Timely Post Of Happier At Home......

While contemplating which area I would tackle for my final installment on Happier At Home, I tried to find something that brings me frustration in my home.

Thankfully the list is short. Exploring family and possessions in my two previous posts has yielded a bit more of a harmonious atmosphere...also I think my perception has shifted, providing similar results too. It is important to note that the harmony and more moments of happiness are certainly not constant...nor would I want them to be, because my thought is: the bumpy times make the alternative of smooth and happy all the more appreciated in contrast. 

Today the challenge I share is:

TIME: when I really stop and think about it, time holds such a pivotal piece of this journey of discovering more happiness at home. Needing time to master the changes/additions I have put in place as a result of this journey, is key. I need to make the time to accomplish the tasks that seem to bring those happier moments.

Secondly, a huge wake up call is, being aware of how I spend my time. So much hinges on that very concept!  For example when I get lost on the computer, that then takes time away from "stuff" that needs to get done (clean & organized does bring me happiness) and fun activities I could be doing instead. But one has to ask "doesn't being on the computer bring me happiness in it's own right?" Perhaps there's happiness and then there's mindless fun and happiness. I'll have to explore that  further at some point.

Back to my time...while being more conscious of this precious gift recently, I did see how I could ease some of the stresses by using my time more thoughtfully. I found myself getting ready for work a bit earlier so not to be rushed, lingered at the dinner table longer to facilitate family conversation, put errands aside to call a friend and stop by for a visit. Perhaps one of the things that really helped was, at various moments stopping and asking myself  "is this really how I choose to spend my time right now?" and then making adjustments if my answer was no.  Granted a bit tricky when at work or doing a "must do", but that's when I can go to my "happy place" and dream for just a bit.

I find when I think of time as a gift, I, use it more wisely...hold on to it dearly...and consider it an avenue to make a difference in both my Life and the Lives of others.

                              

Taking this journey to be Happier At Home has been a fulfilling one, one that I'm so glad I took....and will continue to take. Gretchen Rubin's book served as a reminder and a wake up call to the abilities we have in our lives, and the important role we Moms play in our homes.

I can truly say...."I am happier at Holme!"

Happier At Home...Part 4

Quick recap for folks just jumping in: I recently discovered author Gretchen Rubin and one of her books titled "Happier At Home". A few weeks ago I embarked on my own discovery using her book as my guide and blogging about it along the way.  Seeing what works for me and sharing it with you.....just in case it creates an aha! moment for you too.

In my last post I chatted about possessions in my Life & the role they play. I continue to be aware of them so they don't weigh me down & in fact look for the lightness & happy moments they create in my home. 

Next piece to my Happier At Home puzzle:

FAMILY: I consider us to be a pretty happy family of four. I believe we are "family strong", kind, loving & supportive of each other to the core.

 

That is truly a Blessing, which I give thanks for daily....but as a little additional piece, I look to make the day to day interactions just a bit more jovial. We all get caught up in the stresses of work, school, chores, house repairs etc. Life can make us a tad cranky and a bit less than pleasant to be around from time to time. It's not just my house is it?? 

Reading Happier At Home I was reminded of how a slight change of mindset can have a positive and happy effect in my home! My take away from the recent portion of my reading includes:

~ Share more positive acknowledgements for what I see that is done "right" (and by "right" I mean my checklist....is there any other??)

~ Refrain from negative dialogue that just perpetuates negative energy

~ Stop and listen

~ Pick my battles

~ Keep in mind that what is a priority to me is not necessarily to the others  

~  Make efforts to create family time

~ Be mindful of what is going on in the lives of my loved ones...feel their pain and victories

Since I have been mindful of these tips, I do have to say there has been a bit of levity in my home. Now I can't be certain of the exact cause and effect...but I can say "I like the feeling" and the response I see it having on my fellow family members. So yes, I am delighted to share that, with creating an awareness and taking the initiative, things are feeling Happier At Home!

Part 3...Happier At Home

Quick recap: Recently I discovered author Gretchen Rubin. It was like finding a new friend who understood the thoughts in my head and has the amazing talent to sort them out and make sense of it all and then put them into words. A treasure to find!
I am setting out on my own discovery using her second project "Happier At Home" as my guide and blogging about it along the way.

