Created by Winter52 (contact me)
Hello world. While I do like to shop... I must admit, I'm always on the lookout for other ways to bring happiness into my life. And I promise to share... (more...)
Your fans are waiting!
Why Am I Writing About Happiness??
Pretty much to remind myself of the fact that just because we (as parents) have new responsibilities, we do have a right to be happy too. Sometimes I forget and then there's the thing about worrying just for the sake of worrying. The minute I became a parent, suddenly the world wasn't all about me any longer. Definitely didn't see that coming.
As a result, I became obsessed with taking care of my kids... almost to the point of being over protective. Depression also set in. I worried about EVERYTHING. And if I didn't have anything to worry about, I literally went looking. There had to be SOMETHING for me to worry about. I'm really working on that one and this lens will take you along with me on the journey. Here's to taking baby steps as we explore Happiness 101
** HOW TO BE CONTENT coming in at a close second.
**How Not To Worry is now in my top ten as well!
My Lensography
I don't think that I will ever run out of ideas for new lenses. Not sure if that's a good thing or not?? ;)
How I want to feel :)
More like our blest parents,
and more like a child.
More thankful, more humble,
more lowly in mind
More watchful, more pray'rful,
more loving and kind
anonymous
Making Me Happy Today
I love the scent of freshly laundered sheets and my laundry is all done for the day, fresh sheets and pillowcases on all the beds and tonight I'm going to curl up with a novel and then drift off to sleep. I just might add a glass of red wine to the list and really make it something to look forward to. Okay, maybe some chocolate too. I'm on a roll! Today's Funny
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you. - Rita Mae Brown
Did that put a grin on your face??
Another 5 Things to Be Happy About
- * I have my Mom visiting for an entire week and I'm enjoying it big time. She has sooo many stories to share.
* I slept well last night. I have been suffering from insomnia and an aching back for some time now. If it's not one, it's the other. Last night, I turned on the electric blanket and drifted off to sleep. It was heavenly.
* We have found the coolest stuff to decorate the house. Maybe putting the house up for sale has it's perks after all. Have you ever noticed that keeping a house clean and tidy is so much easier if there is a place for everything. That's turning out to be the case.
* My son is coming for a visit in a couple of weeks. Doesn't matter how old they get, your kids will always be your babies.
* I'm going to curl up with a coffee and read another chapter of the book I'm working my way through.
* I'm looking forward to lunch. It's going to be soup and a toasted tomato sandwich. I just love toasted tomato sandwiches with pepper.
See... you can have lots of little things that will make you happy. You don't have to wait for something major to happen.!!
Be Nice To Yourself Day
Did you beat yourself up over anything today? It's an easy thing to do but for just one day... to start, we are going to make today... BE NICE TO YOURSELF DAY. That means that you are going to get up and do something special for yourself. Take a bubble bath and NOT shave your legs. You might curl up with a mushy novel and read for the sheer pleasure of it... whatever appeals to you today. My Happy Door Is Open For Business :)
You have opened your Happy Door right? It's the door that lets all the good stuff into your day. I've written about it before on this lens if you are scratching your head. Go and take a look. :)
Okay... 5 Desserts To Make Me Happy
1. Really gooey brownies with ice cream2. Rice Pudding made with oodles of whipping cream
3. Really thick chocolate milkshakes (that is just as good as dessert)
4. Hot Sugar Pie with Ice Cream
5. Apple Crisp straight from the oven... with ice cream again.
Okay I know... as a pre-diabetic, I'm not supposed to eat stuff like this, but every once in a while I allow myself one spoonful of my husband's dessert.
Photo Credit: http://www.sxc.hu
Another Happy Quote
"There are home you run from and homes you run to."
Laura Cunningham
*I'm hoping that I have made a home that my kids will always want to run to, regardless of how old they are.
:)
5 Things You Need to Be Happy
1. Have a few good friends. Actually the more you have, the happier you will be.2. Do something that you enjoy. That sometime means making a list to refer to. I have about 123 things on my list to choose from. On any given day, one of them is going to appeal to me.
