Thursday, April 22, 2021

DON'T WORRY...BE HAPPY:)

 Remember that song?



Do you need more happiness in your life?  About a gazillion books, articles, podcasts, etc. have been written to give you advice about how to go about getting that.  This past year, I think, has taught us that our happiness can be snuffed out by things outside our control.  And if you listen to the news media much these days, it seems we hear more bad news than good...that the world (or at least our country) is spinning in the wrong direction.  Of course, if we dwell on that too much it can sap every ounce of happiness we can conjure up.  Many people have been in a state of depression and some still are due to all that has been happening around us.



I am trying to learn to find happiness in even the small things.  We don’t have to drown in stress and sadness...there are things we can do to turn our frowns upside down, big and little things that we can do to find the JOY in life that each of us needs. 


How about these little things?


*GET OUT IN NATURE


Take a walk...or a long hike if you are up to it.  Dig in the garden...and use those earthworms you find to go fishing.  Take your child, grandchild, or dog to the park or a playground...and play on the swings while you are there:)   Spending 30 minutes or more a week in green spaces can help lower blood pressure and depression, according to a 2016 study.

 

*FIND TIME TO BE WITH Y-O-U

Everybody needs some “me time.”  Take a bubble bath and lock the door!  Grab your favorite blanket, a good book, and your favorite candle...and dare anyone to bother you for the next 30 minutes (or more).  Go shopping...alone.  Cozy up with your favorite bowl of ice cream and watch a chick-flick.  (I suggest SWEET HOME ALABAMA or PRETTY WOMAN.)

*S-M-I-L-E
Simple...just turn that frown upside down.  Smiling causes our brain to release dopamine which makes us happier.  (Much cheaper than visiting the therapist!!)

 

*COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS



Be grateful.  Studies have shown that being grateful actually has health benefits and leads to a feeling of hope and happiness.  We can be thankful for the BIG things...like our families, our homes, our successes.  But there are SOOOO many “little” things we can find to be grateful for:  wildflowers along the side of the road, a rainbow, a good cup of coffee (or a bowl of ice cream which would be my choice), finding a penny on the ground.  The more we look for positive things in our lives, the more we will see them.

 

*EMBRACE RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness)



Research has shown that performing RAKs can help us feel happier and more satisfied with our lives...have you ever wondered who comes up with ideas to research things like this (or who pays for them)???  Thank the cashier for her service, compliment a co-worker on his spiffy bowtie or her new dress, bake cookies for the mailperson (trying to be politically correct here) or the trash collector, or send a friend a gift card anonymously (of course, this could drive them nuts trying to figure out who sent it:) 

 

Most of us could use a little more JOY and a few more SMILES in our lives.  Try some of these ideas...you might like them!

 


Wishing you so much HAPPINESS you “bust” at the seams!


Don't worry, be happy

In every life we have some trouble

When you worry you make it double

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy now!

33 comments:

  1. It's been a good year for us. I was depressed for a while when I was a kid and had to figure out how to get out of it, to be happy. It was an invaluable experience.

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    1. So glad you are happy:) The world needs more happy people!!!

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  2. Such a timely post!!!!

    I am becoming horribly upset, with the State of Our Country. And of the World in general. This Administration is leading us down a Path To Destruction, in so many ways.

    And they told us, exactly what they would do!!!!!! No one, who voted for them, can be surprised!

    Anyway, I must remove all such, from my view! Must!

    Being older, I have a limited time left, and I do not want to choose, to spend it, immersed in furry, over such, which I can not change.

    It is time for me, to block all such, from my view, and from my life.

    There are plenty of other things, to concentrate on.

    -smile-

    Put my mind, to those things!!!!

    Best of luck to you, in so doing. -smile-

    🌷🌷🎀🌷🌷

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    1. I'm with you...our country seems to have gone mad. I hate to be an ostrich and stick my head in the sand but sometimes that's all I can think of to do to keep my sanity!!!! I also pray A LOT!!!:)

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  3. I think we are thinking in the same vein today. Gotta get away from the noise of the world and spend more time in God's natural beauty. We rarely watch the news anymore. It is just too maddening. We get outside and take a walk and then I try to have bird watching times throughout the day. Loved your post. Great ideas. I am about due for a bubble bath too...