*** The first area I am choosing to create more happiness within my home will be: 

POSSESSIONS: I am of the partial belief that "money can't buy happiness." Materialistic energy and the driving force it creates to "keep up with the Jones'" holds no value for me as far as living genuinely and authentically. 


Now that being said, I do believe that money can ease financial burdens and as a result ease stress and for me that = times of happiness!

I decided to tackle the possession portion of my Happier At Home journey, by going through, eliminating and passing along STUFF. My check list for what to hold or toss consists of asking myself: does it add value to my Life? Hold sentimental meaning? Do I have something else similar, so this is extra? Have I used it in a year? Can I live without it? Does it give me a good feeling when I see it?

Going through closets, cupboards and drawers as part of the purging portion of my possessions is going well and I must say there are happy moments associated with it already.

The part that is bringing me an abundance of joy is seeing the possessions I

Beautiful scroll work on wooden box

choose to have.....that give me THAT feeling. The ones that each time I see them make me smile, they feel good, add a special value in my Life. I truly believe these types of things are different for every person. For me it's a variety of things including a frame, a wooden box with a design that really appeals to me and a journal book that I have yet to start writing in, but love just the same.  

Other possession aspects that make me Happier At Home would have to include the recent changes to "summerize" our bedroom...you know "to make more summery", Now with white sheers in the windows, light aqua and blue bedding with sheets having a thread count that feels amazing, I get THAT feeling.... I kid you not each time I go into my room I love how it makes me feel! Simple changes big reward.

So my vote would have to be...if  you are looking to simplify the STUFF in your  home, add value to your Life through possessions that really matter...consider assessing your own belongings and see how they personally make you feel and be certain they provide a useful connection in your Life in order to have them around.

By reading Happier At Home  I am inspired to be more mindful of my possessions, evaluate them to be certain they hold the proper value in my Life, and be aware of what I purchase...all in my quest to be Happier At Home!

Wednesday post will include the next step of my Happier At Home journey: FAMILY

Happier At Home.... Part 2....

                 

Quick recap: Recently I discovered author Gretchen Rubin. It was like finding a new friend who understood the thoughts in my head and has the amazing talent to sort them out and make sense of it all and then put them into words. A treasure to find!

I am setting out on my own discovery using her second project "Happier At Home" as my guide and blogging about it along the way.

"Happier At Home" welcomed me with sharing insight and ground work from her first project "The Happiness Project" that seems to pave the way for this leg of the journey. I'll back track and take on "The Happiness Project" sometime in the near future for sure.

With notebook and sticky notes in hand I began reading, in the hopes of discovering points of interest that I would put into practice and share here with my Dear Readers. Well, I was not disappointed. 

A point that I found interesting, that was included in the book..research and statistics indicate, that roughly  30 - 50% of happiness is genetically determined. Well, now that explains a lot, given the number of less then cheerful people I encounter on any give day. I will look at those folks differently now, knowing they need a little extra encouragement.

From the start, I realized the importance and direction of the book.It was important that I understood the value of identifying what "suits me"! It ( by "it" I mean "me") doesn't have to make sense to others, there is no need for me to feel I have to justify my happiness, where it takes me or the "why" of it all. 

I really like the way the author Gretchen Rubin states that idea with the simple words "SUITS ME". I like it! I will use it for myself  and also keep it's meaning in mind when recognizing it in others. When I'm not understanding the WHY of them, I will remember "it is what SUITS THEM." 

I know for me, I frequently feel that my happy personality is misinterpreted. I then read the next few pages and discovered something that felt like a high five coming out of the book towards me. It reads: "In general, happiness doesn't make people want to drink daiquiris on the beach: it makes them want to help rural villagers gain better access to clean water!"  YES......that makes so much sense to me!!!

As I completed the first chapter I was reminded of  the importance of staying true to ME and what I feel is best for my family. It is the foundation needed as I make my list of which areas within my home and personal Life I want to be happier in!

In my next post I will share my list and where it is taking me.