3. Learn something new each day.
4. Have a place in your house that is soothing.
5. Spend some time on your hobbies. Work shouldn't take up all of your day. This can be a tough one. I know this from experience.
Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out
Chocolate To The Rescue
Need just a wee bit of a treat to get that old blood sugar up a bit. I just broke off ONE SQUARE from a dark chocolate/nut/raisin bar and savored every last bit of it. I feel better already!
Where To Look For Happiness
Well, you can stop looking right now, because if you are hoping to find it in a box, on your next holiday, right around the corner, you won't find it. And so many of us make that mistake. We go looking for it SOMEWHERE ELSE. And you are never going to find it because...Happiness is already inside of you! It's as easy as thinking happy thoughts. It might seem too simple, but try it this afternoon. Head outside, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds chirping and I can guarantee that you will come back into the house feeling happier than when you went out!
Bass Lake Birdhouse
Think About It
Many of us did not learn to be responsible when we were growing up and we find as adults, we don't know how to lead balanced and meaningful lives.
Tibetan Meditation (Book I'm Reading)
It's Tuesday and I'm Happy
1. It was my birthday yesterday and even though I'm a year older, I don't feel it! I think that I've stopped aging. ;)2. We have another house showing this afternoon... maybe today is the day. Have to be optomistic. :)
3. I'm having pizza for lunch.
4. I had a couple of spoonfuls of a Dairy Queen Blizzard yesterday. Doesn't get much better than that.
5. I'm going to put my feet up for a half hour this afternoon and read for the sheer pleasure of it. :)
6. I have one more... just spotted a book that I must have... Relaxing into Your Being
On Today's To-Do List
If it's warm enough (and I'm getting really tired of saying that), take a book outside and read. There is nothing more relaxing. A really simple way to let the rest of the world go by while you lose yourself in another world.Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Finding Patience
I have always had a hard time with patience and the book that I am reading at the moment Tibetan Meditation: Practical Teachings And Step-by-step Exercises on How to Live in Harmony, Peace, And Happiness (Meditation)
and it brought up the very topic in the chapter I'm reading.Patience... I don't have any. I want things right now. I hate to wait. The same thing goes for my work. I want to see results. I especially liked this quote... "Without patience life is like tilling a field with no horse to pull the plow - the furrows are shallow and crooked, and the work is hard and frustrating."
It's obviously time to start learning patience.
Laughter Is Definitely The Best Medicine
Enjoy :)
Lucy Videos
Feeling Stressed??
Massage will take it all away. I can be feeling miserable but the minute my husband begins to massage my feet, it all just drains away. It also lowers your blood pressure which is probably a little high if you are stressed and here's something interesting... if you are relaxed, suddenly you are more creative. And that's always a good thing!! Go and Sit in the Park
Take a little time and go and sit in a park. Now listen to all of the children laughing. I read somewhere that kids laugh about ten times more often in a day than adults do. That means that we used to laugh more often. We suddenly get serious in our old age?? I think that I'm going to try to laugh at least once an hour. Surely, I should be able to laugh that many times during a day. How about you? How many times did you laugh today??Photo Credit: Amazon
Where to Start
The first step is to find out what you love - and don't be practical about it. The second step is to start doing what you love immediately, in any small way possible.
Barbara Sher
Happy Lenses
Do you have a lens that makes people happy in some way? If you are such a person, feel free to add your lens to the list. Finding happiness is a lot more important than we give it credit.
Happiness 101
Pretty much to remind myself of the fact that just more...2 points
Comfort Food that's actually Healthy
There are two types of food that I know of that ar more...1 point
Spiritual Jokes And Stories
The Funniest Spirituality Ever1 point
Yoga info & jokes
Information on hatha yoga and the other classic ty more...1 point
A Walk in the Woods Headquarters
A Walk in the WoodsWhether connecting with my chil more...1 point
Ten minute meditation
When you can't drop everything and take a walk in more...1 point
Five Steps To Happy Hummers
I hope this knowledge will provide a more happines more...1 point
Menopause: You Need Some Laughter!
