I've been reading several different books lately that talk about being happier or being a better person. One underlying theme in all the books, sermons, talks with others, etc. is doing for others.
We have all heard/know that we feel better when we do things for others. If this is the case, then why don't we do things for others more often? Now, a few things that I know from experience is that we if we constantly do for 1 person we begin to expect things in return from that person.....so, I think we need to vary the people for which we do things.
One of my favorite things I have EVER received came in the mail came from a friend, Lundy. One day out of the blue a few years ago she sent me and my family a card letting us know that she and her family had chosen to pray for one family each week and that we were that family for that week. I can't tell you how fantastic I thought that was. She was thinking/praying for us....out of the blue! I love that! Now, my plan had been to do the same and unfortunately it is still something I need to do...but it is a goal of mine.
We all know a random text, call, phone call, surprise from someone can completely make our day....so why don't we do more of it?
One of my "new" goals for 2013 is a random act of kindness each day for someone. It could be a card, gift, text, etc. It can be for someone I know or a complete stranger! What I should do is a make a list, so I can remember to do it and have a game plan.....we'll see if that part happens....but I will try. If I know doing this will make me a happier person, then why wouldn't I do it?
Have a GREAT weekend!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Goodbye 2012....
Tomorrow is the last day of 2012. It is amazing how fast a year can go! I have really enjoyed this year, it has had its' ups and downs, but overall it has been really good.
I had set 3 New Years Resolutions for this year and was able to achieve some of them.....:)
1st....I accomplished my goal of 500 miles...in fact, I am at 560 miles with one more day to go. :)
2nd....De-cluttering....well, I had my moments with this one and since we just packed up a bunch of things for Goodwill I have worked on this, to some extent.
3rd...my prayer journal....well, let's just say....I need to work harder on this one.
As I sit and reflect on this past year I can think of so many things that I did or tried to do....
I got to be a part of my brother's wedding which was a FABULOUS time with family! I am so blessed that he found such a perfect match!
I went on my first cruise...which I LOVED!
I ran a 10k....which I LOVED..... when it was OVER!
I have lots of memories with my sweet girls, who are growing up WAY TOO fast. I am so proud to be their mom!
I was spoiled another year by my wonderful husband, who loves me with all of my faults.
I tried to mend some relationships that I had not worked hard enough on and I tried to be the type of friend I would want others to be. I know I let many people down at times and was not there for some when they needed me, but it wasn't because I wasn't trying.
I loved lots and laughed often.
I tried to be the type of person God would want me to be and though I fall short in so many areas, I will continue to try.
As this year ends and 2013 quickly approaches I am grateful for all that I have and will continue to try and be better.
I hope to be a better wife, mom, family member, friend, teacher, and person in 2013.
I also hope to run 750 miles in 2013 as I have realized running makes me feel better, both physically and mentally.
I hope to continue to work on "de-cluttering."
I will try again on my prayer journal and spending more quality time in prayer. I will try not to ask...but to accept.
I hope 2013 is a GREAT year for everyone. Unfortunately for so many 2012 isn't ending like they had hoped and it hurts me to see my friends sad or hurt. I hope that the New Year brings happiness to all.
Have a fabulous and safe New Years Eve!
I had set 3 New Years Resolutions for this year and was able to achieve some of them.....:)
1st....I accomplished my goal of 500 miles...in fact, I am at 560 miles with one more day to go. :)
2nd....De-cluttering....well, I had my moments with this one and since we just packed up a bunch of things for Goodwill I have worked on this, to some extent.
3rd...my prayer journal....well, let's just say....I need to work harder on this one.
As I sit and reflect on this past year I can think of so many things that I did or tried to do....
I got to be a part of my brother's wedding which was a FABULOUS time with family! I am so blessed that he found such a perfect match!
I went on my first cruise...which I LOVED!
I ran a 10k....which I LOVED..... when it was OVER!
I have lots of memories with my sweet girls, who are growing up WAY TOO fast. I am so proud to be their mom!
I was spoiled another year by my wonderful husband, who loves me with all of my faults.
I tried to mend some relationships that I had not worked hard enough on and I tried to be the type of friend I would want others to be. I know I let many people down at times and was not there for some when they needed me, but it wasn't because I wasn't trying.
I loved lots and laughed often.
