Two Things You Can Do to Increase Your Happiness

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

This is one of those great quotes that reminds us to do what our moms always told us to do, "count our blessings." It is human nature to quickly become unsatisfied with what we have and to always want more. If that means going out and bettering ourselves, then fine...but often it seems to just make us unsettled. Sometimes you'll hear someone say, "I'll be happy when (fill in the blank), I get married, I have kids, I get a new job, finish school, my kids are grown, I lose weight, I make more money -- and on and on.


But as the Daughtry song says, "what about now"? What do you really appreciate in your life? What makes you happy? Do you savor those times? Maybe it's just spending time with your family or that someone special, could be getting together with great friends, going somewhere new (across town or across the world), taking on a new challenge at work, participating in a club, your church, having a hobby, playing a sport, playing an instrument, going on a hike, climbing a mountain...or just reading a great book...where ever and what ever those happy times mean for you. So, that's #1--doing more of those things you love and appreciating all that you have. What about #2?

Well, now that we've counted our blessings, let's remember NOT to count those "imperfections" (otherwise known as annoyances or offenses). Did you have to wait in line a a grocery store, get caught behind a slow driver on the freeway, have to deal with a rude co-worker? Every day, there are many opportunities for things and people to steal our joy.  The more we can blow these things off, the happier we can stay. That takes practice and patience, which brings me to another one of those mom classics: "patience is a virtue".

Of course, no one is happy all the time--that might be a little weird, but if we keep these things in mind, we can increase our happiness. Who doesn't want that? And to quote another great song...don't worry...be happy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9K4BKkLaCI

Show your love to hurting families!

Mothers Day is a special day, but something most of us take for granted. A gift for mom, maybe a nice lunch...and I've noticed Mothers Day is right up there with Christmas and Easter for church attendance. Admittedly it can also be a hard day for those of us who have lost our mom. Mine has been gone 16 years now, but I still get to experience it from the other angle: with my son.  It's from that angle the the ladies of Solstice Design are lending their hand again this year on Mother's Day. With Project Mothers Day, they are intervening for a special group of women. Women who wouldn't ordinarily have a chance to experience the joy of that wonderful day that honors moms--women in domestic violence shelters. Solstice's Sherry Duquet and Sandy Boulton are donating their unique and exquisite handcrafted jewelry pieces to shelters all over the country. These necklaces go to the kids as their gift to mom, so it's an important moment for the children too. Imagine the little faces lighting up when they can present mom with such an astounding gift.  And the necklaces all have great meaning for the women. This year's is called "Inner Strength"

You can purchase one as well for your mom, your wife,  yourself or any special woman in your life and proceeds will benefit the cause. Solstice wants to make 500 of these necklaces this year for little hands to give their moms.  You can support them by buying a necklace, by making a donation (even $1 helps), or if you are in the Detroit area, please come to their Champagne and Chocolate Fundraiser on March 24 at Dearborn Hills Golf Course. mmmm... Chocolate...and champagne, plus prizes, drink specials, a jewelry trunk show and more! Tickets are very reasonable at $20.  Find out more about it and everything else regarding Project Mothers Day at www.projectmothersday.com  

Project Mothers Day's goal is to nurture domestic violence survivors...and their precious little ones. I hope you have a chance to find out more about this great cause and maybe even get involved!

It will truly mean so very much to these families!

Stress Reliever: It only takes a few minutes to have some fun or learn something new!

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." Ellen Parr...

This quote popped up on my google page earlier today. It really struck me because it was right after my son's friend had gone home and he announced to me that he was now officially bored.  Bored, huh?  It was a great time to suggest finishing homework or practicing piano.

I suspect most adults don't struggle with being bored. Sure, there are exceptions and it does happen at different times in peoples lives...but most folks I know wish they "had the time" to be bored.  Yup, multitasking seems to be the rule. So we corral all those tasks into a manageable and productive schedule, keep our cool and for gosh sakes maintain a positive attitude.  Phew!  But what about making the time to be "curious" about something -- even if it's only for a few minutes.

All the information available to us 24/7 on the web is a double-edged sword. It can definitely be overwhelming, but it can also be very interesting, useful or just plain fun! Today is President's Day and a good friend of mine started a discussion on Facebook about an obscure chief executive, Martin Van Buren. Did you know he was only 5'6, his dad owned a bar and he's a dead ringer for actor Ed Asner...

 

What's my point here? The few minutes my friend took to look this stuff up and share it brightened many people's day...and go figure.  I mean, come on...Martin Van Buren?! So have some fun, learn something, share something. Hit the google button...or bing or yahoo. Then share it on Facebook, Twitter, email...or oh--how about with someone in your home or office. Many thanks for my friend George Moore for the Van Buren info...