Laughter is the best medicine, especially during m more...1 point
How To Be Content With What You Have
I'm going to do my best to find you one new little more...0 points
Things To Add To Your Happy List
A Walk on the Beach
There is just something so relaxing about walking more...3 points
An Ice Cream Cone
Maple Walnut is my favorite at the moment, but you more...1 point
A Cup of Coffee
My husband has learned to make an amazing latte us more...1 point
A Scalp Massage
Nothing relaxes me faster than someone massaging m more...1 point
Watching the babies play
Staying out of their way, and watching them discov more...1 point
Getting positive comments on my lenses
Ahh the simple things in life :-)1 point
A Foot Massage
That and a hand massage puts me straight into a bl more...0 points
That Muffin Recipe I Promised
1 cup skim milk1 cup bran
*Place both together in a bowl and leave bran to soak up the milk
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
handful of chopped walnuts
*stir all to combine
Pour bran mixture into dry mixture and then add
1/3 cup of oil
1 egg
¼ cup brown sugar NOT PACKED
½ tsp vanilla
Stir all until batter is smooth. I don't like to bite into a lump of baking soda so I stir the mixture big time. Batter is NOT lumpy.
Spray/butter or use baking cups and fill 12 muffin wells until you run out of batter. Bake in a relatively hot oven (375 degrees) for about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and turn out onto a cooling rack.
Have You Opened Your Happiness Door Today?
Great Stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Amazon Spotlight - 365 Simple Pleasures
365 Simple Pleasures
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 05/21/2008)
I just opened the book to July 21st. For that day, the simple pleasure is to participate in a Seed Spitting Contest in your own back yard. Have to admit... I've never done that!
New YouTube vids
I Love Lucy Vitameatavegamin
watch this hularous video of I Love Lucy
Runtime: 9:22 | 55741 views | 128 Comments
Not Having a Good Day
My expression started out today looking pretty much like that poor little dog in the corner. I'm tired, my back is aching and I feel simply horrid. I guess everyone gets days like that. But I'm not going to lose an entire day because of stress.I need to do some big time relaxing today... to get my head back to where it needs to be. It would be really nice to be happy EVERY DAY, but yes, I do have my bad days too.
But I'm not going to let it get the best of me. I'm going to put my Ipod on and take a nice long walk. The sun is shining, the snow is melting and that's what I should be holding on to. Not the fears of what is coming next.
One of my other lenses (Staging Your House and Getting It Sold) talks all about what we are going through at the moment. In one way, I'm excited at the possibility of moving to another country and another part of me is scared silly.
Think About It
Life: It began in mystery, and it will end in mystery, but what a savage and beautiful country lies in between!
It's that in between part that we have to make the most of. Time to go exploring this afternoon lol... remember doing that as a kid??
Best Friends
Give her a call :)
Just a Reminder
girlfriends
reminiscent of our f...
happy early graduati...
Untitled-1
Xuan72
Xuan70
Xuan165
Teresa's pendant
My pendant
About Making Decisions
While I was growing up, my parents made all of my decisions for me and I was quite happy to let them. Unfortunately, now I find it very difficult to make a decision on my own. I much prefer someone (my husband) to make the major decisions. I'm only telling you this so that you don't make the same mistake with your kids. Let them make little decisions that will teach them that it is important to know the consequences, but to learn that they too CAN MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS. It shouldn't be something that they fear! Puttering In the Garden
It is thought that puttering in the garden is a great way to relax...... but it doesn't work for me...
... so if it doesn't work for you either and you've been wondering what on earth is wrong with you... NOTHING AT ALL. Some things are not going to work for all people. The trick is to find what works for you and then do it... a lot!
What you find relaxing is all that counts.
