Happiness Begets Happiness

Why I am Determined to Shed Negativity

I use the word shed and immediately think of Rachel and want to workout. That’s a good thing. Rachel and working out are positive aspects in this life. Both in some form will lead me towards happiness and away from negativity.

Oh, I know, ultimately I am responsible for my own happiness. True, true. But if I continue to allow negativity into my life then happiness will remain elusive to me.

To rid myself of these elements I am giving up a few things.

1. People who claim to care only to berate and name call when you have a difference of opinion. It doesn’t really matter the subject; it’s still wrong. It’s time to disassociate and distance as you are definitely not on my path to happiness.
2. Clutter. This is a work in progress and may take a while, but a clutter is stifling. Time to be free of things.
3. Drama Queens [Kings, too]. These are those people who jump on any bandwagon just to feel as though they are a part of something. They need constant drama in their lives. Good, bad, indifferent, doesn’t really matter as long as everyone else is doing it. I have one word for you ~ Baa! Oh, I mean, Buh-Bye!
4. Boring television, movies, books, etc., etc., etc. Life is short. It shouldn’t be dull, too.
5. Overly caring what others think of me. I will still care, just not that much.

Just put on a happy face

Ever feel old? I do all the time. Especially when I write things like that [and hear it in my head, too].

Happiness is found within. If you are looking for happiness in a paycheck or popularity, then you will be searching for a long, long, long time. Money provides for the things you need and [hopefully] a few things you want, but it does not provide happiness. That is completely up to you.

A smile is contagious.

A smile can be heard over the phone.

Laughter really is the best medicine.

Laughter can strengthen your ab muscles. Seriously, laugh hard and for extended periods of time. You will feel it.

Exercise

Ah, don’t poo poo the idea. Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good. Feeling good makes you happy. End of story.

I joined a gym last week! I am so excited, too. I started with a fitness assessment and already did my first workout.

My arms hurt! In a good way.

I cannot wait for tomorrow and the next day and the next.

I lack motivation not desire.

I want to fit in my clothes without feeling like a summer sausage.

I went ice skating with the kids on Saturday.

I thought my feet and ankles would be sore. No, it is my abs! Really. Anytime you have to balance [so you don't fall and bust your ass on the ice] you use your core muscles. There is video, but until Megan uploads it to youtube you’ll just have to use your imagination here.

Eat Healthy & Drink More Water

Vegetables are good for you. Fruit, too. Not that I don’t like a good steak once in awhile, but moderation is truly key.

Drink water. Lots of water. Instead of reaching for that soda [no, diet soda is not any better, in fact, it's worse] have a glass of water. Plain water.

Lay off the cookies. Lay off the chips. Put down that double chocolate chunk ice cream. Okay, you can eat these things just be mindful of how much of these things you are eating.

Moderation, moderation, moderation.

Everything in moderation.

Volunteer or Make a Donation

Giving of yourself is one way to give yourself that deep down good feeling.

If you don’t have money, volunteer. Contact your local United Way, Soup Kitchen, Church, well, you get the picture. If you are handy, why not check into Habitat for Humanity?

If you don’t have time, make a donation. Find your local shelter, boys/girls home, or even retirement center. You can make a donation to your local Goodwill or Church, too. This can be money or items in good condition that are no longer needed by you.

Remember, charity begins at home.

If you have loved ones who need a helping hand, lend one.

In 1999 I filed for divorce and bankruptcy, in that order. It’s not as bad as it sounds and I had a plan. I retained my home and learned about needs versus wants. And I mean, really learned. Struggle can be a good thing, ya know.

My kitchen floor was horrendous, especially compared to the hardwood floors in the rest of the house. My brother had just laid ceramic tile throughout his home and had some leftover. It was enough to do my kitchen. He and my step-dad installed the floor. This was no easy task in a house deemed easier to tear down and rebuild than to install a new door [really, 32" external front door, try to find one].

It’s not about a handout; it’s about a hand up.

Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.

- Author Unknown

Live within your means

Nothing makes me happier than having a little bit of money in the bank.

Fun fact: I have been unemployed since November 2008 [election day to be exact]. I still have money in the bank.

I need to find a job and soon, but I have gone a full year without a job and am not dead in the water. Not yet, anyway.

Money management is important. If you don’t know how to manage money, learn.

Do it now.

Today.

Stop with the instant gratification.

If you can’t pay cash for it you don’t need it.

Stop using credit cards to finance your life. Look up the meaning of indentured servitude. Is this really what you want? Find happiness by freeing yourself of unneeded material possessions.

Who are you really trying to impress? And are they really worth impressing? At what cost? See #5 above.

Put Yourself First

Don’t be selfish. Do be smart.

Not everyone is going to like you. Accept it. This alone will make you a happier person. Once you accept this fact, then the pressure is off. Phew!

Yeah, you’re wondering how people not liking you will make you happy. Simple. Those who truly like you will like you without you having to please them constantly. And trust me, people pleasing is hard work. This does not mean be a jerk. But don’t try so hard.

You have to be true to you.

Don’t worry about what your buddies have. Don’t try to compete with them. Instead, get in on their dime. Don’t use them, but if they want to waste their money on the latest and greatest, let them.  You don’t need to buy it when they already did.

Now, that’s being smart.

I feel happier already. How about you?