May 9, 2014

Dear Angelynn,

I'm studying U.S. History. I kind of have this AP exam next Wednesday, and I'm slightly concerned about my lack of knowledge on the topics. So I'm reviewing and I guess it's been kind of helpful. (Also praise the Lord for John Green and CrashCourse U.S. History, my savior.)

At the start of Monroe's presidency, he declared that it was the dawn of the "Era of Good Feelings." Presumably, because his election into office didn't suck like the majority of presidents before him. Then, in 1819, there was a panic (an old-fashioned term for depression, in case you've forgotten. I'm assuming you still suck at all things to do with the economy) which swiftly ended these "good feelings."

To save you from Googling stuff, Monroe was elected in 1817, meaning that within the course of two years, half of his presidency, the era had ended. Which, of course is incredibly depressing. To think that after being a country for less than thirty years, the high times of two years (two years!) has already ended.

With every passing second, these two years will appear a shorter and shorter blip in the history of the universe. So it's scary to think that this is the climax of American history. Or anybody's history for that matter.

I have been alive for seventeen years, some months, and the odd day or so. Sure, there are good times and bad times, and I'm not sure if I've had two consecutive years of bliss in a row (although those baby days... good times, man) but as an accumulation I've had well over two years of good feelings.

Which is weird, because for some reason the deep, dark, and depressing seem to wrap around our minds. They are heavy objects, with such weight and this inescapable mass that suffocates all things good in our lives. We need more of that light, airy, fluffy stuff. The good feelings and cotton candy vibes.

For me, personally, I have not experienced anything devastating. There has not been a moment directly tied to my life that has shaken my being and worn down my morals. This is the Era of Good Feelings. This is the time for self-discovery. This is a time to be happy.

Two years is not an era. Angelynn, I hope that from here to where you are is an era of good feelings. I hope you smile too much and laugh too hard. I hope you're still the girl who smiles to herself when walking down the hallways because you've remembered a stupid joke from Pinterest. I hope you still hum tunes and have feelings.

I hope you're more than content and still awestruck at this vast world.

For today, I mark the beginning of The Era of Good Feelings 2.0. In the midst of AP tests and cramming for U.S. History, I give you a personal test. A test to stand the course of time: let's spread positivity and give out compliments. Let's wave at strangers (and maybe talk to boys, omg, lol.) Let's move away from fear and the dark and dangerous. Let's dance in the light and revel at others' greatness. And we shall be happy about ourselves and about other people.

Two years is the record to break, and Angelynn, that seems pretty manageable to me.

xx

Angela