30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 10

Day 10: Doctor Who and its Fandom

I love this show. I've never seen a show that literally has seasons that tie together. This show is amazing, and it's fandom is... Incredible.

Its fun to just look at comments, see what people think will happen, and see how right or wrong they are in the end. I love how many loose ends this show has, how many questions have gone unanswered for seasons at a time, but that you know will tie in eventually...

Doctor Who is literally unlike anything I have seen. My nerdiness basically begins and ends at Doctor Who.

And I freaking love it.

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 9

I took a break yesterday, my day was a little crazy, but today we are back, with...

Day 9: Conversation

Today, I am thankful for and happy to have conversation. I love talking to people, from people I've known for years, to someone I just met. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, knowing the insights that life has brought to them.

Everyone has a story, and everyone knows something you don't. The only way to learn, to see how other people live and what makes them tick, is conversation.

I love people, anyone who knows me will tell you that. And I love knowing people, and finding out more about who they are. It gives me different perspective on life. I highly recommend it.

Speaking of conversation, I'd love it hear your feedback! Give me your likes, dislikes, and give me some things that make YOU happy! Who knows, maybe I'll use it.

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 8

Day 8: Me Time

Me time makes me very happy. Even if it isn't for long, just going and sitting at an open mic night, or playing guitar in my room, or even just sitting down with a book, it's nice to have time to just relax.

Its important for anyone. Taking time to your self in the midst of a busy schedule can help calm, refresh, and recharge you for whatever the rest of your hectic week might throw at you. Just taking time to enjoy a hobby, listen to music, and do nothing for a little while.

Just don't overdo it. That's called complacency, and it sucks. Really. It sucks you in, and its a hard thing to get out of. Trust me, I fall into that trap far too often.

Find some time for yourself! I promise, its worth it.

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 7

Day 7: Pets

I love pets. I get asked if I'm a cat or dog person, and my answer is yes. Its great to have an adorable cat or dog to cuddle up with, or to sleep next to you at night. Its therapeutic to have pets, its scientifically proven.

I've had a lot of pets in my day. Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish.... Some were more... Exciting than others, but they were mine nonetheless, and they rock.

Today I was kind of lazy in regards or this blog post, but really, pets are awesome. And tomorrow's post  will be better. Haha

Love, Aaron

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 6

Day 6: Art

Of all the things that make me happy, art is probably the highest on the list. I love art in every aspect, from writing, to painting and drawing, to dance, to music, and any other  form of creative expression. I just love it. It shows passion in ways that nothing else can.

Art gives you a glimpse of how someone sees life, joy, pain, heartbreak, love, beauty... All of these things and more can be given light thru it. Songs about sadness and heartbreak can be just as powerful as a painting of an exaggerated sunset, or a story about love, hatred, enemies, and friendships.

I think the thing I love most about it is the freedom behind it. No one can tell you how to paint what you're feeling. No one can teach you how to express your feelings thru music. It just is. Creativity is a huge deal, and its highly underrated.

I'm not a huge fan of the fact that art has become so commercialized. It doesn't make it as powerful. When what you create is based solely on the way people will see it, or how much money you may make from it, it becomes simple media.

Express yourself for you. That's the point of art. Vincent Van Gogh didn't paint what he did for his audiences. He had no audience. People thought he was crazy, that he had no future, and that his set was complete garbage. And now, his artwork is priceless. To have possession an original work of his art is unheard of, because any that are found are displayed in museums, much sought after by many of them.

So let's keep the "art" in "heart". Because honestly, your heart is where that stems from. Its far too easy to be pulled into a financial mindset and lose sight of what really mattered in the first place. You see this with musicians all the time. They start with such passion, and as they become more well known, the art begins to waiver, because what they create is for their audience alone.

Art is an amazing thing, so don't let it get lost in transition or commercialization.

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 5

Day 5: Connections

Have you ever thought about the planet? Like, really thought about it? We stand on the ground, which connects us to every other person on earth. We all walk on the same planet, every road leads to another... If you look out your window, and look at the road, you are looking at something that connects every other person in the continent. You could walk from one end of the country to the other, if you wanted to. I could walk or ride my bike or drive a car to anyone. I could visit anyone on earth if I wanted to.

It makes you feel small, but it also makes you realize that anyone in within your reach.
Its a crazy thought, realizing how closely connected we all really are.

It makes me happy to know that, even the family I miss like crazy, is just a road away. It brings comfort to me.

Love, Aaron

PS: don't forget to leave your comments! I'd love to know who is reading, and their thoughts on the series so far!

30 Days of Things The Make Me Happy, Day 4, National Coming Out Day Edition

Day 4: Support, in honor of the 20th annual National Coming Out Day

Today, of all days, is a great day to talk about support. I love this more than almost anything. To have people who support me, whether in my sexuality, my music, or just life in general, is a huge blessing. Encouragement and love from those around me in an incredible thing.

