"For most of life, nothing wonderful happens. If you don’t enjoy getting up and working and finishing your work and sitting down to a meal with family or friends, then the chances are that you’re not going to be very happy. If someone bases his happiness or unhappiness on major events like a great new job, huge amounts of money, a flawlessly happy marriage or a trip to Paris, that person isn’t going to be happy much of the time. If, on the other hand, happiness depends on a good breakfast, flowers in the yard, a drink or a nap, then we are more likely to live with quite a bit of happiness."
— Andy Rooney
(Source: ventriloquistic, via missydotey)
Here are five things that I think you should do this week. Not next week. This week. Some are easy and might already be part of your daily routine, but others are easily forgotten. And how about this? I will also do them and we’ll all check in next Sunday to see how it goes.
1. DO Make Dinner at Home, NOT Order Out Again
- Don’t get me wrong, I hate cooking, and the boy does most of it, but it kinda grows on you. It’s healthy, fulfilling and makes your house smell real good. Oh, and then DO your dishes, grownup.
2. DO Try Something New, NOT Watch That Re-Run of Law & Order: SVU Again
- For me it’ll be a new heated yoga class. If you’re nervous or new to an area, get on Yelp and open your mind. Groupon is also a great way to do it for less.
3. DO Makeout, NOT Check Your iPhone Every 10 Seconds
- If you have a lover (especially if he’s as handsome as mine!) then why the hell are you playing Farmville instead of Tonsil Hockey? I trust that you all will do this, no need to update me.
4. DO Write a Note, NOT Electronically
- Send it to one of the following: someone over 60, someone under 15, someone who won’t expect it and/or someone who deserves it.
5. DO Get a Photo Printed and Frame It, NOT Post a Another Mobile Upload
- I’m putting this one on here just so that I have to do it. There are surprisingly few photos in our home for the Gs worth on the ol’ hard drive.
It’s not that I forget I have a Tumblr, it’s that Citi’s complete web overhaul turns me into an aprés work zombie concerned mostly with my husband, red wine and pretty pictures.
Well, what ha’ happ’n wuz, in an effort to divert my attention from an increasingly stressful work project, I decided to dedicate 30 days (of Facebook status updates*) to reflecting on the thing (or things) that day that made me pause and smile.
30 days have come and gone so quickly — teaching me: that I may love wine, chocolate and coffee too much but that I love my husband, family and friends more each day. That, for all the sarcasm and cynicism I perpetuate (but, you guys, I’m hilarious), there’s just as much optimism and hope. And there will always be more than enough for which I’m grateful. I think I’ll keep this habit going and welcome you to do the same. What are you most thankful for?
And you’ll have to pardon the repurpose because, let’s face it, if you read this blog you’re likely a Facebook friend, but today I’m continually grateful for the kindness of others. Who knows if my fave non-husband/non-brother co-worker knew she was making my day but by giving me a crazy compliment she managed to make me smile on Monday.
Which brings me to my big sister moment of the day…remember compliments. Write them down. Forget insults. Write down who insulted you and give that name to me…I’ll take care of the rest.
*Some may find it a bit pathetic that it took an internet declaration to force me to acknowledge these things on a daily basis but I say that if that’s what keeps me accountable for gratitude, then that’s what I’ll do.
