Today I decided to take charge of my happiness despite loneliness. I am still adjusting to being away from home, not being able to visit my family and childhood home whenever I want, and not being steps away from my best friend’s and roommates at all times. It’s Monday, Austin is off at work (which hopefully I will be doing soon, finger’s crossed I receive a job offer this week!), and I was waking up alone. Last week, this left me feeling completely isolated. Today, I was feeling slow, groggy, and unmotivated to do anything that would cheer me up. Depression is funny like that.. even when you want to get up and fight it, it can suck the life out of you to the point that you feel like you can’t even face the day. But today I forced myself to gather up my beach supplies, make a mug full of coffee, and grab The Happiness Project (an incredible and truly life changing book that I will do a full review on upon completion), and drive to my favorite beach. As I walked down the insane amount of steps to the shore, I felt a breathe of fresh air hit my lungs and was overwhelmed with peace. I spent two hours on the beach catching up on some texts to friends (I’m the go-to advice girl), reading, and watching surfers catching waves. And it was exactly what I needed. I am back at home now (duh, blogging kind of gives that away) and still alone, but I feel like I can handle it. I do not feel isolated, rather, I feel inspired. I am my own biggest supporter, my own friend. And I will treat myself kindly, just like I did today.