November 25th, 2015 | Uncategorized
There’s a park down the street from my apartment that I like to visit. I head down to the water when I need some alone time outside, bringing the essentials along: a coffee, my mobile wifi so I can listen to Spotify, headphones, and my journal. The calming surroundings put me at ease – I enjoy the music while writing, my favorite cathartic activity, occasionally looking up to observe the group of swans that swim in the area.
Carlow isn’t exactly full of hustle and bustle that I need to escape. Rather, I find that the serene setting settles my busy mind. I take all those thoughts swimming around in my head and put them on paper.
Sitting there the other day, I got thinking about the concept of a “happy place.” There are a lot of physical places that I associate with a feeling of calmness. Places that are separate from my everyday life, where I can escape routine and enjoy intentional alone time. These are places that incite reflection, a necessary activity for me.
I wondered if it is possible to find a happy place that is not physical, a mental place to visit. Do I really need to change my physical location in order to clear my thoughts? While I was thinking this, I realized that I do have a happy place within me. A place in my thoughts that I can visit when I need to smile and feel at peace. And those are my memories of and love for my family and friends. When I’m feeling down, I can always brighten my day by visiting memories – remembering a hug from my niece or laughing about locker room dance parties at Davidson. I’m lucky to have so much love in my life, love that gives me a happy place wherever I go.
Victory Scholar: Lillian McCabe
Present University: IT Carlow
US League: Atlantic 10
Club/Community Partner: ITC Basketball
Alma Mater: Davidson College
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
