#1 Seniors--In a Good Place
I'm not always up to date on the most novel vernacular, teen or otherwise. By the time I start using some "new" expression, it's bottomed out to the level of drab cliche. So if you get a "you go, girl" or an "atta boy" from me, try not to gawk in amazement at me like I'm some ancient mariner.Within the last year, people my age and in my small circle of very cool friends have begun to use the phrase "in a good place," as in "his boss gave him a raise today, so he's in a good place," or "her Phillies won the World Series, so she's in a good place."
Where's your "good place?"
You can answer very literally and specifically, sparing no expense of travel. If so, then take me to some sunny exotic island in the Bahamas, send me schussing down the Rockies, or lead me to traverse your favorite hiking spot on the Appalachian Trail.
Maybe you're the more "stay at home" type, who like Henry David Thoreau, could make a full day out of bird watching, sitting in his cabin doorway. Then stay at home. Describe what it's like to be playing the guitar or "chewing the fat" with your friends. Take me on an easy five mile jog with your Ipod at full blast and with your eyes (and other senses) wide open.
OK, so I know that this is somewhat similar to your creative writing assignment. For one thing, though, it's shorter, so you can use this assignment to stretch your writing muscles before running the real race. Here at Schoolsville, I don't think you'll need to be as contrived in your description as much, either.
However, one requirement of your post at Schoolsville is that your "good place" MUST be a "good place." Please, I want no glimpses into any personal mansions of doom and gloom. As I might have said once or twice in the 70s, "Don't be such a downer, man."
For Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, listening to the music of the "two Italian ladies" took his soul to heights that not even two weeks of prison lockup could destroy. Can our "good places" do the same?
posted by JTF @ 9:04 PM
18 comments
18 Comments:
My happy place is a highly symbolic place. My mind wanders and wanders endlessly, and at times I get really frustrated with everything around me. While I was in Hawaii, we were in a cabin on a military base with not too many people on it, but we were right next to a very beautiful beach. In the daytime there were a lot of people, (none of which were my age) and it was like a normal beach. But that’s not why it was so significant. I had been doing pretty good with “reviving” myself by finding a place and putting on my iPod and just cancelling out the outside world and zoning out to my own “happy place.” Usually I would feel good in my own world, but it would always be interrupted somehow, someway by “the other world” aka the real world. During the climax of my depression, with everything that was on my mind, I found it almost impossible to reach “my world,” where it was just me, alone, no problems, no NOTHING. So I just happened to get in an argument mith the people I was with, whom I completely contrasted with due to my physcicallity and energy and their laid-back-ness and boringness, and decided to take a walk. It was late at night so it was dark outside. And nobody was on the beach, nobody at all. It was cloudy and windy, but it was a nice wind. It was not a soft wind, but a relaxing wind. Just hard enough to make its presence known. If you looked up at the sky there was nothing. It was cloudy, but you couldn’t see anything. No stars, no moon, not even the clouds were visible. As you look out into the ocean, there was nothing. No boats, no lights, nothing. The only sounds that you could hear were the soft crashing of the waves and the blowing of the wind. As I sat in the cool, soft sand, I could see the waves in front of me and as I looked toward the horizon there was nothing. Here I am, halfway around the world, with nothing. No problems, no people, no sights, no sounds, no nothing. This was my own world.
I’ve always been a person who enjoyed his solitude, and never had trouble keeping myself occupied for long stretches of time. As a child, you’d barely know I was in the house. Even today most of my free time is spent in front of my computer, either writing, drawing, reading, watching videos, or one of the many things you can do on a computer. Yet, I wouldn’t say I need to be in front of a computer all day. On the rare occasion where I’m out of the house, I’m just as content. Drop me in the middle of a field somewhere and I’ll make shapes in the clouds until someone comes to get me. Put me on a long car trip somewhere, I’ll listen to the radio, and if I can’t do that I’ll go inside my own head for entertainment. My head; yeah that’s the ticket. I was going to put my good place being my room, but honestly I’m happiest inside my own mind. If I can’t do anything else, I just drift off into thought. This is honestly less boring than it sounds. Long spans of thinking are where some of my best ideas come from. Half of the time it’s not even intentional. All it takes is one word, even a single noise, and I start thinking, and I just go on from there until I snap out of it and realize I’ve been in the shower for five minutes already so I should probably start washing up now.
