I am currently reading a memoir by Valerie Frankel entitled Thin is the New Happy. I selected this book because from the title and cover it looked like a nice, easy, funny and light hearted book making fun of crazy diets and such. The book I read before this one was kind of heavy and Thin is the New Happy seemed like a good follow up. Well I was kind of wrong. The book is kind of funny and basically an easy read but I cannot really say that it is light hearted. The book is about a woman struggling with body image issues. She does put a humorous spin on it where she can but overall it is more thought provoking than anything else.
I have not yet finished the book. So far it has spoke to me about the how outside things that really have nothing to do with how smart, funny, kind, energetic, or Great we are impact how we feel about ourselves, how people view and treat us, and therefore effect our Joy. There are all sorts of little things we do to feel good each day a little makeup, a new perfume, a quick (or not so quick) workout, a favorite snack, or even cleaning the house or car. All of these little things we do to feel good, all these little drops of happiness when combined can give us vast oceans of Joy.
So, this got me thinking, what are the things that are completely outside of myself (my personality, thoughts, feeling) that impact my Joy? Are my clothes an accurate projection of who I am? Is my home a sanctuary for me and reflective of my personality? Does my financial situation provide me with the security and freedom to pursue Joy to its fullest? Does my means of transportation encourage me to really explore my corner of the world looking for Joy? All of these things fashion, home, money, and car are completely outside of myself. They do not define. The do not make me smarter, kinder, funnier, a better friend, or better person in any way. And therefore are not important. WRONG! All this things, while playing no part in making me or you the wonderful person that you are, can play a big part in how we feel about ourselves, treat ourselves, and how we allow others to treat us. So what little things can you do to feel good on a regular bases? What little drops of happiness can you capture?
Here are some of the little feel good things I do/plan to do to:
I’m not big on makeup but nicely arched eye brows go a long way
So does a pedicure (even a do it yourself one)
Continue developing personal style (I imagine this will always be evolving)
Fixing the two small dents and scratches on my car
Ending my indentured servitude with the credit card company (e.g. paying off debt)
Improving those housekeeping skills
Zumba!!!
Continuing to try things from my Devil’s Workshop list
Chasing Joy
What’s on your list???
PS. I do recommend the book.
D7ana says
All that we do defines us. Our choices make us who we are.
Yes, I could
1. use more eye definition – maybe use an eyeliner
2. benefit from both a manicure and a pedicure
3. improve house keeping skills
4. EXERCISE regularly – self defense class, tai chi, and/or Latin dance
5. meet local bloggers
shi zhan says
レイバン サングラス RB3475Qは現代の技術とルックスと混合して、60年代からの古典的な茶色を思い出させ、レトロな雰囲気を持っています。柔軟なノーズパッド、プラスチックに包まれたテンプル、丸い形のリムとレンズなどの部分で、このレイバン モデルは作られました。レイバン RB3026などのように、レンズにRayBanのロゴは巧みに嵌められています。
Gillian says
It's funny I was always of the opinion that some of the things you mentioned do not define me, looking at it from your perspective is interesting as they all add in whatever small amount to our happiness. I haven't got my list prepared but this weekend, I'll be thinking of what little things I can do outside the major things to keep me perked up. Thanks once again for great food for thought.
Brenda says
Great list there! I have found different colors make me feel good about myself. If it's a color that really compliments me, I feel awesome that day. A bad color can leave me feeling "less than" attractive that day. I wake up every morning and thank my Gods for another day of breath. That in it's own, makes me feel good too. I am trying to overlook ignorance in the world. By me doing this, I feel better about myself. You know, not getting drug into the negativity.
DJrelAt7 says
All those little things do add up! I have this list, not exactly the same, on a wipe off board (a pretty one) next to my bed. I do not read it every day like I intended when I first put it up, but my eye catches it every so often and I reminded, yes you are working on these things and its the subtle subliminal message that sinks in and keeps the thoughts bouncing around. I will have to put this book on my to read list 🙂
#FBF
Janeane Davis says
I basically have no eyebrows so that whole thing is lost on me, but I am starting a list of things I can do to find some inner happy. I know I am a wife and mom, but I am an intelligent woman. I know I can find ways to be personally and internally happier if I sit and think about how to make it happen!
Victoria says
I like a well defined eyebrow too! On my wish list is electrolysis or laser removal… for my eyebrows and above my lip. I pluck and the lip thing isn't all that bad, but I would really love to do it. Finding the time is half the battle in my world, plus the cost. When you are raising 3 teenagers, someone always needs something, so I put myself on the back burner when it comes to items I find more "selfish" than "necessary." I want to work out like I used to also. I lost 50 lbs and gained it back. In reality I won't be as small as I got… it was much too demanding to maintain it, but at this point 15-20 lbs would be acceptable for me! My husband loves my curves and puts no demands on me, I'm very grateful to have a person of his character in my life… he always makes me feel like the most important person in the world!
Lisa says
I would have the same for ending indentured servitude with credit card company.
I would add the ability to bring people together, introducing others to new people – love seeing it happen too.