photo by One Part Gypsy
Maybe you’ve noticed by my lack of posting recently but I’ve been in a serious funk. Usually, my funks only last a day…at most a week, but this funk has really grown some roots. I’ve been buried by it and in turn I’ve been uninspired, pessimistic and just plain UN-fun. All of which is very unlike me. BLAH. But today for no reason at all I woke up feeling like my lighter, happy, connected and grateful self again. Making everything appear rosier despite nothing having changed. Ahhhh, perspective. It got me thinking about what actions and habits bring me joy each day. I decided to write them all down so I can be conscious of what I can do each day to make the world rosier and my heart lighter despite what else may be going on around me. It’s become clear to me that I haven’t been making a point to do a lot of these things recently and I’m starting to think that is part of the problem. Because I do believe we are responsible for keeping our side of the street clean.
My Daily Happy Recipe:
waking early – I fight this habit often because I love my cozy bed but I’ve realized that when I wake up early (think 6am instead of 730am) I feel better. It gives me some much-needed quiet time to get in touch with myself and set intentions for the day.
morning pages– have you ever read the book “The Artists Way”? It’s brilliant. One of my faves actually. One of the exercises in it is writing three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness first thing in the morning. They aren’t meant to be high art. They can be about anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes only. I used to do them often but haven’t in months and I miss them. They provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand.
meditate – nuff’ said. Again, this helps set the tone for the day. It helps center my crazy & anxious mind.
long walk with Frankie – I love our morning walks together. They bring me so much simple joy. We see a lot of the same neighbors and pups each walk and I love saying hi to everybody. I love the fresh morning air. I love watching Frank sniff every flower. I love seeing little kids heading off to school. I love the newness in the air.
jamming in my car – I’ve been on a Pandora kick recently and I’m loving my morning dance sessions in my car. It’s hard to be in a funky mood when you’re dancing and singing in traffic. Also, there is something about music that can turn any mood around and helps keep it light and playful.
working – I actually really enjoy working. As much as I complain about certain aspects of fit modeling there are parts I really love about it. I love the people I work with, being part of the creative process and contributing. I’ve also always enjoyed being independent…so financially supporting myself brings me joy.
connecting with my family and friends – making a point to call the people I love to see how they are and honestly sharing how I am in the process. There is nothing better than being reminded we are not islands.
writing – It’s pretty simple…If I don’t write something…ANYTHING..each day I don’t feel as fulfilled. Writing is my medicine.
moving – for me this means getting to a bar method class or a yoga class each day. It makes me feel like I am taking care of myself. I also always feel happier after I move my body. Yay Endorphins!
cooking dinner– who would have thought I would have this on my daily happy list a few years ago- NOT ME! But I’ve come to love the process of making dinner each night. I watch the news while I cook…usually with Frank at my feet waiting for something to drop. Cooking has become a moving meditation for me. I feel fulfilled by having a nice dinner on the table for the man I love who happens to work much longer hours than I do.
eating healthy– for me this is light on the dairy, sugar and gluten. I just feel better physically and mentally when I do…and what’s more important than that?
connecting with Bri emotionally & physically– sometimes life gets hectic and it can feel like we are two moving ships trying to manage everything. But I find that when I really make an effort to connect with him each day I feel happier…more complete. He’s not only my lover…he’s my best friend.
watching tv shows with Bri – It probably sounds a bit silly to put tv on my happy recipe list but there’s some seriously good shit on tv these days! I also love cuddling with Bri on the couch with Frankie at our feet chewing on his bone. It’s the only time of day our little family of three comes together.
reading– I love reading a bit before bed. It can be a great book or an article in a magazine and it doesn’t matter if it’s a one page or 100…it just matters that I make the time to read.
Sleep – I’ve come to realize that I am nothing without a good nights sleep. NOTHING. Sleeping a solid & peaceful eight hours is important to my head space and overall well- being.
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So what’s your “daily happy recipe”?? Post below- I’d love to hear!
“Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.”
Alice Walker
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