In a couple of days, I will be, with some Awesome friends, starting the 100 Days of Happiness challenge(Link at the end).. Basically it's about being aware of what brings you joy and finding something every day that does.. then taking a picture of it and sharing it.
I haven't even started, but already I am becoming more aware of the things in life that make me smile on a day to day basis.. the trouble is, a lot of this stuff, you can't really take pictures of.
For example... Today, it was a beautiful day.. I opted to walk and bus as opposed to driving. I was standing in the sunshine, waiting for the bus, rocking to some great music and feeling fantastic..It was great, just not something I could really take a picture of.
I did get a really cool Jann Arden pin, from a kind friend.. That will be a picture(My MP3 player has Mucho Jann Arden :-)
Later while waiting in line at a variety store, the kid in front of me(17ish) was trying to buy a $2.00 Slurpee, but was having trouble with his bank card. After his 3rd try I was about to step in and say that I'd cover it, when the woman behind the counter, said in a very thick accent.. "Don't worry about it, you're in here all the time, just pay me the next time you're in."... The kid didn't understand, because I think he was in such shock over her act of kindness(Many store owners aren't exactly teenager friendly). She repeated herself and he smiled, thanked her, took his drink and was on his way. I told her she totally made my day by her kindness, because she truly had.
Again, not something I could really take a picture of(It's just creepy for some random guy to ask to take your picture, I'm sure LOL).
So what makes me happy that I could take a photo of? Let's see; First would have to be my 3 amazing children, each so different from each other, and each with their own brand of Awesome that makes me proud to be their Father every day.
I have the most Amazing Girlfriend who is brilliant and beautiful, who has the kindest heart of anyone I have ever met, and even when were apart, the fact that she's there brings me smiles every day.
I have a wonderfully kind and supportive family, My Mom, Brother and Sister.
I have a very cool job, and work with people who are more than co workers, they are my friends.
I have a Zoo of furry animals(one with feathers), that greet me at the door every day, and curl up with me to watch horribly cheesy movies(and a generous amount of Dr. Who :-) every evening. They make me happy(You know... Most of the time LOL).
I have so much to be grateful for, and so much in my life that makes me happy.... I'm looking forward to discovering, perhaps those happy things that I'm not so aware of, or those I've been taking for granted...
I'll keep you posted.. :o)
Peace Kiddies
http://100happydays.com/ <<<<<<< Link :-)
As far back as I can remember, I've always had a "Place", a magical spot that was quiet and serene. It was somewhere where I could go to sit and think, to stare and ponder life's mysteries.. And above all, find that centered feeling that we can sometimes lose in the day to day.
I have never sought out these places, more like I've stumbled upon them, and then almost unconsciously, found myself there when the need arose.
I remember in my mid teens, when we lived in a small town near Ottawa, there was a marshy area behind the farm house we lived in.. In the summer most of the water dried up leaving a pond where the beavers lived.. I had an old tree that fell across the pond that I would sit on. Sometimes I'd bring lunch, and just "Be" for hours. No cell phones back then, it was too far away to hear a parents call, for all intents and purposes, I was just alone with my thoughts and some passing by beavers.
In the city I live in now, there is a big park, that's been my "Place" for years... I've made most of my big decisions there...I got the ideas for some of my personal favourite writing while watching the passing river, and listening to the ducks. I have heard people say that folks talk to God, but never sit still long enough for him to talk back, my park is a place where I actually do sit and listen. Sometimes I hear nothing, and sometimes I get a thought or idea that never occurred to me before.
When I was younger, many of my thoughts were how to please others and gain their acceptance(That failed miserably LOL). Now my thoughts are more like.. How do I show the people that I love how important they are to me.
I'm thinking of this tonight I think, because like many people, I love my technology... I love my smart phone, my computer.. I do the Facebook/Twitter thing, and a lot of it is in the interest of "Being Connected" to friends, family, the people I care about.... But when I picture sitting on my bench, in my park... watching the clouds, the river, and passing roller bladers, I realize that sometimes the best way to connect with myself, is to shut all that off now and then.... And then(Stay with me now :-) I realized that if I truly want to connect with those that I care about, maybe that has the same answer. A text is wonderful, but getting together for a tea is a thousand times better.... A Happy Birthday on someones "wall" brings smiles... But lets face it.. a phone call or better yet, a quick "Just wanted to drop off this birthday cupcake"... Means I care enough to make time for you.
Here in the great white north, it seems this winter will never end. Even so, soon it will be Spring, and the smell of flowers and grass will fill the air. I will be able to sit on my bench and hopefully reconnect with myself. In the meantime though, I think I'll carry a little of my park with me, and be more fully in this moment. The best way(I believe) to show the people in our lives how much we value them is by giving them our time and being present when we do... I'm choosing to do more of that.
And just as a side note, when I was younger and wished to do the things that would get me accepted by the people around me... It ended poorly most of the time. It never turned around for me until I learned who I was and decided to be just that.
Something to think about.
Peace Kiddies :-)
PS: Photo taken from: http://www.thedistrictphotographer.com/ Check out their work :-)
