practice 'Happiness Manifesto' daily

I’m grateful for:
- my mangled heart: as much as it hurts, it reminds me that I’m alive
- caramel flavoured coffee to cheer me up
- my exercise classes that remind me how strong I really am
- amazing friends who are always there for you…even when you’re a mess
- rainy days…they remind me to slow down.

I’m grateful for:
- lemon and honey when you’re at the cusp of a cold.
- my Mom for being a great friend, always asking how I’m doing and making sure I’m ok.
- my Dad for making me laugh and having good intentions despite being very father-like towards my dating.
- good solid friends who write the most thoughtful cards that make you cry happy-tears.
- being able to help others with their problems…makes me feel so full of happiness for lightening their load.
- friendly strangers…I love people who strike up a conversation and just brighten your day!
- avocados…creamy, nutty, healthy goodness.
- sales on things you need.
- Mexican jumping beans. Cool beyond belief.

I’m grateful for:
- my niece…too cute for words
- amazing friends who make me laugh even when I don’t feel like laughing
- my manager (this one and my last one)...both are knowledgeable, easygoing, and easy to talk to. We had a chat about ice cream this afternoon.
- randomness…utter random happenings
- smiles
- being single…not that I don’t want a relationship, but I’m happy to be able to enjoy my time however I wish
- knowing that there is someone out there who is truly perfect for me

• knowing it’s ok to be happy
• a gorgeous fall day full of waterfalls and warm hugs
• spending time with a new special friend who is captivating, enlivening, and kind
• friends who can talk you up, down and into hilarity
• counting down the days to stuffing my face with cake with my two fabulous friends :D

• a fun night out with friends to de-stress
• the excitement building for next week’s dinner party at my friend’s place
• seeing the dark ominous clouds approaching for a rain storm
• thunderstorms at night
• sweat pants and sweatshirts
• getting an expansive red wine stain out of a white sweatshirt
• friends who come to your side and sacrifice their white wine to rescue your red wine-stained clothes
• cards that make you want to laugh and cry at the same time
• people who are are there for you no matter if you’re laughing or crying
• pep-talks from friends and family
• my mom’s support
• having self-respect and self-worth…drunken guys and dance floors is a bad combo

• having hope

• sunny days and cool nights
• a productive day of job hunting
• a good cry that made me feel better
• a bike ride through high park
• a genuine smile from a stranger
• the calm that comes from riding through a forest
• the yummy scents of salt scrub and body lotion
• reading on my “porch” in my worn-in-but-soooo-comfortable camping chair
• a call from my mom and my pet fish that both keep me sane when I’m home alone

Although I’ve been away from here for a while, I’m no less grateful for:

• an amazingly fun getaway with a great friend…and many amazing memories to take with me at the end of it all.
• friends who stick around no matter what stupid things you end up doing or saying.
• support in my times of need.
• being there for others in their time of need.
• learning the non-book-smarts things I should know, that I missed out on in my early years.
• knowing that without the bad in life, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate all the good.
• stars…billions and billions of them.
• my fish surviving this past long weekend without food.
• air conditioning.

Haven’t been here for a while, but am no less grateful for:

• my mom whose strength is unfathomable…plus she’s a great chef (oh, how I love leftovers!) :D
• visits from my neice…making her laugh, her making me laugh, teaching her silly things, watching her explore her new world…
• catching up with friends and just chatting about anything and everything :)
• making plans with friends for future weekend getaways…T-minus 2.5 weeks and I don’t know if I can wait that long!
• my friends, who always pull through for me…no matter if it’s thick, thin, wavy times…strep throat times… :)
• neo citran…best medication EVER!!
• knowing there’s always something bigger and better to hope for just around the corner!

Today I’m grateful for:

• getting together with friends for a fun weekend
• creating memories…and reminiscing about fun and crazy times in the past!
• my friends who are always there for me and are like family
• fun in the beachy sun with a good friend
• hot lifeguards…yummy eye candy :)
• balloon hats…I need these for my next birthday! :D
• ice cream… :P yum!!

Today I’m grateful for:

• thunderstorms and random downpours in the summer (when you don’t have to be somewhere important)...it reminds me how much fun it is to get caught in the rain and just enjoy it like a little kid!
• stressed out friends…it gives me a chance to support them and try to bring them some relief despite all the things on their mind
• post-it notes…I should invest stock :D
• flowers (especially irises!) for their beauty, uniqueness, and their ability to adapt to the worst of environments, despite their delicate facade :)
• tgrube for his kind and supportive nature, and also for reminding me how much I love irises! :)