So I just recently went to the beach with my friends. It was the first time I've gone and stayed somewhere out of town without my family or a school group. And going there actually caused a bit of friction between my family and I, as it was at a somewhat inopportune time and I was needed at home. The day before, my mom had given me a stern lecture (which doesn't happen often) and I was feeling guilty about taking time for myself and essentially being a little selfish.

But you know what? It's okay to be a little selfish sometimes. Because these past three days were some of the best days of my life.

Here are some happy things and thoughts from my little vacation:

This^ is the view from our little house. It backed up to the sound, and was only a little ways walk to the beach. Everything was so beautiful. The water was peaceful and pure, the wind refreshing, and the sky...the sky was absolutely stunning the whole time. Here are some sky pictures.

The sun set in a perfect place for pictures, so we had a lot of fun with that. XD

One of my friends, being an absolute WARRIOR! Honestly, this girl is so strong (physically and emotionally) it was awesome to see her get her super hero on.

Some moon jellyfish at the aquarium. So majestic...I didn't even edit this picture, I just snapped a photo and it was perfect.

I also petted some stingrays in a touch tank and got a little emotional because I realized they would never understand how truly beautiful they were. Because they're stingrays.

Anyway, I digress. Stingrays are amazing.

Look at this happy lil fridge magnet! I love it!

Had this AMAZING cupcake. Okay, honestly, it was so good, like, I usually don't like cupcakes all that much, but this was truly heaven. Also, the cupcake shop was 100% my aesthetic. Lights hanging from the ceiling, old copies of Hans Christian Anderson fairy tales on a bookshelf, a fireplace (that was off because it's summer), artsily decorated chalkboard...it was beautiful. It brought me so much joy, and I'm just so grateful for this little cupcake shop for being so amazing.

This is a picture of me. I debated over whether I was going to post it or not, but it's a silhouette, so it should be fine. I love this picture. The water is beautiful, the sunset is beautiful, and I can honestly say that I am beautiful. I have some self image doubts (nothing too severe but just a kind of :/ attitude about the whole thing) but looking at this picture, I'm proud of my body and I'm proud of me. Find a picture of yourself like that and remind yourself that you one of the many incredible things in the world. I love you. The world loves you. The ocean and the sun and the sky all love you because you are a part of this universe, and you play your part perfectly.

Final picture. This is me and my best friend. We've been through some crazy things together, and we're still fighting side by side. High school isn't the best, most of the time. But she's the best thing about it. And I just appreciate her more than I could ever express in words.

Things that make me happy?

Beaches and oceans,
Sunlight and sky,
Creatures big and the small,
Those that swim and that fly,
Pictures and paper
I can hold in my hand—
There are things that make me happy
I don't quite understand.

Laughter and smiles,
Embraces and tears,
Living life with no limits,
Defeating your fears.
Whispers at midnight
Where secrets are told,
And taking the chance
To let stories unfold.

Friends with a love
So great and so strong,
You wonder, without them,
How did you get along?
Hearts that are linked
With diamond chains
Sharing hope, sharing life,
Sharing love, sharing pain.

My life isn't perfect—
And may never be—
But these people, they make it all
Worth it for me.
They make me smile.
They make me strong.
Things that make me happy?
The list is too long.

~

So there's a cheesy little impromptu poem for you guys! I wrote the first two lines and I was like, okay, sounds like a poem. I'll roll with it. XD

I hope you guys all have wonderful, beautiful days. And even if you don't have one today, that's alright—there's always tomorrow.

Happiness is out there. I promise.

Much love,
Margot