Okay, here's the Happiness Project book update, since that was quite a bit of the inspiration for this blog. And this blog, in turn, making me accountable for following through on certain things. I have made it through half her year, so I'm just about to start on July's focus. I have so many ideas for posts as I continue reading, so there will be reflections for many months I'm sure.
In the book, she has commandments that she should always refer to. She has 12, I have no idea what I will end up with. So far, I have the following:
1. No Calculation This is one of Gretchen's. It means basically no tit-for-tat thinking. Just because I do something one day doesn't mean someone else SHOULD do it or WILL do it the next day. Which leads to the next one --
2. Just do it. I mean really. I love Gretchen's one minute rule, which means that she will not procrastinate on anything that will take less than a minute to do. Fortunately, so far, this helps me do things that take more than a minute (like unloading the dishwasher). However, I still like that I have wiggle room if it WILL take more than a minute.
3. Let it go. For me, easier said than done. BUT, I am starting with little things (daily annoyances), and I hope that will translate into the grudges from years ago that I need so much to really purge!
4. Be physical. This one has been challenging as of late, but I am going to see if I can start really getting on a good schedule for exercising. Conversely, this is also the one consistent change I have incorporated into my daily routine. By this, I mean that before I get out of bed (the single most excruciating part of my day), I stretch. In bed. Even just a little. And it has made ALL the difference!
This is what I am starting with, and as soon as I come across a new commandment I write it down. More to come!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
52 Weeks of Happiness, Week 4
I had kindof a rough start to the week work-wise. I let myself feel the bad, negative stuff, so I could purge it and start over. (After all, tomorrow IS another day.)
I LOVE to color. It's very meditative for me. I have this book and the second one, too, and on a particularly taxing day, it makes me feel better.
This week I finally purchased an app for my phone that allows you to turn pictures to black and white and then re-color in a portion. On Monday night, I had SO much fun. It was my digital coloring.
Here is one of my "masterpieces." It also includes two things which bring me intense happiness...my son and the Beatles.
I KNOW this will bring me more joy and fun (and meditation) to come!
I LOVE to color. It's very meditative for me. I have this book and the second one, too, and on a particularly taxing day, it makes me feel better.
This week I finally purchased an app for my phone that allows you to turn pictures to black and white and then re-color in a portion. On Monday night, I had SO much fun. It was my digital coloring.
Here is one of my "masterpieces." It also includes two things which bring me intense happiness...my son and the Beatles.
I KNOW this will bring me more joy and fun (and meditation) to come!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
SARK's Micromovements
I'm not sure in which of SARK's books she first wrote about micromovements, but it really spoke to me. I still like SARK, but really found her color and hand-written books enthralling particularly in college.
This book was my first one. I need to bring it out again!
She has a wonderful outlook on life, and has strived to be very happy and embrace all things HER. But of course, not in an egotistical way. She accepts her faults and knows what to do with them. She loves a good nap. And she knows that need-to-do tasks (or even want-to-do tasks) can be very daunting. So, she suggests micromovements. As I am about to enter into a new phase of work next year, doors of possibilities are now open. That does not thrill (completely) someone with my personality. It scares me. I don't like challenges. Which is why Gretchen Rubin's book has helped so much already too. Her Happiness Project was given a full year to really work on it. She didn't rush. She took time to plan, then implemented and tweaked.
When you marry micromovements and taking your time and living in the moment, you get this outlook when you are overwhelmed : What do I have to do today, right NOW, to make improvements?
Yesterday, when I was really heartbroken at the unfairness of my contract, I was completely bummed. I am terrified of what I have to do next to make more money. But I started thinking about only what I have to do NOW, or THIS WEEK. And I remembered that my husband will understand that new things take time.
ANYWAY, here's an excerpt on micromovements. You can download the PDF for yourself here.
Micromovement Reminders
1. Choose a tiny step-something you already know how to do. If you want to write more letters, a good micromovement would be: Tuesday 2pm, put stamps and paper and pen in same spot.
2. Write down your micromovement with a date and time. You can always reassign it. It has more value in the material world when it is written down.
