Instead of making resolutions we know we won't be able to keep that will leave us feeling guilty or bad about ourselves when we break them, Jen and I started thinking of the New Year as a chance to really reflect and refocus on the things we already have in our lives that make us truly happy.
Because if we can focus on the happy and find doses of goodness in each and every day, then we'll be setting up a foundation of gratitude to carry with us in everything that we do, including all the great big intentions we have for our great big futures.
But we're also realistic and know there will be days with failures, worries, bubbling insecurities. Days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed or have an interaction that leaves us grumbly. And when we get stuck in negative thought patterns on days like that, it can seem downright hard to think of anything that could make us happy, shift our attitude or pull us out of those funks.
So, we decided to make a list. A list of happy-making things in our lives.
The simple, everyday smile makers.
The surefire pick-me-ups and attitude-changers.
All the little things in life, that we can access at anytime, that make us feel elated, excited and at ease.
We wanted something tangible that we could use to help keep our perspective aimed towards positivity. I'm working on turning my scrawled list above into a painting so I can hang it on the wall and see it each and every day.
Then, on my best days, I can look at the list and see all that I have to be grateful for and really how easy it is to find happiness in everyday.
And, on my kinda crappy days, I can DO as many of those happy-making things as it takes to lift my spirits and help me see all that I have to be grateful for, and really how easy it is to find happiness in everyday.
See how that works? ;)
So, this year I'm just going to focus on my happy. And I have faith that in doing so, I'll get exactly where I want to go and enjoy the ride much more.
What are all the little things in life that make YOU happy? And how much happy do you let into each day? We encourage you to create your own happy-lists to hang up, or keep close, as a reminder of just how many things there are in life that allow you access to your joy. Fill each day with the things that fill you!
**I'll share my happy-list painting on our facebook page once it's done, and we'd LOVE to have you share some things from your list with us over on facebook too!**