Photo Credit: Amazon
My Picks for Today
The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids
Amazon Price: $10.46 (as of 05/21/2008)
10 Critical Thinking Card Games: Easy-to-Play, Reproducible Card and Board Games That Boost Kids' Critical Thinking Skills-and Help Them Succeed on Tests
Amazon Price: $10.39 (as of 05/21/2008)
Helping Your Kids Make Good Choices: Guiding Your Kids in a World Full of Options, Encouraging Parents of All Ages and Stages
Amazon Price: (as of 05/21/2008)
Getting Through to Your Kids
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 05/21/2008)
What If THIS Happened
So, today, we are going to day dream a positive WHAT IF%u2026 *What would it be like if (fill in the blank with something awesome) happened today? Now sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy your day dream.
Start Your Own Journal of Thanks
When we are at our lowest, we usually feel that the world is against us. Nothing is going our way and we have nothing to be thankful for. Usually, that is the furthest thing from the truth. If someone/anyone stops to think about it, they really can come up with a list and it will probably be a lot longer than you ever imagined. You simply have to stop feeling miserable and take the time to think about what you have to be thankful about. So today, I want you to start your own Journal of Thanks and each day write down what you received.There are going to be days when it is harder than other days, but that is exactly the time when you want to sit down with a cup of tea, sit by the window and simply relax and watch what is going on right in front of you. Before very long, what you need to be thankful for will suddenly be right in front of your eyes.
Another Reason to Smile
I can't get near the garden as of yet thanks to all the snow, but dh found a patch along the side of the house that the sun has been hitting and apparently we have tons of bulbs bursting through the ground. With the winter we have had, I have to admit that I am surprised that anything survived. But there I'm being negative. I should be looking ahead at the arrival of the gorgeous weather to come and the afternoons when I can putter around in the garden. They say it's very therapeutic. I can't wait to see all the spring bulbs. Must mean that spring is on its way! Happiness is a Nice Smelling Room
I don't know why this is true, but I did read it somewhere and decided to try it out. I had picked up this room fragrance spray from one of my favourite decorating stores. They were featuring this Kiwi Pear potpourri for spring and I fell in love with the scent the minute I took a sniff. And then I noticed that they also sold bottle of the fragrance for scenting the room. So what do I use it for?? Each Monday when I change the towels in the bathroom, I finish them off with a light misting. Now every time I go into the bathroom, that's what I can smell. And the minute summer arrives, I'm going to check out the scent that they have chosen for summer and treat my towels to a brand new scent!!*And yes, fragrance can lift the spirits!
Today's 5 Things To Be Happy About Today
- I baked muffins with just 1/4 cup of sugar... will provide recipe in the near future.
Have tonight's TV schedule all ready planned. Yes, occasionally there is something good to watch
I re-arranged my office today and the room looks twice as big.
I nearly have 10,000 steps clocked on pedometer. By bed, I shall be over... it's the rule. ;)
I read a few pages on meditation today. I can usually read more, but it was a hectic day today!
Today's Happiness Quote
Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it. *Fyodor DostoevskyOkay, hand up... I'm guilty. I am scared to death to think of the future because all I see are the potential problems. Had a long chat with darling daughter today and we turned the "problem" around. Instead of the house taking months and months to sell, it's going to go within a week and we are going to have bidding war. We are going to receive more than the asking price. Yes, that's what I'm going to keep telling myself. I've been reading lately that you attract whatever is on your mind. I'm going to start concentrating on what I want lol...
What You Need To Be Happy
Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.
Dale Carnegie
*IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU THINK... a very hard concept to get your head around, but life would be a lot more enjoyable if we could put it into play.
