Five Things That Bring Me Joy
From the Editors:
This year has been filled with ups and downs, we at The Marian Phoenix wanted to show our appreciation for the small things that bring us joy! With this new wave of Creative Media, here are a few examples of things we can’t live without. After reading these, take some time to think about a few things that you can’t live without and appreciate them. We hope we have inspired you to remember the good!
By Julia Akre
Prayer—Chapel
In any point in my life, I am moving forward towards God. I can get a lot of emotion and fears and stress out by spending time in a chapel or adoration. I can also get a lot of joy and peace by spending time in this sacred place. It gives me peace and reassurance when I get to be with the God that created me, that is giving me my purpose for true happiness and everlasting love from a father and his small daughter.
My Evenstar Necklace
I have this necklace. It is a replica of Arwen’s necklace from the movie Lord of the Rings. Nerdy I know, but the meaning behind it is something that I will never let myself forget. But this necklace for me represents my immortality. As a Catholic I believe that I have an eternal soul that will one day be living in the afterlife. This necklace helps remind me what I’m working for. That there is something greater than I that is calling me. It also helps me remember I am eternally loved.
Fine China Tableware
I am a visual person. I love aesthetics and the atmosphere a few simple garage sale flower garlands, and some fairy lights can create that. One of the key things you can find in my room that I feel gives the place a veil of eloquence is my collection of fine china teacups I’ve gathered from Goodwill and antique stores. I have been collecting for a year or two and have fallen in love with the way a simple teacup can change a room and lift my mood. I have definitely been drinking more water thanks to my teacups.
Friends
One of the best grounding and life-giving things is being able to spend time with those that I have built a connection with. That I have let in and trusted to go on late night drives with blasting music and talking about life. My friends keep me grounded, living in the here and now while still being excited for the future. Through bonding over apple butter or almost falling off a cliff, those whom I have let into my heart are stuck with me forever, and I would not have it any other way.
Journal
I am a writer… or I’m trying to be a writer. One of the best ways I can help myself is by giving my mind a place to be authentic. A place to face things and express emotions otherwise too confusing to decipher. It also allows me a place to document my life and be able to look back and reflect on my thoughts and behavior to gleam more insights on who I am. It is one of the few self-help things I partake in, even if I’m not perfect at keeping up with entries.
By Nyah Namisnak
Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
I cannot live without Ranch Dressing, but not just any ranch, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing. I have been a fan of ranch ever since I was four years old. I put it on almost everything and sometimes even drink it. Unfortunately, due to the high amount of fat in the product, coming in at a hot 14 grams per 2 tablespoons, I have had to recently restrict myself from drenching my food in ranch. I also have a stock of Hidden Valley Ranch in my basement, a life size ranch bottle, ranch earrings, a ranch sweatshirt, and I even receive a gallon of ranch every year for my birthday.
Fitness
Fitness has been a passion of mine ever since I was born. I stepped into gymnastics at 18 months and became a level 9 gymnast in 2016. It was my life and is still a huge part of it, as I am a level 2 coach. I also love lifting weights and flipping around in my free time. We, as humans, have the opportunity to move our bodies, so why not do it through different activities!
My Cat
My entire life I have wanted a cat for Christmas, but every year I would never get one. In 2019, I picked up my cat from a random person and I called him Yoda. I brought him home on December 24th during our family Christmas party, and the rest was history. He brings me so much joy and excitement. He loves to bite when he’s awake but cuddles me when he is asleep. I couldn’t live without my cat, Yoda.
My Family
My relationship with my family is something that I will cherish forever. They are there for me when I need a shoulder to cry on or even when I just need a little laugh. My mom and dad have sacrificed a lot for my brother and I to be raised in a warm and loving home, as well as attend private schools our entire life. My brother is my best friend and is someone I can talk to about anything and everything. They are my rock and will always be there for me.
Popcorn
Lastly, I love popcorn. Popcorn is my favorite dinner or late-night snack. I have a specific way of microwaving my popcorn, with a specific brand, and a specific butter spray. It is something I look forward to at the end of the day. I love ending the night watching my favorite Netflix show and munching on my popcorn!
