The Happiness Project begins.....

Happy New Year!

Last night around 11, I suddenly had the idea that I really wanted to wake up to a clean kitchen for the New Year.... everyone else was sound asleep, and I had some movitivation, so I started working. I was hoping to finish within the hour, but I didn't quite get there. As the new year began, I was in the midst of scrubbing the inside of the fridge... woohoo, right? :) It was great though, honestly.... I accomplished a lot and knew that I would be very happy waking up this morning to a clean kitchen. What a great way to start off the new year... being happy. That's what this year is going to be about for me, as I've mentioned before. I want to see if I can make myself happier and appreciate my life more, so I'm starting my own Happiness Project today. I was inspired by Gretchen Rubin and her book of the same name, and even though I haven't completely worked out all the details, I do have a starting point. For each month, I'll be focusing on some different aspect of my life that I want to improve in. Honestly, it's a bit overwhelming, because I can think of so many different things that I could do better at.... between self, family, work, relationships..... there's a lot of stuff there! I don't want to try to do it all at once, of course, but it will be a building process, similar to what Gretchen did when she started her Happiness Project. Focus on one thing per month, and add another each month while maintaining the other stuff too. Admittedly, it's going to be a challenge not to let my perfectionism get in the way of this, but hopefully I'm up for the task. I have this overwhelming sense of optimism and excitement as I'm sitting here... I just know that I'm going to learn a lot and really strive to make myself a better wife, mother and friend to others (and myself!). I'm anxious to get started.

Something fun that Gretchen recently posted on her blog is about the "six word secret to happiness." It's based on the Six Word Memoir by Smith Magazine. I am thinking that I will come up with a six word phrase for each month of my Happiness Project, and that will help me to remember what I am focusing on. This month, I'm going with.... drum roll, please....

Treat myself with care and respect.  

In thinking about the year and all that I want to change, I know that none of it will happen unless I first take care of myself. When I am feeling positive about myself, I can't help but be more upbeat, and that transfers to the way that I treat others as well.

So what will this look like? Here are some thoughts about the things I need to do to treat myself with care and respect:

• Exercise regularly. (at least 5 days per week)
• Get more sleep. (aim for at least 7 hours most nights)
• Pay attention to personal care. (eyebrows, makeup, etc.)
• Don't go out in public looking like a slug. (lol)
• Keep looking forward, and leave the past where it belongs.

I will no doubt add ideas along the way, but this is my starting point. Wish me luck!

 

 

 

Comments

[Lori]

Thanks Kim... I owe you for directing me to this book in the first place! :)

[Kim]

This is great! Good luck Lori :)