3. As soon as you've completed your micromovement, choose the next one and write that down.
4. Micromovements resist repetition. Example: "My micromovement is to write in my journal every day for 5 minutes."
Sound reasonable?
It may sound reasonable, but it isn't. Here's why:
The first time we get a headache, or don’t feel like writing, or just don't do it, the inner critic lurches forward with pleasure and says, "Aha! See! You can't even write every day for five minutes. You'll never be a writer….blah blah blah."
Simply make it smaller:
Tomorrow at 8pm write in my journal for 5 minutes
5. Get micromovement support. Find a friend who is eager to work with micromovements and check in with each other on completion schedules.
Note: Do not engage in faultfinding or sarcasm when you falter. Choose a sensitive and kind friend doing inner critic work.
6. Collect notes about your micromovements all the way through a project, and study how you did it. We often forget our own ways and methods.
7. Be willing to practice this system and continually forget about it, fail at it, yet still have faith in yourself and your creative dreams.
8. Be willing to get smaller. Most micromovements are too large. In fact, we assign ourselves projects that are much too big and then get discouraged by our own inactivity.
More micromovement example:
I wish to make a big purple pillow
Micromovements:
1. Call Nancy Wed. 10am ask where she got the great purple fabric
2. Thu 11am, put fabric near sewing machine
3. Fri 4pm, draw two types of pillow ideas
4. Sat 2pm, assemble supplies for 5 minutes
5. Sun 5pm sew a tiny purple pillow cover
Slowly and surely wins the race. Thank you, SARK, for your years of inspiration!!
This book was my first one. I need to bring it out again!
She has a wonderful outlook on life, and has strived to be very happy and embrace all things HER. But of course, not in an egotistical way. She accepts her faults and knows what to do with them. She loves a good nap. And she knows that need-to-do tasks (or even want-to-do tasks) can be very daunting. So, she suggests micromovements. As I am about to enter into a new phase of work next year, doors of possibilities are now open. That does not thrill (completely) someone with my personality. It scares me. I don't like challenges. Which is why Gretchen Rubin's book has helped so much already too. Her Happiness Project was given a full year to really work on it. She didn't rush. She took time to plan, then implemented and tweaked.
When you marry micromovements and taking your time and living in the moment, you get this outlook when you are overwhelmed : What do I have to do today, right NOW, to make improvements?
Yesterday, when I was really heartbroken at the unfairness of my contract, I was completely bummed. I am terrified of what I have to do next to make more money. But I started thinking about only what I have to do NOW, or THIS WEEK. And I remembered that my husband will understand that new things take time.
ANYWAY, here's an excerpt on micromovements. You can download the PDF for yourself here.
Micromovement Reminders
1. Choose a tiny step-something you already know how to do. If you want to write more letters, a good micromovement would be: Tuesday 2pm, put stamps and paper and pen in same spot.
2. Write down your micromovement with a date and time. You can always reassign it. It has more value in the material world when it is written down.
3. As soon as you've completed your micromovement, choose the next one and write that down.
4. Micromovements resist repetition. Example: "My micromovement is to write in my journal every day for 5 minutes."
Sound reasonable?
It may sound reasonable, but it isn't. Here's why:
The first time we get a headache, or don’t feel like writing, or just don't do it, the inner critic lurches forward with pleasure and says, "Aha! See! You can't even write every day for five minutes. You'll never be a writer….blah blah blah."
Simply make it smaller:
Tomorrow at 8pm write in my journal for 5 minutes
5. Get micromovement support. Find a friend who is eager to work with micromovements and check in with each other on completion schedules.
Note: Do not engage in faultfinding or sarcasm when you falter. Choose a sensitive and kind friend doing inner critic work.
6. Collect notes about your micromovements all the way through a project, and study how you did it. We often forget our own ways and methods.
7. Be willing to practice this system and continually forget about it, fail at it, yet still have faith in yourself and your creative dreams.
8. Be willing to get smaller. Most micromovements are too large. In fact, we assign ourselves projects that are much too big and then get discouraged by our own inactivity.
