10% Happier

Today was my first day jogging in a downpour. I got caught in some pretty heavy rain this morning, but that did not dampen my spirit. In fact, when I arrived at Ethel and Detroit I produced a big smile for my selfie in front of Cozumel. Ethel has become synonymous with Cozumel for me and my family.

It is probably the restaurant we have walked to the most. One of the most unique aspects of Lakewood is how walkable the city is, and I always enjoy the 1 mile walk from our house to Cozumel for a family Mexican feast. In fact, we walked up there the Saturday before Easter when everyone was home for the weekend. It is a running joke in our family that after enjoying multiple bowls of fresh tortilla chips, yummy salsa and a delicious meal that someone will need to “roll us home”. It always feels better to walk off the dinner though and is also practical if we choose to enjoy a pitcher of Margaritas with dinner.

I also stopped at the Little Free Library (smart paint job to perfectly match the home) as I finished off my walk. The rain had slowed down, and as I looked through the books I found “10% Happier”. I listened to this audiobook a few months ago and really enjoyed it. It focuses on how mindful mediation can improve your life and in fact make you 10% happier. I think walking around Lakewood can also be meditative, and I am feeling less stressed out since I have started this A-to-Z challenge. I also know any time our family has walked together to Cozumel for dinner it made the experience 50% happier!