Let's Lighten Up!

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:40 am

OK in the midst of many heavy topics, of which most are tied heavily to emotions that sometimes don't feel so good, how about we each list five things that make us happy? The theory is, by listing them, and talking about them, they are at the forefront of our brain, and in this dreary March day, we will automatically feel happier? I will be vulnerable and go first!

1. Family vacations away from everything.
2. Sunshine; spring, summer, and fall.
3. Making money at something I love!
4. Making a difference in a child's life.
5. Being amongst spiritual people with positive energy; learning and growing from them.

OK go ahead. Maybe some of us can learn from some of yours and think positive thoughts all day. According to The Secret, that is the key to our happiness, our owns thoughts and gratitude. Try it.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:51 am

Alright nine views and no takers yet? Try it, if not five things that make you happy, five things that you are grateful for and I guarantee your day will go better! If you can put out political opinions, you can put out this!

I will add one to my list-my four year old who has been known to have "listening" problems just completely dressed himself for school without me asking or "encouraging". It really is the simple things that matter. We can't change the war, but we can concentrate on little things that are good and change our whole demeanor.

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 11:05 am

ok, Justine, I'll play:

A good book, a summer day, the hammock, freshly brewed iced tea, no phone.

Living in Lakewood

Vacationing in Siesta Key

Having my friends and family close.

Lynn Farris · Post by **Lynn Farris** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 11:31 am

Raindrops on roses.....

No, I'll give it a try

1) Accomplishments - I always feel great when I accomplish something - whether it is cleaning the house or closing a sale.

2) Sunshine and the opportunity to enjoy it.

3) Animals

4) Husband - children (This list isn't in order

)

5) Learning

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 11:59 am

OK

I can play too!

1) Working with people that inspire me to be better than I am.

2) Helping others find a way to make small differences.
Empowerment is the first step towards a better world.

3) Walking with a dog in the summer sun, or evening cool. (Missing my dog)

4) Showing someone else a different way to look at life.

5) Surrounded by family and friends.

.

Charyn Compeau · Post by **Charyn Compeau** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 12:12 pm

<smiles>

Things that make me happy (I love my husband, children, family, church, friends and animals - in a general sense that is my list - but Ill be different and go for specifics)

In no particular order....

1 - When one of our children makes a home-made card for me - for no reason other than there was paper and something to create with

2 - When one of the kitties crawls in my lap and purrs so loud I have to turn the radio up (ditto dogs sans purring/radio issues)

3 - On a boat, after the rain, in the really really early morning, watching the sun rise with my love .... anywhere...

4- A good book

5 - A perfect cup of coffee in the morning, or glass of wine in the evening

Charyn

Danielle Masters · Post by **Danielle Masters** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 1:09 pm

This list isn't in order.

1) going for long walks in the metroparks with or w/out kids and dogs

2) cuddling under a quilt with a cup of hot chocolate, a book and one of my cats on a damp cold day.

3) sitting at the beach on a warm sunny day, preferably La Jolla because it reminds me of my younger days.

4) playing with my kids at the park

5) A clean house and not having to do the cleaning.

Danielle Masters · Post by **Danielle Masters** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 1:36 pm

I also need to amend my list to add a sixth which is definitely not last on my list.

6) date night with Mike, especially since our thirteenth anniversary is next week.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 1:45 pm

How nice to come home and see things that make you (and me) smile! The premise of "The Secret" (which has aired on most daytime talk shows, Larry King, etc.) is that what happens in our life is attracted by us, both unconsciously and consciously. yep. everything. And the way to change our vibrational energy, as we are co-creators with God (and everything is energy) is to create thoughts with positive emotions.
When you create a list of five things you are grateful for or that make you happy, you have to think about it, and didn't it change how you felt? Then throughout the day, it will trigger you to think about other things that make you happy or that you are grateful for, and your whole energy shifts. When it shifts, you attract more positive.

If we start every day or end every day, writing down ten things we are grateful for, each day they can be the same or new (you will find new things popping up) then that is the start to changing our energy. Gratitude first, the more emotion with it the better. So, if you focus on what you have, instead of on what you want, you will attract more of what you want. The more you focus on debt, the more debt you will have.

so now, thinking about everyone's list that makes them happy will automatically shift your mood to better. Don't you think?

Melissa Brock · Post by **Melissa Brock** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:23 pm

Hi J

I'm grateful for rainy days when I don't need to leave the house for anything

I'm grateful for the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. I like to imagine what will continue to come from something so powerful and positive. What a beam of light in the dark

I'm grateful for and inspired by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and others who love and care for animals

Almost every night I think about how grateful I am to have a comfortable bed to sleep in

I'm so very grateful for indoor plumbing and it doesn't even snow here

Melissa Brock · Post by **Melissa Brock** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:43 pm

ooh! They're talking about the foundation this very second now on NPR

"the world's most important player in global health"

the brains the brawn the good will it's all so very exciting!

Suzie Dean · Post by **Suzie Dean** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 9:36 pm

Okay I'll play also...

I have to admit my favorite thing is watching and listening to the innocence of my children's laughter playing outside (with out them realizing I'm watching) on a warm summer day.

The hugs and kisses from the kids...you know the ones with no "hidden agenda" lol

A good nights sleep with the windows open and the smell of rain in the air.

Just spending time with Greg and the kids.

Some of you may think that this is corny but...

Getting to take a shower with no interruptions....you know its the little things that make me happy.

Danielle Masters · Post by **Danielle Masters** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:27 pm

Some of you may think that this is corny but...

Getting to take a shower with no interruptions....you know its the little things that make me happy.

I agree. When you are a mom an uninterrupted shower makes for a fantastic day.

Ivor Karabatkovic · Post by **Ivor Karabatkovic** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 10:50 pm

Ah, i guess i'll tryyyyyy

1) spending quality time with family, friends..
2) sunshine and warmth
3) having a good day at school
4) capturing the perfect moment with my camera
5) sitting by the fire, grilling, or a great cooked meal in general that I haven't had for a while!

learning something new that I can use in the future also makes the list..

that #5...I think I might have to stop by La Pita Express soon. I haven't been there in a while and am starving for some grape leaves and kabobs.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:43 am

haha Ivor that makes me think of another "high"-a really good workout-AFTER it is done! I had to do extra because I ate La Pita TWICE this weekend! I still am in awe that you can get that huge wrap for $3.50! Worth every calorie!
If y'all write down 5-10 things every day now for a month, whether here or at home, something in your life will change for the better, even if it is just experiencing true joy.

As for anything corny, there is no such thing for a mother! The sound of laughter from your kids, AND the sound of silence from them!!

Let's Lighten Up!

Let's Lighten Up!

Let's Lighten Up!

Re: Let's Lighten Up!

Let's Lighten Up!

Let's Lighten Up!