Happiness Project - the BeGiNnInG

I did it.

I signed up.

 Seven years ago, that “I did it” would have pertained to signing up for my first marathon, making a commitment to myself that I’d accomplish that goal. This year, I’ve yet to run down the driveway.

Instead, I’ve signed up for THE HAPPINESS PROJECT sponsored by Woman’s Day which in turn was inspired by the book written by Gretchen Rubin. Yes I am happy but too many times in this past year I overheard myself saying to my husband “I don’t like the person I’ve become.” And then I would sit there stunned, thinking, what in the world did THAT mean?

But it’s true –

 there is more fun to be had in my life,

more smiles to be shown,
and  much more appreciation to be felt.

So.

I did it!

 I signed up on womansday.com.

The first step was to take the Happiness Quiz –

and it confirmed what I had already assumed: I am a “Chipper Chick” (what? Is? That? Name?)

that keeps “ a sunny disposition and love life, but there are still a few

 ways to introduce more cheer into my world.”

In other words, I am not a depressed disaster, I just need a little kick to get a bit happier.

With a little research on the site, here are my beginning tips:

The best get-happy-foods

– oranges – I have over 20 fresh-picked oranges from a family friends’ tree sitting on my kitchen counter as i type this! Good start! Made some fresh OJ this morning in fact.

-nuts – before even reading this I just completed way too many pistachios than anyone should eat at 9:20 at night! But they made me happy!

Improve your mood in 5 minutes:

#1 on the list - START a BLOG – and yes, I can contest to that – it has brought me much happiness sharing my thoughts, crafts, stories, and memories on my blog.- a great outlet for my feelings. It says the positive comments that are left on your blog are what create the happy thoughts – agreed.

#14 on the list – Be Generous – just as my yesterday’s post stated, it was the best gift to me the day that we donated to the mission and to involve my girls in that experience.

It’s a good start. I am looking forward to taking this on for the year – a big commitment, one that is going to take more than just oranges and pistachios, but how can I not benefit from reading positive advice, uplifting comments, and suggested happiness-provoking activities all year long? I’ve got the husband coming home at a reasonable time tomorrow so that I can go to the gym, although I may seriously need to mapquest directions it’s been so long,  and I am meeting a neighbor on Friday at ten for an hour power walk while the kiddos are in school.

Oranges, Pistachios, Bloggin’ , a little bit of generosity, and some Exercising on the Calendar – This Chipper Chick is off to a GOOD START to Happiness!

I love photos and fortunately with a family full of great photographers, we've done a great job of documenting the years. Thank goodness - that coming from a second-born child who knows what she looked like as a newborn in her hospital picture and then again at age 5 when school pictures were ordered. (that comment didn't go well with the happiness goal I am aiming for, but it's true!) I will take time in this project to look back at the pictures and relive a few of my happy moments from the past:

Happy thoughts all of you!

...and my little IzzyBelle is TEN months today, (Wednesday) - I am so blessed and HAPPY that she is a happy and healthy baby but I am still begging and begging that clock to tone it down a bit and slow the heck down!