Altering Books
I'm altering books which is really quite naughty. I was taught never to fold a page, mark in a book or in any way deface it, but I stopped by DIMacdonalds lens of book altering and I was hooked. It's suddenly my little secret and I'm having the time of my life. Okay, I haven't cut up a book yet, but I am decorating some of the pages with water color pencils I know, I know I'm still a newbie at this so I'm going one step at a time. Part of me is still feeling incredibly guilty for doing it.Altered Books
http://www.squidoo.com/altered-books
Did You Know
I was just reading that stress can manifest itself in an incredibly itchy scalp. I have had this problem for years and attributed everything but stress as a cause. Never occurred to me. So, I'm hoping that if I can control my stress, I cal also calm the itch! Sound like a win win situation to me!! Wednesday's 5 Things To Be Happy About
1. Today I thumbed through an old magazine over a cup of tea. Yeah, I have this bad habit of never throwing away a magazine, but there are times when they can come in very handy.2. I spent an hour yesterday whipping up a batch of muffins that are incredibly low in sugar and I sort of cut back on the oil too. Didn't seem to make a big difference so I'm penciling that into the recipe. (Recipe coming next)
3. I'm going shopping today. It's my people watching and latte day.
4. I have been paying close attention to my posture lately and I have noticed a marked difference in my back aches. Imagination or can bad posture cause that much pain?
5. It has been a long miserable winter and I've been cooped up way too long. I'm going to bundle up and go for a walk around the block.
Today's Reminder
What are you doing for fun today?? Most of us spend way too much time working. Each day do at least one thing for fun!
Something To Think About
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.Helen Keller
Happy Faces
When was the last time you smiled??
Participem da minha...
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A Happiness Quote For a Saturday Afternoon
Robert R. Updegraff
New YouTube vids
Evolution of Dance
The funniest 6 minutes you will ever see! Remember how many of these you have done! Judson Laipply is dancing - http://www.evolutionofdance.com - for more info including song list!
Runtime: 6:00
85718695 views
10 Comments:
Amazon Spotlight
Happiness Now
Happiness Now!: Timeless Wisdom for Feeling Good FAST
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 05/21/2008)
Loved this book so much, I went out and bought the CD set as well.
Here's my favorite link:
Any Happiness to Share??
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Donna_Fallon
Hiya, Posted May 20, 2008 |
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HealthLife
I like your lens very much! bookmarked! Posted May 17, 2008 |
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CleanFace
Nice pictures and useful information. thanks! 5 stars. Posted May 17, 2008 |
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ElisevanBeau
the atitude of gratitude. I loved your lense. A big High five from me :) Posted May 11, 2008 |
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jasmineann
Excellent lens! I really enjoyed reading it. You have a lovely style. I love it, 5 stars and adding it to my faves :) Posted May 10, 2008 |
Forget All Of Your Troubles
If you want to forget all your other troubles, wear too tight shoes.
Unknown
Lol... I know from experience
New Table of Contents
- How I want to feel :)
- Making Me Happy Today
- Today's Funny
- Another 5 Things to Be Happy About
- Be Nice To Yourself Day
- My Happy Door Is Open For Business :)
- Okay... 5 Desserts To Make Me Happy
- Another Happy Quote
- 5 Things You Need to Be Happy
- Chocolate To The Rescue
- Where To Look For Happiness
- Think About It
- It's Tuesday and I'm Happy
- On Today's To-Do List
- Finding Patience
- Laughter Is Definitely The Best Medicine
- Lucy Videos
- Feeling Stressed??
- Go and Sit in the Park
- Where to Start
- Happy Lenses
- Things To Add To Your Happy List
- That Muffin Recipe I Promised
- Have You Opened Your Happiness Door Today?
- Great Stuff on eBay
- Amazon Spotlight - 365 Simple Pleasures
- New YouTube vids
- Not Having a Good Day
- Think About It
- Best Friends
- Just a Reminder
- About Making Decisions
- Puttering In the Garden
- My Picks for Today
- What If THIS Happened
- Start Your Own Journal of Thanks
- Another Reason to Smile
- Happiness is a Nice Smelling Room
- Today's 5 Things To Be Happy About Today
- Today's Happiness Quote
- What You Need To Be Happy
- Altering Books
- Did You Know
- Wednesday's 5 Things To Be Happy About
- Today's Reminder
- Something To Think About
- Happy Faces
- A Happiness Quote For a Saturday Afternoon
- New YouTube vids
- Amazon Spotlight
- Shopaholics Daily
- Any Happiness to Share??
- Forget All Of Your Troubles