More micromovement example:
I wish to make a big purple pillow
Micromovements:
1. Call Nancy Wed. 10am ask where she got the great purple fabric
2. Thu 11am, put fabric near sewing machine
3. Fri 4pm, draw two types of pillow ideas
4. Sat 2pm, assemble supplies for 5 minutes
5. Sun 5pm sew a tiny purple pillow cover
Slowly and surely wins the race. Thank you, SARK, for your years of inspiration!!
Jane Powell's Meditations
About 6 years ago, somehow I stumbled upon these daily meditations. I used to take the time to read them every morning, but somehow now just read the title daily and see if it looks like something that might give me a good feeling. If it's your thing, I encourage you to go to the site and sign up. You never know what great inspiration will be there.
Here is today's meditation.
Take Charge of Change
by Jane Powell on March 23, 2011
“Happy women embrace change.”
If you accept change, you allow circumstances to just happen to you. On the other hand, when you embrace change, you take charge and gain ownership of new opportunities. When you’re in the driver’s seat, your life is both more fulfilling and peaceful.
Recognize change for the positive effects it can have on your life. It’s the engine that propels you toward new and better things.
You need change. So, look for it, seize it and embrace it with enthusiasm. When you ride on the crest of change, you reach your destination sooner and feel better about the journey.
©Jane Powell – Meditations for Women
Today’s Affirmation: I recognize change is good for me and I embrace it with enthusiasm.
You can also purchase her book here.
Here is today's meditation.
Take Charge of Change
by Jane Powell on March 23, 2011
“Happy women embrace change.”
If you accept change, you allow circumstances to just happen to you. On the other hand, when you embrace change, you take charge and gain ownership of new opportunities. When you’re in the driver’s seat, your life is both more fulfilling and peaceful.
Recognize change for the positive effects it can have on your life. It’s the engine that propels you toward new and better things.
You need change. So, look for it, seize it and embrace it with enthusiasm. When you ride on the crest of change, you reach your destination sooner and feel better about the journey.
©Jane Powell – Meditations for Women
Today’s Affirmation: I recognize change is good for me and I embrace it with enthusiasm.
You can also purchase her book here.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Standing up for Yourself
I have NEVER been good at this. It is almost excruciating to stand up for myself when I'm faced with someone who in some way has power over me. And I know, "No one has power over you unless you let them." Please deal with my extreme cynicism today, but that is largely BS. I can't just choose to have someone not make me feel a certain way, it is a major process. A process I have never figured out -- even how to begin to do this.
AND, additionally, anyone who is your boss has power over you. So there. You can't argue with that. They have power over your salary, your hours, exactly what work you do, etc. We have power over how we perform and how we react to these things, but they put you in that position. And when it comes to work, sometimes you may not have a choice. It might sound nice to quit your job and go for your dreams, but in no way is that realistic. Not if you have a family. Not if you are supporting yourself. It is just not real life.
I have spent the past two months in meetings alternating between my two bosses. Today we met together. I fought very hard for my contract. When it was first issued, the hours and pay had been drastically changed. The salary felt like a tremendous slap in the face. I fought very hard for my pay. I made an incredibly FAIR case. What I was proposing was tremendously fair, and I was FINALLY sticking up for myself. And I actually felt pretty confident.
After these months of meetings, waiting, fighting for a job description, waiting, and more waiting, I was reissued a contract.
Nothing had changed.
People say good things happen when you stand up for youself. They say at least you feel better about yourself.
I do not. I feel completely defeated.
AND, additionally, anyone who is your boss has power over you. So there. You can't argue with that. They have power over your salary, your hours, exactly what work you do, etc. We have power over how we perform and how we react to these things, but they put you in that position. And when it comes to work, sometimes you may not have a choice. It might sound nice to quit your job and go for your dreams, but in no way is that realistic. Not if you have a family. Not if you are supporting yourself. It is just not real life.
I have spent the past two months in meetings alternating between my two bosses. Today we met together. I fought very hard for my contract. When it was first issued, the hours and pay had been drastically changed. The salary felt like a tremendous slap in the face. I fought very hard for my pay. I made an incredibly FAIR case. What I was proposing was tremendously fair, and I was FINALLY sticking up for myself. And I actually felt pretty confident.
