HLS [WK8] - What makes you happy?

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To ultimately determine what makes me happy I only need to reflect on the past few weeks and the challenges Deb has set here in the 52 week challenge.

Happiness is something that I do struggle with (as I'm sure we all do).  I struggle with how I thought my life would turn out and where I am actually at right now.  Understanding and accepting what is, whilst aspiring to the future is challenging.  However:

I know that Family and Genuine Friendships are important to me. Spending time with people who make me feel valued and loved is important. It not only makes me feel good, it also brings out the best in me, I want to be there for others, support them, make them laugh, and in general be a good friend in return.

I also know that being organized makes me happy. I get stressed and frustrated when I’m surrounded by clutter and disorganization. I feel like I’m losing control of the situation and I don’t like it. I like to set up systems and spaces within our home that work well in reducing this stress. I like them to not only be functional but also be aesthetically pleasing.

Finally I love to be creative, in so many ways, in too many ways. Taking photos, scrap booking, crafting, planning family adventures, all of that. My blog gives me so much satisfaction as it inspires me to be active in these areas and share my progress. But often the challenge of time does get in the way.

My Happiness List

• Cuddles with my family
• Sleeping in
• Taking photos
• Editing photos
• Scrap booking
• A kids free movie on the weekend with hubby
• A family movie event (where we all sit down together to enjoy)
• Going to the Cinema 
• Having friends over – drinks / dinner
• Reading a book
• Reading blogs
• Exercising – Walking / Running / Going to the Gym
• Going to the Beach
• Swimming with the Kids
• Dressing nicely (and feeling like I’ve nice things to wear)
• Sewing
• Holidays (small and large)
• Going out for dinner
• Time out with the family
• A massage
• Chatting with friends – In person / on the telephone
• Relaxing
• Having a laugh with the kids
• Chatting to my mum – usually on the telephone
• Sunshine
• Feeling healthy
• Eating dinner outside

Now the reality is I could probably continue to add to this, so this list is not the be all and end all of happiness for me.

I thought about the little things that make me happy, like cuddles with kids, as well as the big things, like a holiday.

As part of this challenge I was asked to try and do something from my happiness list each day.  Obviously the idea bringing a little happiness into each day makes your day brighter.

I will attempt to reflect each day on what it is that made me happy that day.  But to reflect on this week been:

Monday: I went to the Gym for an hour. 

Tuesday: I had Cuddles with my Family.

Wednesday: I had Time out with Family & Friends (Took kids to play centre - Relaxed)

Thursday: I went to the Gym for an hour.

Friday: I relaxed a little, then had time out with Family & Friends (School 'Get to know you' Family Night Out)

Saturday: I had time out with Family & Friends (Went to Adventure Water Park)

Sunday (Today): I am having time out with Family (Taking kids to an Enviro Kids Tadpoles and Frogs Session)

# Note: Each day I'm fortunate enough to be surrounded by great friends when I am taking the kids to and from school / kinder.  So most weekdays I am lucky enough to have time out chatting with friends.

I feel like this week was probably pretty easy to do something that make me happy, because quite frankly, our calendar was already full.  But on the days that are just consumed with mundane, I will try and take the time to stop and think 'What can I do that will make my heart fill full, even if for 10 minutes?'  I mean I've got a list I can refer back to if I draw a blank!

Do you look for a little bit of happiness each day?  Do you stop and reflect at the end of each day to remind yourself of what you've got going on and why you should be grateful?

Cheers

Mandy.