Happiness: A Note to Myself

07/01/2018

Good Morning!

I am excited to announce that I have had over 515 views on my last blog post, I know, shocked me too. I guess people do read this stuff? Honestly, if I get 5 views I'm still pretty pumped. To do another small update, last week I started my job at Rivier University in Nashua, NH. I work in the Finance office and have been so busy. Some huge pluses to this job are my awesome supervisors and the ability to sit outside during lunch. The campus is quiet during the summer and it's nice to sit at the picnic tables with coworkers in the midst of the sunshine.

While I have been quite busy the past few weeks, I have somehow managed to go to Seabrook numerous times. Some days I've gone for a regular beach day, while others were to grab a drink at Tuna Striker. The two experiences have a couple provided me with the ability to sit back, relax, enjoy what is going on and think. Through these nice enjoyable evenings with family and friends I have been thinking about what makes me happy. Hence, today's topic: happiness.

We all live such busy lives and remembering the things that make us happy can be somewhat difficult during our hectic day. During my rides on the train to work I took some time to write a list of things that make me genuinely happy! Hopefully you can get some inspiration to create a list of your own.

Here goes nothing:

Guacamole
Fun leggings
Impromptu beach visits
Texts from old friends
Throwback music
Looking through old pics
Seeing my family when I come home from college
Getting a killer workout
Writing
Getting an A in a hard class or on a difficult exam
Taking a nap and feeling well rested
Vanilla Ice Cream (preferably from Sullivan's)
Winning a game
Not your Average Joes bread
Hearing people uncontrollably laugh
Completing a really long and tedious work project
Getting called back after an interview
Seeing my friends genuinely happy and content with their lives
Tan lines
Finding the perfect bathing suit
Hearing other people's stories
A day chilling by the pool
Sharing my own stories
Finding a book that you can't put down
Relaxing in my pjs with cocoa, a movie and a fuzzy blanket
Skiing on freshly groomed slopes
Watching the sunrise/sunset at the beach or mountains
Hearing good news
Having a skinny day
Feeling confident

Though these things are quite simple, I frequently find myself needing a little reminders on why I should be happy. As we grow up, our lives get more complex and busy, causing us to forget what makes us truly happy. Sometimes in friendships and relationships we compromise ourselves and do what the other person enjoys and lose sight of what really makes US happy. Yes, it is great to share activities that both you and your friend or partner enjoy, but sometimes we need to stop and think, "Am I doing this for them or for me? Do I actually like this? Am I content? What activities do I genuinely enjoy that I can share with them?". These are important questions in developing strong and lasting friendships and relationships. Remember, it is good to evolve, the things that make you happy now can be different from what will make you happy in the future...that is growth! GROWTH IS GOOD!!

Here's my challenge to you: Write a list of 10 things that make you genuinely happy. It can't be something you do for someone else, it must be something that makes your heart happy and makes you feel brighter. What do you love? What do you do to start your day off right? Message me and let me know if you have any helpful tips!

PQTH,

HAN