After these months of meetings, waiting, fighting for a job description, waiting, and more waiting, I was reissued a contract.
Nothing had changed.
People say good things happen when you stand up for youself. They say at least you feel better about yourself.
I do not. I feel completely defeated.
Friday, March 18, 2011
52 Weeks Of Happiness, Week 3
Okay, so I planned to do this on Thursdays. So I'm a day late. I'm on Spring Break.
I have a bit of a love affair with bags. What kind? Any. Not necessarily purses, but tote bags, reusable grocery bags (I have ones from Piggly Wiggly, The Fresh Market, Schnucks, Kroger, my school, Babies r Us, Toys r Us, Baggu Bags, and have ordered some Envirosax ones), and most recently reusable lunch bags. I recently bought these. How cute!!
I've now taken it to yet another level. I ADORE my Baggus, and have been eyeing their produce bags for a while. I absolutely abhor those flimsy ones in the store. Thanks to a very green friend, I was able to snag 9 bags and a carry-all from an Etsy seller at a much better price.
And this, my friends, is what made me wildly happy this week. I loved taking these to the store!! Just think how wonderful the farmer's market will be this summer with these!
I have a bit of a love affair with bags. What kind? Any. Not necessarily purses, but tote bags, reusable grocery bags (I have ones from Piggly Wiggly, The Fresh Market, Schnucks, Kroger, my school, Babies r Us, Toys r Us, Baggu Bags, and have ordered some Envirosax ones), and most recently reusable lunch bags. I recently bought these. How cute!!
I've now taken it to yet another level. I ADORE my Baggus, and have been eyeing their produce bags for a while. I absolutely abhor those flimsy ones in the store. Thanks to a very green friend, I was able to snag 9 bags and a carry-all from an Etsy seller at a much better price.
And this, my friends, is what made me wildly happy this week. I loved taking these to the store!! Just think how wonderful the farmer's market will be this summer with these!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Disaster to Euphoria
Picture it.
First day of Spring Break. Beautiful day. Outside with hubby and friend shoveling mulch (them, not me). I am taking a picture with my GLORIOUS iphone. Then I was wiping off the precious screen. And my butter fingers came out full-force, and it fell. On the concrete. Over half of the screen was shattered. I was devastated.
I have had this phone for three months. It was my anniversary present. My school computer kinda sucks, so my phone is pretty much my computer. Until this phone, I'd never had one so useful. All the other ones sounded great when I got them, but then promptly broke or malfunctioned or something. But at least I could make a phone call. For us underpaid teachers, this is my true luxury. I LOVE this phone. And I was terrified at what this was going to cost us. It was nowhere in the budget to fix things like this.
I made a few phone calls to people I knew had had something similar happen. They are all very good Mac customers, and Apple had replaced their phones, free of charge.
It was my only hope.
So, I made an appointment at the Genius Bar in the Apple store, and they took me a little early. I was actually nervous. Money makes me very nervous and it's a source of tremendous stress for me. Always has been. Michael at the Apple store helped me. Listened to my story. Here I am, trying to look cute with my baby on my hip, and rehashed the fact that I was sick this week, and how awful it was... I told him it was functioning except that when I made calls, the other person couldn't hear me. He listened, and said he was going to make a "one time exception." He sent me home with a new phone. I was in and out in 15 minutes. I had backed up, so when I re-synced with hubby's good computer, it was like NOTHING had ever happened.
When I left the Apple store, after profusely thanking him, I almost cried in the car. I was very close. I was BEYOND relieved that this would not cost our family anything.
I don't know if it's a policy at Apple to help people like me out, but whatever the reason, I thank them for bringing such happiness to me. This is NOT temporary happiness. It's not just "how nice that was!" If not for this, I'd have had to have paid SO much, for my clumsiness.
It's a tremendously SIGNIFICANT happiness moment for me, that will last a LONG time.
First day of Spring Break. Beautiful day. Outside with hubby and friend shoveling mulch (them, not me). I am taking a picture with my GLORIOUS iphone. Then I was wiping off the precious screen. And my butter fingers came out full-force, and it fell. On the concrete. Over half of the screen was shattered. I was devastated.
