1. Tattoos. Getting them, having them, admiring them, and admiring them on others. The joy of having something you love on your body forever is something that grounds me in my identity. My dragon tattoo is who I am, and having it gives me the confidence of a warrior.
2. Nail polish: {especially shades of black and grey}. Matching my outfit and my daily aesthetic so perfectly with my nails makes me feel so put together. Dolling up your hands and spoiling yourself with self-indulgence is one of life’s best pick me ups.
3. 9:00 P.M. Pizza. This tradition has helped me finish my homework, study for my midterms, and keep my insanity under check. Gooey cheese coupled with no regrets brings a happiness unlike anything else.
4. Dry weekends. Knowing that I will be having a relaxing time, and that I will remember all of it, brings a special happiness that I rarely feel. Movie nights, buttery popcorn, and sober adventures are thankfully ahead.
5. Speaking French. Seeing myself improving and communicating with others in a way that is unique to my American habits gives my soul a sense of accomplishment. My love of learning is embodied in French, the culture, and the way of life in that wonderful European country. My love for France will never be able to be rightly expressed.
J’aime parle français. Voulez-vous parle avec moi?
6. Kickboxing. This honestly just makes me feel like a straight up bad ass. As a smaller-than-average person, knowing that I can pack a punch, and with impressive power even, shows me that I am indeed capable. Feeling my muscles lengthen and become more lean reveals to me just how powerful I can be and how capable I already am.
7. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Everywhere and anywhere you’ll catch me thinking about this enigma. Lisbeth Salander taught me that I can survive anything in my life and come out on top. Her style, attitude, and life inspire me to be a strong and powerful women. Hell, we even share matching tattoos.
8. Quality Espresso. Good coffee is always one of my favorite pick-me-ups. Organic beans, my french press, and my best mug and I are long-time friends that spend too much time together. I can’t explain the feeling that coffee brings me, or the joy of sharing a good Americano with old and new friends, but I know that it can uplift my mood 100% of the time.
8. Classic Cinema. Any film with Audrey Hepburn or Rudolph Valentino. All Tarantino and Del Toro films as well. Quality film can change a person’s life.
9. A Cold Winter Day. The crisp mornings and early onset of night strengthens my soul and my outlook on life. Being in a brooding environment matches my personality and helps me stay grounded to who I am. Winter really is, to me, the ultimate comfort zone.
10. All Black Outfits. This is me sounding like a broken record, I know, but I do have to stay true to myself and blog about the things that genuinely make me happy…. and black never fails to do this. It is the color of my soul and of my individual happiness. Black is love, black is life.
purifiedbyfireandchaos 