If you hadn't heard before, today is National Coming Out Day. Of all the days, today is a great one to show your support. Be sure to let those around you know that you are there for them, and that they are important to you. Support is a HUGE deal for anyone looking to come out, and the more support you show for them, the more they feel loved and cared for. Keep in mind that, amidst all the support, there is also a lot of condemnation and hatred. But I can assure you, support means a lot more than hatred. The more you love, the happier everyone will be. Yourself included.

I can honestly say that coming out was a struggle for me. Bad reactions, while what I expected, were still very hard. However,the support I had from friends and family FAR outweighed the hardships. They encouraged me to be who I am, and showed they were proud of the fact that I could be myself.

It takes a lot of work to get to the point where you're ready, and I think that the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.

So here's to support! One of the happiest things I have ever seen.

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 3

Day 3: Family

I love my family. And while we've had our good times and bad, we are always there for each other. My parents are awesome for raising me. And my sisters are amazing, always being by my side, one standing up for me even when I was young and irritated by it, one who I never get to see, but I love her no matter what, and another with me wrapped around her cute little finger. I don't know what id do without them. Then there's the not immediate family, my amazing aunt, who I get to help while she helps me, and my cousins, who I rarely see, but I consider them close anyway...

Without a great family, I couldn't do this whole life thing. They're amazing, always there to talk to me when I need it, and they know I'm always there for them, too.

They make me happy, because I know that no matter what happens, they will always be there for me. Thank you guys. :)

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy, Day 2: Foggy Mornings

Day 2: Foggy Mornings

Every morning, generally pretty early, I go outside to smoke my morning cig, and the hill behind our house is covered in fog. There's a tree with a bench next to it, and this old gazebo, and the fog with the morning light gives them this surreal aesthetic. Its like a scene from a movie, right in front of me. And, despite the fact that I'll have to go back inside momentarily and keep track of an energetic 2 1/2 year old, and help two 8 year olds get ready for school, I have that moment of pure, quiet beauty, all to myself. It puts a smile in my face every time, because I know that no matter how hectic my day may get, I had that moment, and I'll have it again tomorrow....

I'd love to hear from you guys! Leave a comment, and let me know what makes YOU happy. See you guys tomorrow!

Love, Aaron Jay

30 Days of Things That Make Me Happy

I saw a book entitled "14,000 Things To Be Happy About." It got me thinking. If I took 1 month, and intentionally thought about 1 thing every day that makes me happy, it would become habitual.

Starting today, I will blog every day about something that makes me happy. Ill also change my phone background, since i look at it constantly, to something that relates to that, and ill post that picture here as well.

And I'd love to hear ideas from you! Leave me a comment about something that makes you happy, something you're thankful for... Anything really.

Anyway, let the fun begin!

Day 1: Concerts.

I love concerts. Maybe its because I'm a musician, but there is no escape for me like watching a favorite artist or band perform. The way the music blends, the passion of the artist... Seeing it live brings a whole new light to the music when I bring it up on my playlist again afterwards. And then there's the feeling afterwards, like I could conquer the world, like there is nothing in the universe that could bring me down from that musical high.

I could use a good concert. Like once a week would be sufficient.

Dont forget to check in tomorrow, and, really, everyday for the next 29 days.

A new beginning. The Freedom Blog

This blog is about being open. Being honest. This is to bring to light myself, to show you that I may not be who you think I am, and that life isn't always what you'd expect it to be. My life has been chaotic, confusing, and at some points, complete and total hell. Everyone goes thru hard times, and everyone goes thru good times. This blog will be about all of these for me. But this is an introduction.

This is a simplified version of myself, a version for those who need to know me, and those who don't know me at all.

First of all, I am a Christian. God has created my life around the idea of love and non judgement. I am purely a lover, not a fighter, unless it is necessary. I get along with everyone, and love people unconditionally. But I'm finding that balance between loving people, and still having them realize I'm not a force to be reckoned with.

Despite the fact that I get nervous when it comes to confrontation, I know where I stand. I come across as insecure and unconfident, and there's a reason for that, but I know what I stand for and what I believe.

Secondly, I am gay. And this is where I lose readers and respect.

This is not something I chose, despite what most Christians believe. They'll argue for days about how it's a choice. They assume it is, because they've grown to believe that the bible says its wrong.

The point is, I'm a gay Christian, and I love who I am. God created me to be strong and to lead people. He made me gay because its a huge connector for a largely disregarded group of people in the Christian culture. I believe that I am who I am for a reason, and even tho many people will not agree with me, or understand how that's possible, it is.

God is bigger than the box we've put him into. He truly loves everyone, and gay people are not the exception.

So there you go. You know who I am. I still have a big heart, no matter how weak it may be at times. I am always going to love people unconditionally, because we are called to.

Because its who I am.


- Aaron Jay