I tried to be the type of person God would want me to be and though I fall short in so many areas, I will continue to try.
As this year ends and 2013 quickly approaches I am grateful for all that I have and will continue to try and be better.
I hope to be a better wife, mom, family member, friend, teacher, and person in 2013.
I also hope to run 750 miles in 2013 as I have realized running makes me feel better, both physically and mentally.
I hope to continue to work on "de-cluttering."
I will try again on my prayer journal and spending more quality time in prayer. I will try not to ask...but to accept.
I hope 2013 is a GREAT year for everyone. Unfortunately for so many 2012 isn't ending like they had hoped and it hurts me to see my friends sad or hurt. I hope that the New Year brings happiness to all.
Have a fabulous and safe New Years Eve!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Dadgum it, exercise....
To start with, this post is more for me than anyone else. I am admitting that exercise really does make a difference. I am also admitting that to make true LASTING changes for yourself you have to make LIFE changes.
The proof....buying smaller size jeans! Yay!
As most of you know I set a goal of running 500 miles this year. So far I have run 520 miles. My average was 10.6 miles a week. Plus, I continued my other exercise routines. And....it made a difference.
Now, number wise on the scale.....well, I wish it was a smaller number and at times the fact that it hasn't been a smaller number has been discouraging. I didn't lose lots of weight all at once....but, over time the changes have occurred and that makes me super happy!
I will also say exercise has become a part of my life. I am happier when I exercise regularly. I feel better about myself after I have exercised. I have more patience after I have exercised.
Now, I didn't write this to tell people what to do and running isn't for everyone, but running isn't all I have done. But, what I did was change my lifestyle for a goal I wanted.....I didn't do anything for anyone else...this was all for me. In turn, I am happy! :)
I still have plenty of work to do, many miles to run, and many planks to hold....but I am happy about the changes I have made and will continue to set new goals.
Now, if I can just make it through the holidays!!!! :)
Have a GREAT week and Happy Almost Thanksgiving!!!
The proof....buying smaller size jeans! Yay!
As most of you know I set a goal of running 500 miles this year. So far I have run 520 miles. My average was 10.6 miles a week. Plus, I continued my other exercise routines. And....it made a difference.
Now, number wise on the scale.....well, I wish it was a smaller number and at times the fact that it hasn't been a smaller number has been discouraging. I didn't lose lots of weight all at once....but, over time the changes have occurred and that makes me super happy!
I will also say exercise has become a part of my life. I am happier when I exercise regularly. I feel better about myself after I have exercised. I have more patience after I have exercised.
Now, I didn't write this to tell people what to do and running isn't for everyone, but running isn't all I have done. But, what I did was change my lifestyle for a goal I wanted.....I didn't do anything for anyone else...this was all for me. In turn, I am happy! :)
I still have plenty of work to do, many miles to run, and many planks to hold....but I am happy about the changes I have made and will continue to set new goals.
Now, if I can just make it through the holidays!!!! :)
Have a GREAT week and Happy Almost Thanksgiving!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Teaching.......What's my job?
Okay, before I really get going I want to preface this with I LOVE my job! Love, love, love. I think it is interesting to really look at what my job is though. There is ALWAYS more to people's jobs than what we think or realize, so I definitely know that everyone is in the same boat.....lots to do, lots of expectations, and then we hope to make a difference as well.
I CHOSE to teach high school. I write it like that because it was truly a choice. I always knew I wanted to teach....it was just hard to decide what I wanted to teach....what grade, age, subject.....
Confession time....I love history, but I don't eat, sleep, and dream it....I LOVE teaching. I love being in front of the class, I love trying to make my subject fun and meaningful for the students. In fact, that is one reason I chose to teach history....my goal was to make it interesting and fun for my students.
So, we know that my job is to explain my subject matter to my students. All teachers are work to teach reading, writing, and I even teach math at times. :)
I also believe it is my job to teach life lessons. My kids should learn responsibility, manners, and respect. Some people make the comments that teachers should teach morals and character and to be honest with you....I am okay with that. I really don't have a big problem with it. The issue becomes if we teach it different from how a parent would want it taught. :) I have expectations....I expect for my students respect me, I expect my students to try hard, and I expect my students to be kind to others. That is part of my job...to teach these things as well. I find it funny when people think all the negative things kids learn come from school. I have small kids and though they have picked up on some negative things at school, most of the negative things my kids have learned haven't been "at school." My kids have seen things on TV, at Wal-Mart, on the radio and in the neighborhood that I wish they had never learned, so I would never just blame the school.