By Sam Miller
My Glasses
This one is pretty self-explanatory. I’ve had glasses since I was in 2nd grade, and I literally could not do anything without them. This pair of glasses by Brooks Brothers I’ve had since I was 14 (I turn 21 in June) and I refuse to get another pair, even though they are quite worn out. I would also like to note I’ve tried contacts, and they are not for me.
My Planner
As someone who is both busy 24/7 and a bit scatterbrained, if I did not have my planner, I would not be a functioning human being. Having a nice, contained space to write down all the things I need to do, my work schedule, and any meetings or events is incredibly helpful. I order a new one in the summer every year and I keep up with it until it’s time to order another. I once went home from Marian for a weekend and left it on my couch in my living room, forcing me to go several weeks without it— it was the worst thing ever.
Pilot G-2 07 Pens
Many people have their own strong opinions regarding pens, but I think it is a pretty universally agreed upon opinion that the Pilot G-2 07 Pens are the best there is on the market. I will occasionally use another pen, or god-forbid a pencil, but these have been my go-to pens for years. I prefer to write in black ink, but they do offer a variety of colors.
Spotify Premium
I absolutely would not be able to make it a day without Spotify Premium. From being able to listen to my favorite songs and podcasts (stream The Scoop with Sam Miller for clear skin), to discovering new albums, Spotify Premium has it all. I also love at the end of the year being able to see my Spotify Wrapped which never surprises me, but it is always interesting.
My Favorite Sweatshirt
Every few months, I will stumble across a sweatshirt, whether it is bought new or thrifted, and this sweatshirt will be my prized possession. My favorite sweatshirt at the moment is this gray Hanes sweatshirt I bought while at Walmart one day this past December. This crew-neck was only $6 and is the comfiest thing I own. 10/10 would recommend.
By Lindsey Rousseau
My Dog
Piper walked into my life unexpectedly around Christmas time in 2018. We have been inseparable ever since. This pup gets me through all of my good and bad days. I’m really not sure what I would do without her in my life.
My Boyfriend
They always say to surround yourself with good people. Ethan is a great person and my ultimate best friend. I don’t think I would have (almost) survived college without his constant love and support. He constantly pushes me to be my best while helping me become that person every day.
Taylor Swift
Although I have not had the pleasure to meet her directly, Taylor Swift has gotten me through so much with her music. She has a way of putting my emotions into words. One of my dreams in life is to thank her for holding me together through the tough times.
Colts Football
Sports are a salvation for me. It is my happy place. But there is nothing quite like Indianapolis Colts Football. I have been a Colts fan for my entire life, and I have turned that passion into a lifestyle.
My Camera
I love to take photos. I love being able to capture a moment in time and look back on it after the fact. As we get older, our memories fade, but photos keep those memories alive. Being able to hold onto those pieces of life is so important to me.
By Isabella Simons
A Book
This represents my love of reading. I have always loved to read, ever since I was little. Getting lost in stories is a way of escaping reality, and sometimes, that can be good, especially during this time of COVID. I always love a good book.
My Bracelet
I got this bracelet from a friend after I went through a hard time in high school. It reminds me of the obstacles that I have overcome, and that I am brave. It also reminds me of the obstacles I have yet to face, and I know that I will overcome them as well.
My Polaroid
My camera represents my love of photography. I love to take photos of family, nature, and everything else. It has always been a hobby of mine. I really got into it when I was fourteen. That year, I got my first real camera, and that allowed me to advance my photography skills.
My Family
My family means the world to me. My brother, Matt, my mom, Tasha, and my dad, Todd. My mom has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and she is great listener. My dad is super funny, and always makes me laugh. My brother will debate you on any topic, at anytime, but always has a hug if you need one. They have been there for the best moments of my life, and the worst. I wouldn’t be the woman I am without them.
My Friends
In this photo are my closest friends from college. They are all unique, ambitious, and amazing. I remember one time this semester, we were doing karaoke. We were singing songs from a classic movie- High School Musical- and someone in our dorm group chat posted “whoever is singing, I love the vibe!” That was a fun memory. I love my friends.