Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

As you know, I really dropped the ball on this 30 Days to Greater Happiness. I hope none of you were depending on those. Forgive me for that, I’ve been a little distracted, and it looks like it’s only going to get worse.

I did want to make sure that you were able to see them all, so I’ve added the rest of the month below-

November 18- Help Others.– Sharing your time or talents with the less fortunate can help you
appreciate how much you truly have and feel better about your circumstances.

November 19- Beat Stress. Life’s difficulties can take a toll on your mood. But stress busters like
exercising, talking to a friend, and journaling can help clear your head and calm you down.

November 20- Get Some Sun. Sunlight improves your mood and can help prevent the onset of seasonal depression. Don’t forget the SPF!

November 21- Maintain Your Health.– The healthier you are, the more likely you are to be happy. Eating right, exercising, getting preventive care, and reducing your stress level can all enhance health and happiness.

November 22- Spend Time Outside. Getting closer to nature can help you feel more connected to the world at large. Spend time outside today walking, biking, picnicking, or raking, or planting a tree.

November 23- Just Say No. If you’re already overworked and overscheduled, don’t take on more tasks in order to please others. You have to remember to please yourself too.

November 24- Create a mantra. Does a particular word, phrase or quote make you feel better? Make it your mantra. Write it, think it, and repeat it any time you need a little perspective or a pickme- up.

November 25- Connect with Your Family. Make time for your loved ones, partner and children each day. Reminisce, celebrate, and just have fun together! Enrich your life with family memories for greater purpose and satisfaction.

November 26- Do Your Best. Your accomplishments are important and deserve recognition, so be proud of a job well done. Mastering skills and meeting goals can increase your own self-esteem and self-worth.

November 27- Grow a Garden. Watching plants grow and thrive under you care is a great experience! Dig in with cheer, knowing you’re beating stress, becoming more active, and surrounding your home with beauty.

November 28- Make a Donation. Clear the clutter in your home and give all those “extras” you don’t use to someone who needs them. By downsizing, organizing and giving, you’ll help yourself and others at the same time.

November 29- Laugh Out Loud Visit a comedy club or watch a funny show. Laughing makes you feel good, so make time for fun and humor every day.

November 30- Ask for Help.. If You Need It. If you feel unhappy most of the time, talk to a therapist, career counselor, or spiritual advisor to help you find what makes you happy.

Try not to faint, I actually got finished with my work and decided that while I was on the computer anyway, I’d actually post today’s entry for getting happier on the specified date.

I was hoping to have the opportunity to get a few more things done today, but after getting a really late start, I’m happy for what I did get done.

November 17- Forgive and Forget. Refusing to forgive fosters anger and resentment, which makes your own life miserable. Let go and put your energy into something positive so that you can be happier.

I seem to be a day late and a dollar short with keeping up with these, but at least you’re getting the information, even if it is slower than it should be. Better late than never right?

November 15- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others. Happy people judge themselves
by their own yardsticks, never against what others do or have. Keep up with yourself-not the Joneses.

November 16- Play With Your Pet. Simply petting an animal can decrease anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. So give your pet a little extra attention and you’ll increase your own calmness and pleasure.

I don’t know about y’all, but one thing is for sure, I’m happy to see the weekend. I didn’t work today, and was actually able to get a few things done around here, such as the house cleaned and a few emails answered. Now to get some letters written, and I’ll be happy, happy.

November 13- Be optimistic. A positive outlook is associated with better health, a longer life, and greater joy. When you look to the bright side and believe people are good, you directly increase your own happiness.

November 14- Exercise regularly. Physical activity produces “feel good chemicals” (endorphins) in the brain, which promote satisfaction and well-being. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, most days of the week.

One would think that I should be able to keep up with something as simple as the 30 Days to Greater Happiness, but truth is, I’ve been snowed under with a few new projects and trying to meet a few deadlines by the end of the week. The good thing is, it’s almost Friday, which means the weekend is quickly approaching and I have a deadline for tomorrow and I’m almost done with it. Yippe! That’s something worth celebrating.

November 10-Simplify your life. Unburden yourself of possessions that lock you in the “rat
race” of earning more money to pay for more things you don’t really need. Spend time and resources on things that add real meaning to your life. (I Love this one)

November 11-Start a journal.Use it to record positive experiences and things you are
thankful for. Read your own words during times when you feel down to remember how fortunate you truly are.

November 12- Eat chocolate! Dark chocolate is healthy in moderation, but it can also increase well-being
and boost your mood. Savor a small piece to satisfy that craving.

I almost decided to wait until tomorrow and just do two of these again, but I figured while I had a little peace and quite in the household, it’s better to go ahead and share what I have for today, since we never know what tomorrow will bring. One thing I’m grateful for, is that my little doggie is sleeping and so is the cat, which means I may not be far behind them. For some reason or another I’m beat!

November 9- Savor every bite. Eat in a calm environment and use all of your senses to explore the texture, smell, appearance and flavor of your food. You’ll be more satisfied after every meal.

I haven’t been on the computer too much this weekend, which is why y’all went yesterday without your daily dose of 30 days to Greater Happiness. Today, I’ll make up for it by giving y’all two days worth- what we missed yesterday, plus the one for today.

As for me, I’m going with two of my favorite guys to the park and spend some time running around and soaking up the sunshine.

November 6- Find meaningful work. The nature of your job isn’t as important as how you approach it. A positive attitude and a focus on the meaning behind your work makes it more rewarding.

November 7- Smile! Grinning, even if you don’t feel happy, releases seratonin in the brain, instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel better. Plus, smiling people are viewed as sincere, attractive, and social.

November 8- Make time for yourself. Persuing personal growth is just as important as spending time with others. Pencil in some ‘me’ time, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.

I bet y’all thought I wouldn’t get around to today’s edition of 30 Days to Greater Happiness. I am waiting for the rest of my work to come through, so I thought I’d make the best use of my time before I have to get busy again and then head off to the kitchen to start dinner. I also need to vacuum the floor so I’m unsure when all this stuff is going to get done, but I’ll get there.

In the meantime-

November 5- Take action. If you don’t like your job or other life circumstances, make a plan and take charge. You create of your own reality, and you can change your life if you’re unhappy. Start today!

This is a goody for sure! In other words, stop whining about what you don’t like and invest that energy into creating positive change!

Just as I promised- here I am with more tips on 30 Days to Greater Happiness. Today I have a few things of my own that make me happy, such as having all of my work done by the time we had dinner tonight, and Marcel going out with JJ while I did the dishes. Right now, as I type this JJ is napping, which affords me a little peace and quiet time. It’s so blissful. I’d almost forgotten what that kind of time was like.

Once I finish this, I’ll probably toss on a jacket over my PJ’s (Yes I’m in my PJ’s) and hope I can make it outside and back with the little four-legged pup before the storms roll through again. One thing is for sure, and that’s that I need a rain coat. Tomorrow is another work-filled day, so right now I’m trying to make the most out of every moment that I have. We should do that with all our days though, shouldn’t we?

30 Days to Greater Happiness

November 3- Develop your spirituality. Research shows that people who are spiritual tend to be both happier and healthier than those who are not. Consider meditation, spiritual readings, prayer or other religious practices.

November 4- Cultivate Friendships. The happiest people spend the least time alone. Attend social gatherings, host a party, and call your friends to catch up as often as possible.

Aren’t these great? More tomorrow.