I have had this phone for three months. It was my anniversary present. My school computer kinda sucks, so my phone is pretty much my computer. Until this phone, I'd never had one so useful. All the other ones sounded great when I got them, but then promptly broke or malfunctioned or something. But at least I could make a phone call. For us underpaid teachers, this is my true luxury. I LOVE this phone. And I was terrified at what this was going to cost us. It was nowhere in the budget to fix things like this.
I made a few phone calls to people I knew had had something similar happen. They are all very good Mac customers, and Apple had replaced their phones, free of charge.
It was my only hope.
So, I made an appointment at the Genius Bar in the Apple store, and they took me a little early. I was actually nervous. Money makes me very nervous and it's a source of tremendous stress for me. Always has been. Michael at the Apple store helped me. Listened to my story. Here I am, trying to look cute with my baby on my hip, and rehashed the fact that I was sick this week, and how awful it was... I told him it was functioning except that when I made calls, the other person couldn't hear me. He listened, and said he was going to make a "one time exception." He sent me home with a new phone. I was in and out in 15 minutes. I had backed up, so when I re-synced with hubby's good computer, it was like NOTHING had ever happened.
When I left the Apple store, after profusely thanking him, I almost cried in the car. I was very close. I was BEYOND relieved that this would not cost our family anything.
I don't know if it's a policy at Apple to help people like me out, but whatever the reason, I thank them for bringing such happiness to me. This is NOT temporary happiness. It's not just "how nice that was!" If not for this, I'd have had to have paid SO much, for my clumsiness.
It's a tremendously SIGNIFICANT happiness moment for me, that will last a LONG time.
Friday, March 11, 2011
PLAY!
I just bought this book, a mere $6.40 from Amazon, at Gretchen Rubin's recommendation.
In the blog post, she gives a brief summary of what the author has to say. As an early childhood professional, I know very well that nothing is more important than play. Play is a child's work. It fosters tremendous social and emotional growth, problem-solving skills, motor skill growth, and countless other benefits. Playing together is just as important as playing solo.
Play never stops being important, we just start to call it something different. Obviously, board games for adults or children are forms of play, but isn't anything recreational really play? I enjoy running, so that's a form of play for me. I am lucky to be an early childhood professional, so the child inside me gets her fill of kid-like play, and that makes the adult me happy, too.
I feel a little like I might be doing a thesis. Hubby is working on his Master's thesis, which will be completed for graduation in May. As I have watched him do this, I've noticed how one discovery leads to the need for a new book, and I feel like the deeper I get into it, the more I want to read. Especially if the extra research costs under seven dollars.
One of my favorite quotations:
"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."
-Bertrand Russell
More on that quote here.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
52 Weeks Of Happiness, Week 2
Well friends, I was home sick today.
You must understand that I really can't get sick. I will still, as a woman and mother, do things while being sick that I shouldn't be doing. Things that I would preach against. But I'll do them anyway. Sure I'll do this, sure I'll do that. Usually, it means I push myself too much. But fever will always stop me. (Well, at least give me a good excuse to really, actually stop.)
I went home with a fever of just over 100 yesterday. I kid you not -- I slept for 14 hours (with minor awakenings), and only then did I seem to feel a little better. I got up, showered, and made coffee. I prepared myself for a sick day of a Gilmore Girls marathon and mega rest.
So here's my photo of what made me happy today.
You must also understand that last summer, I decided to start watching the show on DVD, as I knew it would be right up my alley. I finished Season 4 a while ago, and it had had a major cliffhanger. Netflix hasn't had the next disc in the series available until this week. I think it's been 2 months.
It came yesterday. And today, being sick, I got my guilty pleasure fix. Four episodes over the day. It's already back in the mail ready to trade for a new disc.
It really made me happy.
You must understand that I really can't get sick. I will still, as a woman and mother, do things while being sick that I shouldn't be doing. Things that I would preach against. But I'll do them anyway. Sure I'll do this, sure I'll do that. Usually, it means I push myself too much. But fever will always stop me. (Well, at least give me a good excuse to really, actually stop.)
