I have the most wonderful dress.
It really isn't anything special, you see. I've had it since I was about fourteen, and it still fits. It's dark green, with a notched collar. It buttons all the way up and ties in the back.
I wore it all day today, just because it makes me so happy. I, like everyone else, have so many insecurities about my body, and it hides all of them.
It's so strange how such a small thing could make me so happy. Tonight, when Alex came over, I served up some of my brother's left-over birthday cake. I pulled down a delft-blue plate and smiled at it, because it was my Happy Plate. If I have a terrible day, all I have to do is come home, get out the Happy Plate, and eat something. If the Happy Plate is dirty, my day is spoiled. I wanted the Happy Plate to work its magic on everyone, so I let Alex have it.
I'm such a child in so many respects... but I think I like it. All it takes is something small to make me happy. A green dress. A blue plate. A purple room. A burning candle. A swinging hammock. A gentle kiss. A secret smile.