A sunny clear day, with a little wind to cool me down is just a small part with me being "in a good place." I also with nine or ten of my friends. We are laced up getting ready to go. There is nothing better to me than a bunch of boys hoping around a pitch(field for all you non football lovers) chasing around a round ball. I love when I am having a kick about with my friends, it is better than actual game and sometimes better than life its self. When I am on the on the soccer field all of life's little problem vanish for at least as long as your friends are able to stay out and play. Some of my favorite days during this years past SMH soccer season was not when we won our first game in overtime, or even when we tied sallies. It was the practices when someone got hit in the soft spot and the team came together for a laugh, or even when we would gather around and talk about what girls we were trying to "spit game at." Bet that is a new one for you Fio. What I am trying to say is that when you put a soccer ball at my feet I'm in a good place and nothing in the world can take that feeling from me. So for me to be in a a good place give me a net, a pitch, and some friends and I'll be just fine.
Swishing down the perfect corduroy trails in Vermont, that’s my good place. To me, nothing compares to the feeling you get when you are carving in the glistening white snow down the slope. Even the bitter cold is worth those hours spent skiing down the mountain. My favorite time to ski, is right when the lifts open; being the first people up the mountain, but more importantly the first people down. Creating those tracks in the snow, as if you were the first person to come across the terrain. Skiing is an independent sport, and that is also why I enjoy it so much. You are alone with your thoughts, gliding through beautiful snow covered trees, just appreciating your surroundings. It is a time of great reflection for me, and one place where I can say I am truly happy. No matter what mood I am in, or how early I had to get up, as soon as I hit the snow, a smile comes across my face. Another reason why I love this so much is that it is an activity that my dad and I share. We go up one weekend every year to Vermont together, and never stop laughing the whole time. It is something that we both have a passion for, and with teenagers and parents - that’s uncommon. It is one of rare only times where I can honestly say, I would rather be with my family then with my friends. The camaraderie that my father and I experience during these times, are memories that I will cherish all my life. Even those difficult trails, where you just want to give up and slide down on your butt, I have to enjoy. I love the challenge of figuring out where to go next, and how to make it happen. Skiing to me is as natural as breathing, it just feels right. Nothing can touch me when I’m there. Cell phone left behind, Facebook pushed to the back of the mind, I truly focus on the moment. I can think of nothing but what I am surrounded by and how much I enjoy what I am doing. Skiing down a mountain? Yeah, that’s my happy place.
I hope everyone has a good place; to get to mine it involves a little work. I climb up the side of the mountain and gaze down at its beautiful sites. Even though my legs are burning and the trail seems never ending. I just remember what a good place is at the top of that climb. As I get to the top the emotions I have are over whelming. I have the gorgeous environment that surrounds me. Also, the excitement I have for making it to the top. Now, the best part is when you’re sitting with the comfort of nature on your back, relaxed. The serene environment is so nice and comforting. While I sit there taking everything in, I can escape from the reality of the world just for a little while. With nothing, but goodness and happiness on my mind. My good place is on top of a mountain where the winds of the world calms my nerves and just lets me relax. No care or sadness for being by myself. The only care is, just the joy of living.
Like Andy Dufresne’s, my “good place” has to do with music. Although it’s not in the Warden’s Office of Shawshank Penitentiary, and I don’t usually listen to Italian classical music, it’s still pretty similar. If I had to pick one “place” I’d pick my room, hands down. It’s a place where I can go when there’s nowhere else to go. I really just need a place with music, speakers, and somewhere to sit; that’s it. I can spend endless amounts of time getting “lost” in music. I can just close my eyes and picture whatever the song is about. It’s almost like an “escape,” in a way. For example, one of my favorite songs is “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan. Every time I hear this song, I’m there. I can picture being at the scene of the murder or in the courtroom. Through Dylan’s songwriting and storytelling ability, I get there.
There’s one thing that struck me while watching the scene from “The Shawshank Redemption” in class. Something I never really thought about until I heard Andy Dufresne say: “That’s the beauty of music. They can’t get that from you.” When you hear a song it’s with you forever, no one can take that away from you.
Though I have not travelled many places, I guess you could say, I’ve been just about everywhere through all the songs I’ve heard. I’ve been down Springsteen’s “Thunder Road;” I’ve sat at the bar with “Mr. Jones” and the Counting Crows many, many times. The list goes on and on. You do not necessarily have to be “anywhere” to be in “a good place.” Music can take you wherever you want; the possibilities are endless.
I’ve always enjoyed taking walks at the park. Ever since I was little I would always go to Delcastle Park with my grandmother. Every time I’m there I think about her and remember all the good times we had there, and that we will continue to have. The park to me is nature at its best. It’s very calm and relaxing and you can just enjoy your surroundings. There are vast amounts of trees bearing all different kinds of leaves. While walking along the trail there are many different kinds of beautiful flowers and plants. Everything is out in the open therefore allowing you to breathe in the fresh air. There is one section that I find to be spectacular. As you continue to walk you become fully encompassed by the woods. There are trees all around you and plants growing everywhere. Many times small animals such as squirrels and rabbits will scurry by. This is the place where you can find complete solitude. Everything there is so serene and calm. If you look up you see trees bending over you with just a little bit of blue sky peeking through. This park is in the open, as well as in the woods. You get many different views and perspectives while walking there. I enjoy being able to just look around and see many things. There are wide open spaces of glistening green grass, and stunning bright colored plants. One thing I enjoy is that the paths are not just straight and flat, they are elevated and curvy. This allows you to be able to see things in a different way. I think Delcastle Park is a magnificent landmark in Delaware.
