30 Days

30 Days to a Greater Happiness. I don't believe this to be dead on, but worthy of sharing. It caused me to reflect on how I spend my time, and to try and be a little more purposeful with some of my moments. Some of these things aren't dead on...I usually do not care for self-help stuff, but I will share some of what this provoked in my thoughts (in purple).
30 Days to Greater Happiness

1)Start a hobby. People who engage in captivating activities are more satisfied with life. Lose yourself (and your worries) by sewing, writing, cooking, or dancing.

I've been making Christmas ornaments lately with a simple recipe. I will share this recipe and some pics soon!

2) Get plenty of sleep. Keep a consistent sleep schedule and get 7-8 hours each night for more energy and less moodiness.

I worked nights for about 15 months...I never slept more than 6 hours and during that time I slept less and less. Before I finished, I slept only 4.5 hours before working 12 hours. During that time, I often wept, for no real reason, felt angered and saddened very easily. I started working days, got some real sleep, and within a week felt like my stable self again. I know the power of sleep.

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.

Does anything help you cope as much as unloading your burdens on your Heavenly Father? Me either. Scripture is dynamic...sometimes it's a cutting sword...empowering you to deny yourself, sometimes it is a soothing balm to a festering sore.

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

I do not 100% agree. I love some good alone time. I also, love people, but I am probably one of those people who can be content with either.

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!
 
You do not create your own reality...I'm sorry. The rest of that seems good.

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 make it more rewarding.

7) Smile! Grinning, even if you don't feel happy, releases serotonin in the brain, instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel better. Plus, smiling people are viewed as sincere, attractive, and sociable.

This quote seems to apply in a philosophical way to both 6 and 7:
“Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.”  - C.S. Lewis

8) Make time for yourself. Pursuing 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 would emphasize the "just a few minutes each day" of focusing on yourself. I like alone time, but typically not just focusing on myself.

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.

This seems like such a simple way to enjoy life more. I mean I love food...love food...so instead of eating more I should savor more.

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.

This was ingrained in me at an early age. We always went through our clothes several times a year and weeded out the unworn or outgrown. This doesn't mean you aren't allowed to have sentimental items...just that they shouldn't be taking over your life or house.  My mom once said, "you can either have enough room for you or your stuff."

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.

Also nice to write down your prayer requests and how God has answered them.

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.

"Moderation"

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.

Don't be fake. But again the C.S. Lewis quote applies.

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.

I've been working on this...I got a bike for my anniversary and I've been riding the block and taking my walk/jogs in the woods with Gage. I would love just a few more minutes of daylight...not complaining though.

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.

Yeah...if you won't a sober view of yourself look at the Cross. But remember that work has been applied to your life. That is what allows you to breath, knowing you have been saved from your self.

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.

Sweet Baby Gage we love you!
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. Beat stress.

Forgive as you have been forgiven. Bitterness drowns people...they lose their life to bitterness. Have you met bitter people...they are hard to be around...you feel like you are constantly throwing life preservers and watching them swim away from them.

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.

This is a great time of year to also give, if you can, to those who may not be expecting a joyful Christmas season.

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.

20) Get some sun. Sunlight improves your mood and can help prevent the onset of seasonal depression. Don't forget the SPF!

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.

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.

Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." This verse (and surrounding) is showing God's coming wrath and our lack of excuse, but it also states that "God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen, by what he has made"...When we were out West I remember just constantly thinking of how AWESOME God was and really being in AWE. Since I have been home, I've appreciated the beauty in nature here more too.  My Mom's Dad always said he felt closest to God in the woods.  I think I feel closest to God in breathtaking views of nature as well.  There is an overwhelming awareness of God's abilities to create-maintain-sustain, his power, his presence. I'm a country girl...I like the God made so much more than the man made.

23) Just say no. If you're already overworked and over scheduled, don't take on more tasks in order to please others. You have to remember to please yourself too.

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 pick me-up.

In college, my entire nursing class seemed to have mild (or sometimes not so mild) panic/anxiety attacks before tests. Like every test...I remember sophomore year realizing it was a problem for me.  I knew I needed to do something. I found a picture of my niece, she was almost 3 then, she had jelly smeared on her face and a huge grin.  I also put two verses with the picture in the front of my binder:
Philippians 4:6-7 "6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Matthew 6:33 " But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Cassie was one of the few things that when I looked at her face, it would completely distract me, then I would focus on laying my anxieties on Christ and believing that his kingdom came first. I studied...I didn't just pray for A's, but I trusted and committed my studies to him. This helped so much for my anxiety. It still helps and has become my mantra to say these verses to myself.

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.

Andrew and I have really enjoyed our families over the holidays. We've also started cutting back on TV (a little) he's pulled out his guitar some and we've been painting ornaments.

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.

We should do everything to the best of our abilities, because God is our audience, not for recognition.  If you have noticed you may have lots of people who don't do their best in your office, working hard with a content attitude I believe shows who you are working for. "Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance." C.S. Lewis (I can't wait until heaven, I hope I run into him)

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.

I love it! It's so fun to watch plants grow...really! I'm also a little "granola, organic, tree-hugging, close-to-the-earth" b/c after all God made it, shouldn't we do our best to take care of it.

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.

It feels good to get rid of stuff, and know that someone else that may need it can use it.

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.

Slacker Radio...great app for this...Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, and Brian Regan are some of my favorites and for the most part pretty clean.

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.

We all need some help at some point.

Anyway, I just thought this stuff was kinda good. These are the posts my husband doesn't love...too many words, not enough pictures.