As I was doing my research for my upcoming website, brainbehappy.com (oh, I’m so excited!), I was looking at books that I could include in The Happiness Corner and in The Happy Shop. I found a book that I just absolutely love! It makes me happy just thinking about it!
In Chapter 23 of Happiness for Dummies (by W. Doyle Gentry, PhD) listed are 10 things you can do today to foster happiness in your life:
- Establish and stick to a morning ritual
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Meditate
- Make a spiritual connection
- Be thankful
- Think and feel with compassion
- Lend a helping hand
- Have a sense of humor
I do have a morning ritual. In fact I have several. I am a bit of an obsessive/compulsive; but that’s not all bad J. It helps me to remember where I am and what I’m doing J. One of my favorite rituals is writing in my journal. It’s actually an idea that came from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way's Basic Tools, called “Morning Pages”. Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages-- they are not high art. They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind-- and they are for your eyes only. She also suggests an Artist Date. The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly "artistic"-- think mischief more than mastery. I have yet to explore The Artist Date ~ I’m thinking tomorrow will be my Artist Date with myself!
I’m working on the healthy diet… Exercising not so much… Would love to take more naps (maybe I’ll take a nap tomorrow too!)
Meditation and making a spiritual connection ~ these two go hand in hand for me. My mom taught me many, many years ago (I am getting up there you know), that you should always have a prayer in your heart. My prayers are in my heart, in my song, in my mind, wherever I go. I have a constant conversation with my Heavenly Father. Without the help and aide of my Heavenly Father, I wouldn’t be sitting here today, writing this blog! He has seen me through so many trials and I’ve come out on top, smiling (can you see my smile?). I have so much gratitude in my heart to Him and to my Savior for the LOVE they have for me!
Be thankful! For everything! Be thankful for your trials! They make us stronger. I have a group that I’m working with in “Dream Boogie” with SARK. We call ourselves the Dancing Queens. There is a particular Dancing Queen who I absolutely LOVE who just lifts my spirits every time she e-mails me. She was thanking her “fears” for working so hard to protect her! I loved that! In fact she was so gracious that she sent them all on a vacation! I loved that even more!!! I also keep a gratitude journal. Keeping a list of all the things that I do have keeps me in check!
Think and feel with compassion… I think I do everything compassionately ~ at least I hope I do. My heart is full of compassion for others. That is the main reason I am putting together brainbehappy.com. I want those who are hurting and needing some solace to have a place to come; to be nourished and supported by other and especially by me… Lending a helping hand. Whatever I can do to help someone out ~ well, I would like to be able to do more. I will keep trying on that one…
Have a sense of humor J. You know, when you lose your memory, you have to have a sense of humor! Do you know how many times a day my husband says, “Hey, do you remember…” I just look at him and smile J. I look at it this way: you have a choice; you can laugh or you can cry. Laughter is the best medicine. So crack open those joke books, turn on your favorite comedy. Last night we watched re-runs of I Love Lucy. If that doesn’t make you laugh, nothing will. So find all the opportunities you can to find your sense of humor.
Sending many hugs your way!
Signing off with love,
Cathleen
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