Sunday nights come once a week and for most of the kids my age it is the one night dreaded. Everyone who put off that homework or that big physics test now scrambles to do those math problems and cram in as many physics terms and laws as possible. My Sunday nights are a little different though, I look forward to them because that’s the time with family. Going to a different aunts house and usually celebrating a birthday or an anniversary or just spending time together we always have the best time. Talk about “in a good place” this is mine, with my family. The warmth of the fire literally and family figuratively, I could not imagine any other place that I would rather be. And talking about “in a good place,” the food is always amazing from my uncles perfectly cooked steak to my mom-mom’s to-die-for dessert. I always leave with a stomach and heart filled with food and love. I have such a tight nit family, that some of my friends do not understand. I have brought my friends with me to my family dinners and they are usually shocked to see how close my family really is. I always try and leave them with a little piece of my “in a good place.”
Sunday nights come once a week and for most of the kids my age it is the one night dreaded. Everyone who put off that homework or that big physics test now scrambles to do those math problems and cram in as many physics terms and laws as possible. My Sunday nights are a little different though, I look forward to them because that’s the time with family. Going to a different aunts house and usually celebrating a birthday or an anniversary or just spending time together we always have the best time. Talk about “in a good place” this is mine, with my family. The warmth of the fire literally and family figuratively, I could not imagine any other place that I would rather be. And talking about “in a good place,” the food is always amazing from my uncles perfectly cooked steak to my mom-mom’s to-die-for dessert. I always leave with a stomach and heart filled with food and love. I have such a tight nit family, that some of my friends do not understand. I have brought my friends with me to my family dinners and they are usually shocked to see how close my family really is. I always try and leave them with a little piece of my “in a good place.”
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is; a scolding hot day or freezing out I love being outside. Laying in a hammock surrounded by the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of crickets cricking, and having a light cool breeze every now and then while reading a good book equals a perfect summer day. In the fall seeing the leaves change colors, smelling the moldy smell of them on the ground while taking a walk just helps clear your mind and put you at ease. Winter gets pretty cold in Delaware so sitting or walking outside isn't too fun so sitting in the living room with the curtains pulled back looking out at the snow covered ground and trees is also very relaxing. In the spring the flowers start to bloom and the trees start to come to life after a cold winter, taking a nice light job in the slightly crisp air makes one feel alive. Simple things about nature put me in a good place and turn a bad day good.
In this world of ever encroaching development, there are few places left that people like me can escape to. Any day down at the river on the farm is “in a good place to me.” At the break of dawn any summer morning, a walk down to the docks will find me sitting in a chair, looking beyond. The birds chirping, the wind still, and the glassy water provide peace for me. Sitting there I reminisce. I can go back in time, relive past joys, cry over past sorrows, or dream about the future. The river helps me loose my mind. It transports me to another reality. There are no worries. I can put aside my problems, and for ten minutes or an hour I can think freely. There are no restrictions. The river has become my mentor, and as cheesy as it sounds, I have learned much from it. Some have told me that I am running from my problems and that is why I am drawn to the river. I tell them that the burdens I carry require deep reflection. I often picture myself living on the river like Rambo as the boatman in Rambo Four. If I am ever diagnosed with a terrible disease, I would want to spend my remaining days near a river. I always return from the river with a different perspective on life. Everyday, the people I know seem to change whereas I stand still. The river is my picture in time, and I will never loose it. I
Writing, for the past couple of years, has become my escape. I write everything from stories to short inspiring essays to rants on my current feelings and thoughts. When I am writing, I feel as if I am a completely different person. So it is safe to say, when the pen is in my hand, reaching down to the paper in front of me, is when I am “in my good place.” Writing gives me this rush, one in which I can’t describe. It is as if no one can touch me and I am invincible on top of the world. It is a feeling that no one could ever take away from me. When I write it’s as if I am in my own little world. No one around me matters, the current issues I face disappear, and the possibilities in which could unfold are endless. When I am writing, it is just me and the paper – everything else is irrelevant. When I write, it is my opinion and my opinion only. There is no one rebutting and telling me no, but instead just taking in everything I have to say. The paper serves as my greatest listener. It does not criticize, tell me I am wrong, or judge. It merely just holds all my thoughts, collects my notions, and maintains my sanity, because if it weren’t for writing, I am positive I would lose my mind.
