Posted in Fitness, Lifestyle, Wellness
Tagged fitness, inspiration, life, motivation
Carolyn
The chapter of March in The Happiness Project focuses on work and how to bring some creativity, energy, and efficiency back into this area of your life. Individuals who are happier tend to work more hours each week, are more cooperative, less self-centered, and more willing to help others. Gretchen Rubin’s 5 tasks this month to aim higher include:
“Happiness comes when you believe in what you are doing, know what you are doing, and love what you are doing”
Carolyn
Posted in Lifestyle
Tagged aim higher, happiness, life, lifestyle, play, The Happiness Project, work
“This is your LIFE. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful. LIFE IS SIMPLE. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. LIFE IS SHORT. LIVE YOUR DREAM AND SHARE YOUR PASSION”.
Life is precious and it is a gift that has been given to each one of us. Learn to love your life and live the life you are made to live. I am learning this is not always an easy task, but life is short and it is important to look ahead and not behind. Learn to be content with where you are instead of wanting more because if you don’t look up and enjoy your life, you are missing out on the wonderful life you were given! Learn to live the life. This is your time!
Carolyn
There are so many things in life to be greatful for. Yes, we all have bad days when everything goes wrong but more often than not we should be counting our blessings when we are still here do to so. I recently heard about a woman, in her early 50′s (a friend of a friend) who was as healthy as a horse…or so she thought. Having never once called in sick to work was her claim to fame. She was in great shape, ate healthy and thought she was doing everything right. Strangely, she woke up one day feeling exhausted. She thought it was awfully weird that physically she could barely get out of bed. The next day – same thing. She broke her track record and called in sick. The following day, after she was still not feeling right she went to her family doctor. They ran a full body workup on her; the doctor called her that afternoon. She was full of leukemia. The poor woman died the following night.
I keep thinking about her and the toll this must have taken on her family and friends. I wanted to share this as a reminder to live everyday to the extreme, like it’s your last. Even the bad days are good days. You never know what the universe has planned for you, so live it.
Katie
Often letting go can be one of lifes many challenges. Being able to let go, whether it be of a person, event, idea, circumstance or misunderstanding, it is a trait that no one can teach you and yet everyone should learn how to do. Many people get caught up in life and forget that it may only take a couple steps of action to clear your mind and soul. Some circumstances take much longer to let go of but with some help, you may start to notice a change in your life. Take for example that friend. Everyone has the friend that some highschool boyfriend stole from you or the boss that is constantly on your back that you just cant let go of. They are always on your mind and come back to haunt you as you lay awake in bed…. Don’t worry. It’s normal. Most people have trouble letting go of many different things in their life. Here are a few different steps to help you try and let go and live life to the fullest, without worrying all the time. The world will keep spinning if you dont get that project done at work or if you dont get married to the perfect guy before age 30. Let’s take a look at ways to ‘let go’ together.
According to Lori Deschene, we as people “create and maintain problems because they give us a sense of identity.” Valid argument. I suppose that makes sense when you think about it – its just putting it into that perspective that seems difficult. She recommends some rather fascinating but awkward solutions to not being able to let go. First off, cry. That’s right – scream it out. Learn a new hobby or skill is also bound to take your mind off the situation. Use meditation and physical activity to increase endorphins. Let go of anger, simultaneously make a list of everyone wonderful you have ever done; Add to your list every day! Let yourself rant about the issue for a certain amount of time and then dont discuss it again. Sign up for a group activity or go to the spa.
There are many ways to try and let go of whatever it is that is lingering over your future. Try to make a change, stay positive and embrace life. You only get one chance to live life, so let go of any of the negativity and issues that bring down your spirit. Smile.
“Let go of the things that can no longer be fixed. Holding on is being brave but sometimes moving on makes you even braver.” – Author Unknown
Katie
According to a study conducted by the University of California, women’s happiness takes a hit with every birthday they celebrate. This study also found that by the age of 48, men are happier and more satisfied with their life than women. Sarah Brokaw, therapist and author or “Fortytunde”, gives some insight on how we as women can focus and explore on who we are and what we can do instead of focusing on ‘where we are supposed to be’. She lists 5 core values that are a must in order to really find true happiness:
It is important to remember that everyone will define these core values differently. Are you in your 20’s? Your focus may be on connectedness and building a support system that will be there for you as you finish your education and enter the workforce. If you are in your 30’s, your focus may be on embracing your limitations and focusing on what your accomplishments are. And for women who are in their 40’s and on, your focus may be more centered on owning your life and embracing your age.
Are you experiencing happiness in your life? What are you doing in your daily life to find happiness? Remember to be thankful each day for what you have and who you are. It truly is a blessing!
For more reading and to see the original article, please see the June 2011 edition of Chatelaine.