I went home with a fever of just over 100 yesterday. I kid you not -- I slept for 14 hours (with minor awakenings), and only then did I seem to feel a little better. I got up, showered, and made coffee. I prepared myself for a sick day of a Gilmore Girls marathon and mega rest.
So here's my photo of what made me happy today.
You must also understand that last summer, I decided to start watching the show on DVD, as I knew it would be right up my alley. I finished Season 4 a while ago, and it had had a major cliffhanger. Netflix hasn't had the next disc in the series available until this week. I think it's been 2 months.
It came yesterday. And today, being sick, I got my guilty pleasure fix. Four episodes over the day. It's already back in the mail ready to trade for a new disc.
It really made me happy.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Attitude of Gratitude
It's no secret that having a thankful heart will bring you joy. I was watching an episode of Private Practice last night called "Blind Love." I didn't get to finish it, as hubby came in and shared his happiness -- a full first draft of his Master's Thesis! WOOHOO!
Anyway, in the episode, there was a mother who was nursing a child, and the mother was blind. It made me think how tremendously grateful I am for my senses.
I am thankful for sight, so that I may see every inch of my sweet child, see his hair color, his eye color, and see if anything does not look right so as to help him immediately.
I am thankful for smell, so I may take in that natural baby smell that will disappear with time, and smell his Dreft-yummy laundry and clean washed hair. And those heavenly baby lotions...
I am thankful for taste, so I may too taste the foods I make for my son, so that I know I am giving him something worth eating! Yesterday I made him a sweet orange salad, with a homemade lime/honey dressing for avocados, quartered grape tomatoes, and mandarin oranges. It was delicious!
I am thankful for touch, because from the first time I nursed with his face against my skin I knew we were finding new ways to bond. I sometimes simply hold his face in my hands to feel his sweet baby skin. And it never gets old. I am grateful to feel new teeth coming in!
I am thankful for hearing, so I may listen to his cries to alert me of his negative emotions. So I may hear his babbling turn into words, and so I may hear the greatest sound of all...his baby laughter.
And yes, I am thankful for the sixth sense to know when he is not safe or something is wrong. I have always had that sixth sense, but a mother's sixth sense is sharper, keener, and coated with love. It is the ultimate protection sense.
For the senses, I am truly grateful.
Anyway, in the episode, there was a mother who was nursing a child, and the mother was blind. It made me think how tremendously grateful I am for my senses.
I am thankful for sight, so that I may see every inch of my sweet child, see his hair color, his eye color, and see if anything does not look right so as to help him immediately.
I am thankful for smell, so I may take in that natural baby smell that will disappear with time, and smell his Dreft-yummy laundry and clean washed hair. And those heavenly baby lotions...
I am thankful for taste, so I may too taste the foods I make for my son, so that I know I am giving him something worth eating! Yesterday I made him a sweet orange salad, with a homemade lime/honey dressing for avocados, quartered grape tomatoes, and mandarin oranges. It was delicious!
I am thankful for touch, because from the first time I nursed with his face against my skin I knew we were finding new ways to bond. I sometimes simply hold his face in my hands to feel his sweet baby skin. And it never gets old. I am grateful to feel new teeth coming in!
I am thankful for hearing, so I may listen to his cries to alert me of his negative emotions. So I may hear his babbling turn into words, and so I may hear the greatest sound of all...his baby laughter.
And yes, I am thankful for the sixth sense to know when he is not safe or something is wrong. I have always had that sixth sense, but a mother's sixth sense is sharper, keener, and coated with love. It is the ultimate protection sense.
For the senses, I am truly grateful.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
52 Weeks Of Happiness, Week 1
It's Thursday. I have the first week's photo. I think I'll just always aim to post it on Thursday.
Today's happiness is brought to you by...
NEW RUNNING SHOES.
This signifies me time, health and exercise, and motivation. I recently completed my third half-marathon, but first post-baby. It is a thrilling accomplishment. My shoes were kaput, so hubby and I went to the best store to get them in Memphis. I love my Brooks shoes. And since they are so tailored for how you run, you can't choose a color. How lucky I am that it turned out to be a slightly darker shade of Tiffany blue!
