My Happiness Project- Post 3/My Focus is Faith this month

     I am through two weeks in the second month of My Happiness Project.  In August I have focused on Faith.
     My resolutions are:
Let go and let God
Give thanks
Practice mindfulness 
     With 100% transparency I have found it harder to keep motivated on my project.  It's probably because I have finished The Happiness Project book, and now I am left to my own devices.
    Let go and let God has been a bit difficult for me.  I don't necessarily feel like I need to control everything, but I do feel like I need to be active and accountable with issues that come up in my job, with my relationships, etc.  What I have learned is: you need to determine if what you are dealing with can actually be changed by you.  For example, you can choose to think positive and bring good energy to a work meeting.  On the other hand, you can't change how another person reacts to a situation.  You need to let that go.  All you can do is control the way you let it affect you.  It's easier said that done, especially for someone who has empathy as their number one strength.
     Giving thanks has been relatively easy this month.  I even started the month giving a quick thanks for certain things as I went through my day.  Thank you for running water, a cup of coffee, clean clothes to wear, my car, my job, the computer I need to do my job, etc.  It's really hard to maintain this through the entire day, but when I do take time to give a moment of thanks, I appreciate it more.  I don't want to take things for granted.
     I have yet to do anything to practice mindfulness.  I feel like this would be the most helpful in calming some of my anxiety that creeps up.  Does anyone have a suggestion on what I can do (other than yoga)?

     Note: I have also been keeping up with most of my resolutions from month one (boost energy).

My Happiness Project- Post 2 "Am I really happier?"

     One month into my happiness project and I think it's only natural to ask, "Do I really feel happier?"  I would honestly have to say yes.  Just as honestly, I would have to admit I'm not 100% sure why.  Is it because I have this project/book to distract me from the rough time I've been having lately?  Or is it because I thought about and listed out certain resolutions I wanted to work on for the month (and held myself accountable)?
     It's a combination of both.  The project/book and resolutions have fueled some motivation in me that I hope doesn't leave anytime soon.
     Boosting energy was my focus for the month.  I was surprised to find it so easy to act more energetic.  Looking back on my resolutions chart I was successful all but eight days this month.  I take that as a win based on where I was starting from (and because I'm just starting my own project).  I also will give my credit for exercising more.  Between playing softball, mowing the grass, and taking three mile walks, I nailed this resolution.
     Don't get me wrong, the whole month didn't go smooth.  One day into the third week of the month, I got too much into my own head.  I let the negative thought take me down.  I was in a bad mood for a few days before I got back on track.  It's life, and that's going to happen.  Learning to find that happiness again is what matters.
     One of my favorite quotes from The Happiness Project book is, "Enjoy now.  If I can enjoy the present, I don't need to count on the happiness that is (or isn't) waiting for me in the future."  That got me thinking....  How do you enjoy the present and not worry about what the future holds?  Any suggestions?

My Happiness Project- post 1

     It's been about a year now (welcome back if you've read some of my previous post) since I last blogged.  I couldn't find the words I'd want to share.  I've found something!  I've just started this wonderfully, fascinating book called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  For years I've struggled with my own happiness.  Why can't I just be happy?  I have so many great things in my life.  I don't want to seem ungrateful, or someone who's never satisfied.  I also don't want to be fake, and at times I can't seem to find a smile.  This book has put into words how I've been feeling for so long now.  It's validating to know someone else has felt the same way as me, and has successfully taken stock of their life.  One of the best parts is that Gretchen has already done a ton of research on happiness. 

     One point about this book I want to emphasize is that it's not placing your happiness or unhappiness at the hands of anyone else but yourself.  "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."  You decide how to treat people, you decide how to react to a situation, you decide the words that come out of your mouth.

     I'm going to be super vulnerable and share My Happiness Project.  I'm not waiting until I finish the book.  I'm starting now!  For the month of July I'm going to do something similar to Gretchen Rubin and work on boosting my energy.

       July 2019- Boost Energy (Vitality)

       Resolutions: exercise more

                            act more energetic

                            clean out the clutter (organize my closet)

                            watch less T.V.

     I will follow up in a week or two to let you know my progress as I document any changes I'm noticing or any set backs I may experience.  Consider starting your own project and share with me what your doing.  Let's find that happiness!