The 22nd year of being Ryan Hartley, documented.

As life steams by with more obligations than anyone can possibly keep we’re all tempted/forced to drop things from our lives. For me those things tend to be the things I love. The small things in life that used to give me the most joy get dropped either because they’re not important or because I feel as if I can’t allow myself indulgences when there is work to be done. And yet…Without those small moments and rituals life becomes dry and empty, a To-Do List instead of joyful experience. It’s not that I don’t love what I’m doing/studying, but if that is all life is then it’s not worthwhile. So now I have to promise myself (again) that I will look after my heart and soul as much as I look after my studies and duties. Joy is something that is always there; a realisation that God loves me and gave His Son for me and has a plan for me. Happiness is merely temporary. But that does not mean that we should forget about happiness altogether; that fleeting moment has its place in our lives as well.

To this end I will:

Go for walks; read a fictional novel; browse bookstores; have a cup of tea while listening to Norah Jones; dance; sing; watch the rain; do anything else that I think might provide a little temporary good feeling cause it’s not weakness or irresponsibleness, it’s an important part of life.