be happy

This year has gotten off to a fairly good start. A few minor bumps in the road, and being married to a man who quit smoking cold turkey for his New Year’s resolution has been a challenge. Not being a smoker, I have to remind myself that Alan is not trying to be mean to me, he is just having withdrawls! How long can he keep using that as an excuses? Anyway, I try to find something everyday to be happy about. When you add them all up, there should be no reason NOT to be happy! Smile.

This is such a stressful time of year for most adults. Often the “magic” of Christmas is lost on us because we are so focuses on what we need to do for the holidays, and not the reason why we are doing them. I find myself constantly thinking about where to come up with the money to shop, to get home to see my family, to pay the bills, to go back to school, and it goes on and on and on! I am also so focused on making sure the kids have a good Christmas, that they remember it they way we remember it when we were kids. And while these are all good things, I think it is also important to enjoy it ourselves. That’s the whole point. So, take time not just to put up those lights, but sit in the dark in your livingroom and just look at them! Sing to the old Christmas carols, instead of complain that “you hate Christmas music” (why is that, it’s because it reminds us of this stress!). Give to charity, even if you feel like you are the one who needs it. Take a hot bath. Enjoy wrapping your presents, take time to but beautiful bows and ribbons on them just for fun. Remind yourself that it’s not how much, but the thought, (Really it is!!!), and being together with friends and family. Stop fighting, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter in the end anyway, and love eachother. Make a snow angel, or make cookies for the mail man. Let this year be the year that you remember with a smile. DECIDE to enjoy the holiday, not just survive them! Decide to be happy. I think it is working!

Ok, this has been a good week! I don’t know if it’s because of being conscious of this goal, or it just happened to be a good week. Either way, I am going to keep reminding myself to be happy, and remember that no matter how bad things can get, it can always get worse. I have been more continentious of people who look like they could use a smile, and giving me one of mine! XOXO! :)

Well, I have put a sticky note on my bathroom mirrow which says “decide to be happy today” as a reminder that happiness is a choice. I am hoping that doing it long enough will also make it a habit. I think it is working, I catch myself during the day when I am upset, or sad, thinking of that silly little note, and just SMILING, (which I have written on another little note on my computer screen), and I truly feel better! So, how long does it take to form a habit, or break a habit, for that matter? I thought I heard one time 21 day? We will see! Good Luck to everyone else out there, and I would love to hear your ideas, and your progress! So, SMILE!

Ok, I know I said that we were going to wake up every day and make the decision to be happy until new years day just to see if it works. But I forgot all about it this morning! So, I am going to write it on a piece of paper and put it on the mirror in my bathroom so I remember to do it! I was pretty happy today anyway, even though it was a Monday after having four days off. So, let me know how it works out for you! I have a note to go write! SMILE!

I believe that this is just as simple as making a decision. Although I guess that it must be more complicated than it sounds, or else we all would chose to do that, right? Or maybe because it’s too simple we don’t believe it is possible. Let’s try it and see what happens. Everyday for the rest of the year, lets wake up and DECIDE to be happy. If it doesn’t work by the end of the year, then I guess we need to adopt another strategy! Ok, so let me know your progress, and I will update you on mine! Lots of Luck!