Chick Lit Cheerleader: Cheering Myself Up

Introduction by Melissa Amster
 
Jen Tucker and I got along so well right from the start because we are both generally very happy and positive people. Her zest for life shows in her personality and writing style and it is definitely infectious, which is why we invited her to be the Chick Lit Cheerleader in the first place. However, there are times when happy people like us tend to get the blues. Maybe wearing panties inside out or losing salt shakers is the LEAST of our worries during those times. Still, we look for those glimmers of light to keep us motivated and bring us out of our slumps. I recently shared what makes me happy and now it's Jen's turn!


C’mon Get Happy!

Have you ever held a number two pencil and filled in that dot-to-dot test that gives some insight into your personality? It labels one as introverted or extroverted, merciful or judging, and the like. When I took this little quiz, it told me what I already knew about myself. That I’m the extroverted cheerleader type of gal. The go-getter. The one who rallies the troops. The ever annoying happy-go-lucky ducky. Nice traits to have, right? Yet, when I’m not feeling joyous, how does someone disgustingly bubbly like me get happy?




Gracie enjoying some puppy love

Happiness is a warm puppy…or two
What is it about dogs? You scold them for eating bacon grease covered paper towels they magically retrieved from the trash can and they cower in shame (not that I’d know anything about that). Five minutes later, you lovingly call for your four-legged fur baby and they slip and slide across the hardwoods dying to reach you. There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a pet to perk you up, make you laugh, and feel loved.

QUIET!
There’s a unique thread I’ve found that links only children. When I meet others who have no siblings too, there’s one giant thing we have in common. We love our alone time. Most people I talk with find it bizarre that someone who grew up without pesky sisters, or torturous older brothers, would like solitude. As a child, I had to entertain myself. I had to find the fun in being alone; being quiet. I love being loud (I’m an extrovert, remember?), yet I embrace silence too. When I can shut out all the noise of life, even for a short while, I can find bliss.

Chocolate
Need I say more?

A birthday calendar made of chocolates!

The Forgotten are Remembered
The kitchen junk drawer. You have one too, right? It’s the burial ground for all things necessary, unnecessary, and the crap that slides right inside before company comes that you swear you’ll go through later. Recently, I opened said drawer to find a whatnot or doodad that one of my offspring desperately needed. I took the time to stroll through the contents and reminisce while digging. I found a ticket to a Colts football game (GO BLUE) that I attended with Mike and our boys; an out of focus photo of my BFF, Nancy, and me that Gracie had taken at a wedding; and a Ethiopian New Year, love letter from the sweet child in Africa our family sponsors. I love reuniting with memories, don’t you? It gives us the chance to appreciate them all over again.



Going to the Colts game


It’s Not About Me
The last way I find happiness is very telling of Jen Tucker. To me giving happiness is receiving happiness. Don’t misunderstand me. If I have one, just one, Hershey’s Kiss left in the zombie apocalypse, I won’t have a morsel to spare for you even if we share DNA. I meant that with love. I do love making someone’s day when they least expect it; when I didn’t have that angle in mind in doing something nice for someone else. The radiance of pure joy on someone’s face, or the sneaky things I do out of love that others may never know about blesses my soul and truly make me happy.

Jen Tucker is the author of the funny and true stories, The Day I Wore My Panties Inside Out and The Day I Lost My Shaker of Salt. In September 2012, she had her children's book, Little Pumpkin published as an e-book. She also blogs monthly for Survival for Blondes. She currently lives in Indiana with her husband, three kids and two dogs. You can find her at Twitter, Facebook, her blog and on her website. And in case you missed them. check out her previous Chick Lit Cheerleader posts here.