This summer, when I was too lazy to drive myself to the gym, I was left to take walks in my neighborhood. My neighborhood is nothing but hills which doesn’t make it running friendly, so there’s no choice but to walk. What I didn’t realize was how solacing a walk could be to the mind. Unlike running on the treadmill, where all you are focused on is running, walking does not rush you, it calms you. Most take their iPod while going on walks but I prefer not to. I take pleasure in excluding all disturbances to fully be at peace. I also enjoy the pace of walking because it allows you to capture all of nature. There’s nothing better than experiencing nature at it’s finest in the summer; the sound of the summer breeze swaying leaves and the picture of the perfect baby blue sky brings me back. Nature can be so striking. Why go to an art museum when you can find beauty in nature’s vibrance, the natural assortment of flowers and trees can be breathtaking. This amazing scenery is just the environment to relax your mind. I can remember washing away my anxiety of school nearing and all other fears in a simple walk. Even when I was in a down mood, a brisk walk would soon fill me with positive energy and optimism. For me, a summer walk through nature is my “good place.”
I have more then one good place, but a really good place is sitting on the beach on the perfect day. There’s a clear sky, warm sand, and at least 85 degrees out. It has to be a little hot so everyone wants to go in the water. The water is refreshing, but not freezing. We create a little camp with our towels and umbrellas. Everyone’s together listening to music and getting a tan. There is a slight breeze, but only when you need it. It’s definitely not strong enough to interfere with any football or ultimate frisbee game. Everyone’s getting along whether they are playing paddleball or just messing around in the waves. You can’t really go wrong. That’s a good place!
Being in the mountains is my idea of a good place. Last year my family traveled to Yosemite National Park in California. We stayed and camped out right in the park for a week and it was the most amazing experience. There is nothing like getting up to the sweet sound of the mourning dove. The air in the valley is the best air my lungs have ever encountered. I at first though that being down in the valley would make for a sort of claustrophobic atmosphere, but feeling that encompassed by nature is awesome. For as far as the eye can see there are cliffs that gracefully roll through the park. On the trails there is many wild life to be experienced. My favorite natural wonder at Yosemite National Park is the magnificent waterfalls. The seemingly infinite supply of fresh water gracefully flows down the cliffs and into the valley. Taking in the extraordinary sights of the waterfalls is the most relaxing thing that I have ever experienced in nature. It makes me forget all the troubles of the world and stop to see how beautiful God has created nature. I can’t wait until I am hopefully able to return to what I consider to be my happiest place on earth.
Nature has always been something I've admired and taken full advantage of, whether on la Playa Langosta in Costa Rica or my average backyard at my house. For years, running has been my ideal escape. My favorite way to observe nature and it's beautiful seasonal changes is first hand, running past it all and taking it all in every time. There is no better feeling than the sense of strength, control, accomplishment, and freedom I'm overwhelmed with while running. Just being aware of the infinite ground to be covered is my sole inspiration. Pushing yourself to your limits is the recipe for progress, and seeing the progress you've made is one of the best rewards imaginable. Though running can sometimes be a battle between the physical and the mental, it is truly independent, making it's progress one of the most individually satisfying feelings I know.
I’m a person that likes activity and for that matter, likes to move around a lot. More than one activity a night is a usual thing. Although, when I get the chance to relax, I will gladly be right there. Between school, sports, and work; schedules are hectic. One of my favorite places to “center” myself is my best friend’s house. Preferably because of the proximity that she is right down the street. I have known her forever so walking into her house is just like my own - I’m greeted with a warm welcome and a “whatever’s ours is yours” type of house! I enjoy her house very much because I, myself do not own animals and she has two dogs that excitedly greet me at the door. Also, the overall atmosphere is just nice. When I walk in through the clear sliding glass door, I can always count on smelling the familiar scent of their humble abode and a loud “Hey Alli!” It relaxes me to be in a familiar place and be surrounded by my favorite neighbors any day of the week.
There is no phone service, no annoying people, and there is not anywhere you cannot walk too. My good place, or my favorite place is hands down my beach house. When you think beach house you typically picture Dewey beach, Rehoboth, or the Jersey Shore. However, my beach house is located in none of those. I have a beautiful house right along the Chesapeake in Maryland. It is my own little get away from everything. There is no service on your phone, so any one calling or texting, and there is no driving, you can walk about anywhere. I am surrounded by my family and friends I they may bring down. It is the most peaceful and relaxing place to go to and I try to go down as often as I can. Where else can I sleep in until whatever time and still wake up to pancakes and eggs? Although you expected a tropical place off the coast, I am perfectly content in a little town with nothing around me but the water. Nothing in the world makes
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