Recipe for Happiness

Endorphins give an absolutely euphoric sensation, mix endorphins with service learning and you will find the most incredible feeling in the world. Gutting a house is extremely taxing work. While gutting you are conscious of every inch of your body, your arms ache from hammering at the ceiling, your back burns from bending in every direction, your feet become exhausted from the extra weight of sledge hammers, however the one thing that feels sensational is your heart. The house has a way of speaking to you in a non creepy or haunted way but in a way in which you can learn to appreciate it's history. The "Dust Crew" (my amazing group) found a Halloween mask, a newspaper from 1946, family photos, and sport equipment bag underneath the rubble. Standing in a room covered with rotting wood, chunks of the wall, and dust I could still envision the moments that took place there. Being able to imagine the birthdays, weddings, family dinners that took place in that home was amazing. I felt like I was becoming a part of those memories in a way.  It was an amazing experience not only to destroy a wall but gaining the ability to connect with your work on an emotional level is up-lifting. Connecting with the Dust Crew, the house, and my work was completely transformational.