My job is to teach, to inspire, to create, to counsel, to make sure my kids have someone to talk to, someone on their side, someone to help.....but I also have to make sure they understand that respect towards adults should be given, that when others speak.....they should listen, and that we should respect others even when we don't agree with them.
I love my job and am so appreciative of all the people who are doing all they can to provide these gifts and school to my girls.
I am lucky enough to have a job that I love and though there are days that don't go as planned, there is nothing I would rather do. :)
I CHOSE to teach high school. I write it like that because it was truly a choice. I always knew I wanted to teach....it was just hard to decide what I wanted to teach....what grade, age, subject.....
Confession time....I love history, but I don't eat, sleep, and dream it....I LOVE teaching. I love being in front of the class, I love trying to make my subject fun and meaningful for the students. In fact, that is one reason I chose to teach history....my goal was to make it interesting and fun for my students.
So, we know that my job is to explain my subject matter to my students. All teachers are work to teach reading, writing, and I even teach math at times. :)
I also believe it is my job to teach life lessons. My kids should learn responsibility, manners, and respect. Some people make the comments that teachers should teach morals and character and to be honest with you....I am okay with that. I really don't have a big problem with it. The issue becomes if we teach it different from how a parent would want it taught. :) I have expectations....I expect for my students respect me, I expect my students to try hard, and I expect my students to be kind to others. That is part of my job...to teach these things as well. I find it funny when people think all the negative things kids learn come from school. I have small kids and though they have picked up on some negative things at school, most of the negative things my kids have learned haven't been "at school." My kids have seen things on TV, at Wal-Mart, on the radio and in the neighborhood that I wish they had never learned, so I would never just blame the school.
My job is to teach, to inspire, to create, to counsel, to make sure my kids have someone to talk to, someone on their side, someone to help.....but I also have to make sure they understand that respect towards adults should be given, that when others speak.....they should listen, and that we should respect others even when we don't agree with them.
I love my job and am so appreciative of all the people who are doing all they can to provide these gifts and school to my girls.
I am lucky enough to have a job that I love and though there are days that don't go as planned, there is nothing I would rather do. :)
Monday, November 5, 2012
I want cozy....but how?
My living room......I want it to be cozy....but how do you make it that way? I've been in so many houses that are so warm and inviting, decorated so nicely, and look like they are well taken care of. Unfortunately, that's not my living room.
So, my question is....how do you make your living room cozy...warm....inviting? I have a few ideas and have talked to a few people. But, I don't want to spend bunches of money and not have it how I want it.
A few things about my living room....1st, it is rectangle. Second, TV really only has one spot...at one end of the room. My fireplace is down by the TV. We had a picture above the mantle, but have moved it over the couch and that makes a WORLD of difference. But, now I need something for my mantle....a mirror? A large clock? Hmmmm......
Now, it is getting close to Christmas and to be honest, I love my living room at Christmas....I feel it is warm, inviting, cozy....I just don't want to leave my decorations up all year. :(
So.......any suggestions anyone has would be greatly appreciated......oh....and any ideas on what to do with all the clutter? :)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Happiness......let's think about this....
I saw a question posed and began thinking how I would answer it......so, I blogged it. :) I wonder how others would answer this??
What’s a simple activity that consistently makes you happier?
Hmmmm......good question. There are a couple of ways to look at this question and I could have several answers to this question.
The first thing in addressing the question is can you include your kids, spouse, even friends in this answer? I say this because we often "lose" our own lives as we are part of our kids activities. I know watching my girls do ANYTHING makes me happy.....seeing my girls succeed at ANYTHING makes me happy.....but then am I relying on them to make me happy? I know that my husband is FABULOUS and being with him makes me happy...but then am I relying on someone else to make me happy? I also truly enjoy spending time with my friends......once again....is someone else making me happy???
So, I am going to address this question looking at what I enjoy doing that consistently makes me happy.