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    1. I agree...the news is just too depressing and really can't always be trusted anymore. A bubble bath sounds divine right now:)

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  4. With a name like happyone, I'm a pretty happy person. : ) Don't worry be happy is the song that plays when my phone rings! :)

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    1. What a great idea for a ringtone...and I do love your name:)

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  6. Oh, this makes me smile. It's always nice to know you helped someone.

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  7. Thank you Cheri, so much for these encouraging thoughts and ideas, I agree with everything!
    Blessings
    Sue

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    1. Thank you for dropping by and glad my words were encouraging.

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  8. Great advice! I really try to put a smile and my face and the face of others. Being sad is no fun. It has been a different time we have lived in and we have to put in a little extra effort. Enjoy your day dear friend, thank for this uplifting post! HUGS!

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    1. I know you have had a lot that made it hard to smile lately, but your wonderful attitude is so uplifting to others.

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  9. This has been one of the worst years of my life but even through the challenges and health issues I have seen the loving hand of God and have felt comfort. I'm not one to dwell on the negative and I'm looking forward to a better rest of this year! Oh, I did make cookies for our mail lady a few weeks ago. She was very appreciative!

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  11. This past year was a challenge for so many. I am thankful that the challenges of the year did not hit me as bad as do many. My work at the venue, for the state and even my photography was affected but nothing like people that lost jobs, homes or business. Being retired I still had my normal income coming in so I was safe there. It was the extra that I pay with that I lost. However, keeping in mind that I still worked the venue and I still went in the office since the bldg was so bare.....so with all that, I was affected but not sent into a major depression like some. Thankful for that. I have to admit, being outside, soaking up the sun and fresh air helps so much.

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    1. I pray all this will soon be past us. I'm thankful to see people beginning to perk up and try to get back to normal. I too am thankful that I was able to weather the storm and I realize that in comparison to so many I have been truly blessed.

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  12. Oh Cheri, I enjoyed reading this positive, encouraging post this morning while sipping on coffee. I agree with all that you stated. Oh girl....I learned a long time ago that in order for there to be time for others I must have some me time! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Lately I haven't had time for ME and it's beginning to show!!!! I have over extended myself. You are so right because if we don't get time to rest and rejuvenate we don't have enough energy to help others.

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  13. Great ideas. I think I do a fairly good job of staying positive and happy. And, I do love doing for others and I think that is the key to so much happiness. It takes the focus off of ourselves. Have a great week!

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    1. Yes! Even research proves it:) Hopefully Covid will soon be gone for good and we can be among people more. Our Christian Kitchen still hasn't opened and I worry about the people we served there.

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  14. Oh, I love this post, Cheri! Sometimes we do have to try a little harder, this past year is a case in point. So I adore the tips. Happiness can be a choice. Thanks for helping us find ways to get there!

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    1. Kim, thank you for such a nice comment. This past year has been so very hard, but I'm praying things are beginning to look up.

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  16. I am so filled with disappointment in so many people and so many things, that I expend a great deal of energy trying not to become bitter. With what time and energy I have left, I work at being creative. I don't know what else to do. When I'm out of all options, I take a walk or take a nap. xoxo

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    1. It has been a tough year and so many things going on in our govt. and our country has me disappointed, concerned, even scared. But those of us who are still patriotic (and have some common sense) have to hang in there together:)

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  18. Well, I'm sure I'll be singing that song now for a day or two. All of these are good suggestions and I'm so thankful that I rarely struggle with unhappiness. Have a great week and Mother's Day.

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    1. And Happy Mother's Day to you too, Lea!

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  19. Hi Cheri, I just happened upon your blog today and just wanted to pop in for a friendly hello. :) Sweet Home Alabama is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies! Reese Witherspoon is just wonderful and I think I can recite most of it by heart. I hope you have a fantastic day! Jules

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you will come again:) I love SHA!!!

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