I don’t know if you caught Kate’s blog last week, but it really struck home for me. She was posting on happiness — a precious commodity in our society — and how (to some extent) being happy is a choice.
Not always, granted. We all know it is not possible to be happy every moment — not without chemical intervention.
But I thought I would share this “happiness exercise” with you. Basically, you take time to think of five things that make you happy. Ideally, you do this when you’re feeling angry, frustrated, or unhappy, but it helps to practice when you’re in a neutral mood.
So…right now. Five things that make you happy. Come on, let’s go!
And mine are:
1) Deep, deep sleep that lasts until I wake up all on my peaceful own
2) Chocolate — Sees Candy, in particular
3) Fresh flowers
4) Stars in a clear night sky
5) A new book by a favorite author
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Five things that make me happy.
1-I’m now officially a cancer survivor. (Had my last appointment yesterday) - but now I have osteoporosis. I think it was all the cancer stuff. So Mom says drink your milk and get your mammo. 
2-Throwing good darts. When the throw is right and the focus is there, it’s amazing.
3-I lost 5 pounds last month. WW is working if I let it. IE meeting goals I’ve set for myself.
4-Sitting on the porch with my honey, drinking beer and watching fireflys.
5-Reading, talking and writing about books and stories that I love.
And to add a 6- apparently watching Biggest Loser makes me happy for some reason because I’m addicted.
by Lynn
on February 13th, 2008 at 8:51 am
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1. Sailing away on a cruise.
2. German Chocolate Pie or Cake
3. Hiking with my dog
4. Leaving the office on Friday afternoon knowing it is the start to my weekend.
5. Reading, writing, learning more about the craft.
by Linda
on February 13th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
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1) Spending uninterrupted time with my best friend, who lives 150 miles away from me.
2) Taking naps on Sunday afternoons on my antique bed with my cat, Sonny, curled up beside me.
3) Driving my T-bird with the top down on a perfect summer day.
4) Lying on a floatee in a pool all by myself.
5) Singing old hymns in an old church with the sun coming in through the stained-glass windows
6) Seeing my 19-year-old son in his army uniform and snappy beret. He’s wanted to be a soldier since he was 6.
7) Listening to my 17-year-old son playing his guitar. He’s playing it now. . .Heaven.
Thanks, Diana, for the wonderful exercise. I feel better already!
by Krista of Pleiades
on February 13th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
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Oooo…this is going to be fun!
1. Going to my favorite bookstore and lingering for a hour or so, chatting with Laura, the owner, sharing thoughts about books.
2. Going to my favorite scrapbook store and looking at all the papers, stickers, accessories and inhaling the scent of the place. It never fails to bring a smile to my face!
3. Laying in the yard, out in the sun, and listening to the birds. Glorious!
4. Walking along the beach and letting the water lap over my feet. Heaven!
5. Definitely sitting on the front porch swing with my hubby, with our favorite drinks nearby, and sharing thoughts about the day.
This was a fun topic Diane! I can’t wait for Spring! We are in a cold blitz here with to much snow!
by Michele L.
on February 14th, 2008 at 1:45 am
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1) Hearing my kids laugh and laugh and laugh.
2) Standing on top of a mountain I’ve just climbed with the person I love most in the world. (Note that I didn’t mention that *hiking* up the mountain makes me happy).
3) Dr Pepper. It just does.
4) A sparkling clean bathroom. Again, it just does.
5) A hot bath with a good book.
by Heather
on February 14th, 2008 at 9:50 am
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I’m now officially a cancer survivor.
Yea, Lynn! That makes me happy too!
by Diana
on February 14th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
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Linda, Friday’s are such a good choice for happiness. 
Practically universal.
by Diana
on February 14th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
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Hey, Krista, look at you go. I suspect that you’re naturally happy!
by Diana
on February 14th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
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Hey, Michele, those are all great choices — and isn’t it interesting about how thinking on these happy moments does actually release stress? I find it so interesting — I actually feel calmer reading everyone ELSE’S happy moments.
by Diana
on February 14th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
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A sparkling clean bathroom. Again, it just does.
Isn’t that the funniest thing, Heather? But so true!
by Diana
on February 14th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
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1. My dog
2. My two nephews—especially getting hugs and kisses from them…and the occasional “I love you.” I’m still trying to figure out why they are still better behaved for me than they are for my mom and her boyfriend.
3. Buying new scrapbooking supplies (even though I haven’t done a layout in 3 years)
4. Having a whole day to myself, which doesn’t happen often.
5. Finishing a project I’ve been working on for a long time.
by Traci
on February 17th, 2008 at 2:07 am