1. They way I feel AFTER I have worked out. (Note I said AFTER) :)
2. Making something makes me happy. Whether it is baking, creating, painting....I always enjoy doing those things.....however, I am not a fan of cleaning up. :)
3. Reading......
4. Being on or near water makes me happy....examples could include...the beach, the lake, a pool...
5. Doing things to make other people happy...makes me happy. (Not sure this one can count in this section.) :)
6. Sitting in my living room at Christmas time with only Christmas lights on and watching a Christmas movie while drinking hot cocoa. That is a little piece of heaven.
However, all of this being said....I typically have more fun painting, baking, or creating if someone is helping me. The beach, lake, pool is always a lot of fun when my family or friends are with me. I love watching Christmas movies with my family.
Happiness for me does involve other people. As much as I like some "me" time.....I am a people person and am so happy when others are with me doing things that make both of us or all involved happy.
If you have time....feel free to share what makes you happy! I hope you have a FANTASTIC week!
What’s a simple activity that consistently makes you happier?
Hmmmm......good question. There are a couple of ways to look at this question and I could have several answers to this question.
The first thing in addressing the question is can you include your kids, spouse, even friends in this answer? I say this because we often "lose" our own lives as we are part of our kids activities. I know watching my girls do ANYTHING makes me happy.....seeing my girls succeed at ANYTHING makes me happy.....but then am I relying on them to make me happy? I know that my husband is FABULOUS and being with him makes me happy...but then am I relying on someone else to make me happy? I also truly enjoy spending time with my friends......once again....is someone else making me happy???
So, I am going to address this question looking at what I enjoy doing that consistently makes me happy.
1. They way I feel AFTER I have worked out. (Note I said AFTER) :)
2. Making something makes me happy. Whether it is baking, creating, painting....I always enjoy doing those things.....however, I am not a fan of cleaning up. :)
3. Reading......
4. Being on or near water makes me happy....examples could include...the beach, the lake, a pool...
5. Doing things to make other people happy...makes me happy. (Not sure this one can count in this section.) :)
6. Sitting in my living room at Christmas time with only Christmas lights on and watching a Christmas movie while drinking hot cocoa. That is a little piece of heaven.
However, all of this being said....I typically have more fun painting, baking, or creating if someone is helping me. The beach, lake, pool is always a lot of fun when my family or friends are with me. I love watching Christmas movies with my family.
Happiness for me does involve other people. As much as I like some "me" time.....I am a people person and am so happy when others are with me doing things that make both of us or all involved happy.
If you have time....feel free to share what makes you happy! I hope you have a FANTASTIC week!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
7....she can't be 7....
Allie was born just a few days after Hurricane Katrina hit, so this year as her birthday has approached,and Hurricane Isaac approached, I have been even more so reminded of her birth day.
Allie was different from Autumn from the get go. Perhaps it was because I wasn't as stressed this time around or she was just an easy baby. :)
She has and is the type of girl who isn't afraid to do her own thing! If Autumn is my mini-me, well, Allie would almost be my opposite. She often plays by herself...even when her friends are around. I always worry she is lonely...she isn't. She just doesn't NEED others to be happy. She is so independent. She is a spit-fire. She is smart. She is beautiful. She tells me I am the best mom every day...which melts my heart every day. She loves bacon, pancakes, popcorn, peanut butter, pizza, and pigs in a blanket, oh and lasagna. She loves puppy dogs and wants to be a vet. She would help every animal, if she could. :) She loves her family and friends. She has an AMAZING imagination and I love to see all the fun things she creates.
She has and is the type of girl who isn't afraid to do her own thing! If Autumn is my mini-me, well, Allie would almost be my opposite. She often plays by herself...even when her friends are around. I always worry she is lonely...she isn't. She just doesn't NEED others to be happy. She is so independent. She is a spit-fire. She is smart. She is beautiful. She tells me I am the best mom every day...which melts my heart every day. She loves bacon, pancakes, popcorn, peanut butter, pizza, and pigs in a blanket, oh and lasagna. She loves puppy dogs and wants to be a vet. She would help every animal, if she could. :) She loves her family and friends. She has an AMAZING imagination and I love to see all the fun things she creates.
I have been suggesting to her lately that she just turn 4 this year instead of 7...to which she replies..."No, Mom....I have to grow up." The problem is...I'm not ready for that. I love that she still crawls in my lap and hugs me when she sees me. She will always be my baby....Happy Birthday Alliebug!! I am so proud of you!
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