Today's happiness is brought to you by...
NEW RUNNING SHOES.
This signifies me time, health and exercise, and motivation. I recently completed my third half-marathon, but first post-baby. It is a thrilling accomplishment. My shoes were kaput, so hubby and I went to the best store to get them in Memphis. I love my Brooks shoes. And since they are so tailored for how you run, you can't choose a color. How lucky I am that it turned out to be a slightly darker shade of Tiffany blue!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Leigh Vs. Laundry's Happiness Project
It is definitely time for this undertaking...a happiness project. This book has just come into my life, and this blog, which I have been reading on and off for a while now, has had a year of her own happiness project. The two are unrelated. I have always wanted to join in, but honestly didn't because you link up with her, and my other family blog is private. BUT...this one is not.
So, first, go here. Leigh's blog is full of awesomeness. Her Happiness Project (see button below) was a 52 week long project which began last March. She took it upon herself to take a photo weekly of the little things that make her glad, smile, laugh, etc. It was a way for her to be held accountable for remembering the happy things. I found her through my friend Erin Margolin, whom I know from college and who writes and blogs beautifully here.
If you read the above post, you learned that a new challenge has been posted. The Happiness Project is now the "52 Weeks of Happiness." Which I love. It implies that there WILL BE happiness throughout these 52 weeks! She has a new button like above for the change in project name, but hasn't posted the html code yet. When she does I'll link up!!
So stay tuned for the first weekly installment.
So, first, go here. Leigh's blog is full of awesomeness. Her Happiness Project (see button below) was a 52 week long project which began last March. She took it upon herself to take a photo weekly of the little things that make her glad, smile, laugh, etc. It was a way for her to be held accountable for remembering the happy things. I found her through my friend Erin Margolin, whom I know from college and who writes and blogs beautifully here.
If you read the above post, you learned that a new challenge has been posted. The Happiness Project is now the "52 Weeks of Happiness." Which I love. It implies that there WILL BE happiness throughout these 52 weeks! She has a new button like above for the change in project name, but hasn't posted the html code yet. When she does I'll link up!!
So stay tuned for the first weekly installment.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Happiness Is...
You can read this blog's title as:
Happiness is a journey.
As in, the road to happiness is a journey, which takes time and effort and mindfulness.
OR
Happiness is...A Journey.
As in, Happiness is: A journey. "Happiness Is" is my title. This happens to be an account of a journey.
OR
Happiness is a journey.
As in--going on a journey (walk, journey through life) brings happiness.
I think I mean all three. Or, at least the first too. I hope that this journey will bring happiness, and I will mean all three.
Essentially, dear reader, I hope this blog will serve as an outlet for my journey as I learn to live my life. I have recently come across the book "The Happiness Project." I have ordered it. I haven't even received it yet, though it's sparked something in me. I am not an unhappy person, but there is always room for improvement. I like to have things organized, so possibly this blog will serve that need for me as well through posts and labels.
I already have friends who are interested in discussing together as we read. If I can be held accountable by friends who too want to take a similar journey, this might just make my journey a little bit richer!
Happiness is a journey.
As in, the road to happiness is a journey, which takes time and effort and mindfulness.
OR
Happiness is...A Journey.
As in, Happiness is: A journey. "Happiness Is" is my title. This happens to be an account of a journey.
OR
Happiness is a journey.
As in--going on a journey (walk, journey through life) brings happiness.
I think I mean all three. Or, at least the first too. I hope that this journey will bring happiness, and I will mean all three.
Essentially, dear reader, I hope this blog will serve as an outlet for my journey as I learn to live my life. I have recently come across the book "The Happiness Project." I have ordered it. I haven't even received it yet, though it's sparked something in me. I am not an unhappy person, but there is always room for improvement. I like to have things organized, so possibly this blog will serve that need for me as well through posts and labels. I already have friends who are interested in discussing together as we read. If I can be held accountable by friends who too want to take a similar journey, this might just make my journey a little bit richer!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)