The Mile Walk

Kiva and I walked a mile today. =D We were up and out by 10 something this morning and heading down the road to Braun Spring Park... At 10 and change AM it was like 95 degrees!!! WTF?! But aside from that it was a really good walk. Getting the exercise this morning did give me a boost of energy later on in the day which is awesome considering I sit on the phone for 8 hours. Thumbs up for exercise.


Somehow I feel like I dont really need to highlight the positives of getting some physical exercise. I know I need to do it more... sigh... =)

But here are 3 pros of exercise!

1. "As we exercise, we oxygenate our brains, creating better brain function, and flood our bodies with a 500 percent increase in endorphin production." -M. J. Ryan

2. Exercise makes you more mindful of your body and how it moves and this is always good. Being conscious of each part of yourself brings a new awareness physically and mentally.

3. Think an exercise routine is too much?? Try walking. Studies show that the repetitive nature of walking can induce relaxation and reduce stress, while a quick power walk gives an immediate boost of energy and mood. How awesome is that?!

Calibration

Today was full of tears and frustration and im not exactly sure why. Every time I found myself getting upset at work, I tried to recenter myself, happiness-wise... But it just seemed like nothing was enough to bull me out of the funk... This month has been particularly rough in reference to my happiness commitment. I realized that Im 6 months in and probably need to recalibrate myself. So I plan to make the next couple weeks my recalibration period. Im going to clean house (physically- which will make me feel much better mentally). Im going to organize and straighten up. Im going to rearrange my living space for a breath of newness. And now is the perfect time to reset my happiness meter because Im facing at least a week of solitude. What better time to get back on track? =)

Spending Out

The concept of ‘spending out’ came from a passage in The Happiness Project. It’s the idea that we should use our possessions instead of saving them. So for me, no more saving that canvas in the corner for that perfect creative moment, no more hoarding fabric for the perfect thing I’ll make one day… no more saving that dress for the perfect outing. None of that! The point is that that perfect whatever might never come.

So use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without! (anon. True Rule)

So now the plan is to stop saving stuff. Im going to use all the resources I have at home. The next time Im in a store and feel the urge to buy a couple yards of fabric trying to take over- I’ll remind myself that I currently have more than enough fabric to cover an F150, lol. Now is the best time to use my things. That ever-illusive perfect whatever is like the horizon… an imaginary line that recedes as you approach it. ;)

Jesus Sticky Note

This song randomly came to mind today while I was at work. So I sang it between calls =) Those little songs we sang in Sabbath School were great. It was just the thing I needed to bring a genuine smile to my face and heart as well.

Natural Beauty

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Of Family and Friends

Today was all about family: blood and otherwise. He and I went to ATL for GC and I was able to see a few of my wingmates from freshman year at Oakwood. It was great to see them and to know that we're still "fam" even though we dont stay in constant contact with eachother. These are the women that will always ALWAYS make me smile. Thats awesome =)

A Bit of 2Dub!

AND... He met my mom today =) And she really likes him! Yay =D I also saw my cousin Felicia which was really great because I havent seen her in a couple years. Awesome reconnection.

This is my mommy!

Family/Friend connections are very important to me. There is always some reason to smile that I discover with them. In fact, M. J. Ryan writes of a research study that showed that happiness increases 30% by greater community interaction.

So how can you be happier each day? Connect with your family or friends.

Build and cultivate those interpersonal connections. More and more Im understanding things that my dad said to me when I was younger. He was always telling me that the most important thing in life are the relationships with other people. Now, as if that wasnt sound advice by itself, there is proven benefit to what he was saying. Turns out he knew what he was talking about, chuckle.

Just a Note

We went shopping for comfy black dress shoes today. And walking around in the mall.

Remember to make time to spend with those people that make you feel special.
Remember to tell them that they make you feel special.
Remember that every moment is an opportunity to be thankful for something wonderful in your life.
Remember that there is always something wonderful.

Always.