Happiness is something that most people want in life. I know I do, and I truly think it is an excellent thing to aspire to!
Just last week I was listening to a podcast from the academy that I have recently joined and the topic was happiness. “If Mama Isn’t Happy, Nobody is Happy” the speaker noted. And I must say I agree. But as a single gal, I have to be sure to maintain my cheer and good humor too! So just because I’m not a Mama, doesn’t mean I’m off the hook!
Interestingly, being a happy, enthusiastic, cheery, energy-giver isn’t solely for yourself. It’s for those around you, the ones you interact with, speak to, help, and counsel. Maintaining your happiness is not a selfish thing, but rather an unselfish thing. Yes, delightfully you get to benefit, but the reality of the situation is that, like so many other things, it’s not all about you.
We All Need This Reminder
I truly appreciate this reminder! It helps me better keep my composure when I find things annoying. It also reminds me of the importance of not saying too much when I feel perplexed. The happiness of the people who live around me is so very important to me, so I want to do my part to contributing to it!
Funny, I remember realizing this years ago. All of the sudden one day I realized that I didn’t need to get all huffy if I was inconvenienced or if someone came across a bit sharper than they might have intended to. I rather laugh at the reaction I use to have. The sad, hurt expression I would carry around. Moody so people knew that I had been offended. My! What. A. Joy.! (not!) Talk about robbing everyone I was around of all possible joy!
Like a light bulb, I realized that I really didn’t need to let those instances so strongly affect me! What a lot of time I wasted letting others determine my happiness quota!
Imagine if, I suddenly found myself pondering, I didn’t let those instances affect how I treated others? What if I maintained my joy and happiness?! It was almost like an acting debut at first because I had allowed myself to get in such a bad habit. But it has become so much easier with time, I’m grateful to say!
And do you know what I was doing those years ago? Though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was giving grace. Grace to others with the idea that they hadn’t intended to hurt my feelings. Grace to myself that I am unique and one-of-a-kind and that sometimes my responses and reactions aren’t what I would want them to ideally be.
As the hymn says, Amazing Grace – How sweet the sound!
Ideas for You
About a year ago, I happened across a suggestion to make a list of 50 things that make me happy and I put them in a blog post. It was a lot of fun to do it! It’s not a bit organized – I just wrote about things that popped into my mind. As I recall, when I came across the idea I wasn’t feeling my happiest, but once I started on that list, I was growing happier by the moment!
You should make your own list – do it right now – or at least this week! I’d love it if you did! Maybe you think you’re already happy and don’t need to make a list. Let me just say, worst case scenario, it will only make you happier – I think we’d all love to have that problem!
And since I have given you this challenge, I’ll also do it myself! It will be just as random as last year and it will probably have some overlap, but it should have some new things too! Here goes! (My list only took me about thirty seconds an item – you can do it too!!)
Happiness Project 2018
- God – my joy and my strength!
- Family!
- Coffee
- Chocolate – especially Ghiradelli peppermint bark
- Restful Sunday afternoons
- Sunshine after a storm
- Sparkles – be it jewelry or embellishments on everyday items, they just make me happy!
- Writing
- Printing out pictures for my nephews and nieces
- Getting hugs around the neck from little, squishy arms!
- A warm, little hand on my leg as my nephew steadies himself ♥
- Notes and cards
- Memorizing my Bible
- Realizing a new perspective or meaning in a Bible verse or story
- Being handed my first published book! <— Definitely a highlight!
- Finding the perfect gift for someone
- Using colored pens that match my journal
- Ladies who truly like the items my company offers
- Spending time in my Studio Office
- Painting walls and cabinets – it just makes them so fresh!
- Spending time with people I love
- Helping others
- Sitting down with a good book
- Watching Hallmark movies
- Listening to music – Bing Crosby & Ray Conniff are some of my most recent favorites!
- Driving
- Learning about historical things – be it places or people
- The way my niece spells my name partially backwards! ♥
- Photographs – they remind me of happy times
- Memories
- Learning and trying new things
- Traveling and visiting historic places
- Taking photos
- Growing my business
- Unknowns – when I remember God has all the details, unknowns make me so energized and happy! After all, He fills my life with good things!
- Encouraging others
- Using quality beauty products
- Affording simple luxuries – such as taking the time to curl my hair – it truly makes me happy!
- Being outside
- Spreading sunshine and happiness
- Twinkle lights
- Fresh laundry
- Hamburgers
- Ice cream
- Embellishments – things that add ‘that extra touch’
- Smiles
- Laughter – that is truly one of my favorite sounds! It makes me stop what I’m doing and smile! It fills my heart!
- Dreams!
- Developing relationships – learning how to be a better friend
- My parents – they get extra mention! I adore them and I’m so very grateful for them!
Just a Note
One other important thing that I want to be sure to mention is that writing notes to others will boost your happiness exponentially. It will remind you of the value that others bring and the blessing that they are. It truly helps adjust your focus to lovely, true and wonderful things! And it allows you to bless others with your words!
So, where’s your list of 50 things that bring you happiness? Will you share five of those things with me?! Don’t let the number overwhelm you – just write down one thing at a time!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. What are subjects that you would be interested in? This blog is for you, after all! Share below or send me an email hope@theamericanlady.com. And please work on your Happiness Project!!