I am going to try something different this month on my blog. As we are nearing the holidays I thought it would be a good practice to focus for the next 30 days on being happier. I, as many others I know, have had some challenging times lately and I have noticed so many others are to, so my hope is that if we focus on being happy and what makes us happy and choosing to be happy - that no matter what our circumstances we can not only be happier this month, but spread the happiness around. We may even create a habit of happiness! Wouldn't that be nice. Now the very big challenge to me is that I am going to commit to a daily post of what I am doing each day to promote more happiness in my life. This really should be interesting! I am going to give a list of things I plan to do each day and would love you to follow along with me or even come up with your own plan and share it with us. So check in each day to see how I'm doing or not.... :) and give me some feedback if you are doing it with me. Or if you hate this kind of stuff or blogs in general that is ok too. :-)
Tomorrow will be the first day and the following is my list of things I plan to do this week: (although I will reserve the right to change it if needed)
- Sunday - find a scripture that speaks of where our joy comes from. Write it on an index card and look at it often through the day, especially if there are a few challenges. :) I may even get really bold and memorize it!
- Monday - Be VERY aware of having a positive attitude. Watch for any negative thoughts or talk and correct it immediately. Look at the good in everything.
- Tuesday - have a day of gratefulness. Spend time all day reflecting on all the things in life to be grateful for.
- Wednesday - Make three people smile today
- Thursday - spend time with someone under 6 and think about watch how they view life.
- Friday - Start a conversation with a stranger today
- Saturday - clean one area of clutter in my home.
Some last thoughts as we get started - The Pew Research Center asked a number of Americans if they were enjoying their lives. Only about 34 percent report they are "very happy" in life and this was before the recession we are now experiencing. We live in a society that values more what people have over who they are.
What about you? Are you enjoying your life? Are you generally happy, content and satisfied with who you are and what you do each day? Do you take time to notice and appreciate everyday things that make life rich and rewarding?
I challenge you today to go to a new level of enjoyment in your daily life. Let's do it together!
Jesus said in John 10:10 -
"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full till it overflows)
6 comments:
Kathy, I like your blog. I will not delete it! :) Funny thing is, two night ago, the Lord delt with me, threw the word, about negative speeking and thinking. I want to be that little yellow guy in the middle! :)
I am one who dislikes blogs immensely and would not even think of entertaining one for 30 days. BUT… as the Lord will guide you when you let Him, I got up at 6am not intentionally (5am with daylight savings) on Sunday, did two loads of laundry and then decided to go for a walk as the sun began to rise, knowing I had plenty of time before church. I normally would not look at emails on Sunday but something drew me to the computer and there was only one email – from Kathy about her blog. I knew she was going to do the ‘happiness thing’ so I went along and read what she had to say. Since I do not like the word ‘happiness’ much preferring ‘joy’, I read with a closed mind. Then I looked at what she had listed for each of her days. I think that is when the Lord began to impress upon me “what would you do for 30 days even if you don’t agree with her?” This comment from Him was very probing and I thought with a cavalier attitude, I could look at it as a research project. And He said “why don’t we do it together and I will show you things.” Well this sounded good because I don’t have to have my own plan and I get to talk to Him to see what He reveals. I want to focus on JOY and the joy that comes from being in His presence. So my first day (matching up with Kathy) is to research the word JOY and meditate on the meanings to see what He has to say to me. I’ll let you know how this goes.
Bettsy,
I'm so glad you didn't delete it! You know what, I think you are the little yellow guy in the middle! I'm glad your following along with me Bettsy, it will keep me motivated.
Juliette,
You make me smile! but you know I think you make God smile too. :) It was all worth doing this blog just to get you to leave a comment! :-)
I am so excited that you are doing this with me and cant' wait to hear what God shows you. I'm pretty excited to see what He shows me to.
You got me thinking about the words 'joy" and happy" I will have to look up the difference in the meaning of each.
Keep me posted!!!
Well, you know I LOVE blogs and I am "happy" just to know you are going to post every single day for 30 days. Wow... what a big commitment but I like your list of things to do and I am going to follow along.
Cindy @ Priceless Gain
Cindy,
It is a huge commitment - especially for me - I am amazed at how knowing people are following this is keeping me motivated! Of Course, we are only on Day 2. :)
I'm so glad you are joining us!
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