop since I needed my daily cup of coffee. We went to Starbucks located at Primeway Plaza and I then ordered iced latte since I was so thirsty. After doing so, we did groceries and then my mother and I went to SM Seaside again since she needed to pay some bills and so we decided to go on a date by strolling around.
We passed by Fuente Circle and seeing how it looks like after the wrath of the typhoon got me happy because finally life is slowly going back to normal but not quite normal due to the surge of Covid cases but because the trees are green again.
Finally got my coffee! Apparently they spelled my name incorrectly but it's alright because I got my daily dose of caffeine.
Nowadays, the malls aren't crowded because they implemented stricter policies. Despite their policies, we continued to follow the health protocols. My mother and I had a wonderful time strolling around while running some errands. It made me reminisce about pre-Covid times when my mother and I would meet at the mall every Friday after my classes to grab some dinner. For me, happiness is spending time with family. It is not simply limited to strolling around the mall or grabbing food, just by being with them makes me truly happy.
We did a few errands at the mall such as paying bills and doing some groceries again since we were unable to buy a few items earlier. After doing a few errands, we were able to witness a beautiful sunset while waiting for my father. I was so happy on that day.
For you, what is happiness? What is your definition of it and why? Disclaimer: First photo was edited via Canva.
lifewithera is a 22-year old, college senior, an aspiring yogi, a furmom, and a wanderer, who writes stories about her personal life, mental health, fitness, travel, and just anything and everything her heart wants to speak. If you want to get to know her more, then you can connect with her through various social media platforms.
