True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life. - Julius Caesar
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is liking what you get. - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
September - My Happiness goals for this month were to create something that wasn't there before and to learn to like something new.
How I've missed the opening of the "school season." The sharpening of pencils, posting of bulletin boards, fresh little faces, and lesson plan preparations. I had an entire school year off to rest, recharge and re-start my life and something about this month clicked me into place. I felt like I knew all the steps and my feet happily obliged in the starting of this school year dance. One of the things my school has never had before is a choir! I got to work advertizing, explaining, sending out permission slips and schedules, choosing music and preparing for this extra extra-curricular adventure to begin this month and was blown away with the response of over a hundred students signed up! Our first rehearsals have been full of excitement and fun and I am very much looking forward to our performances in December!
I have met a slew of new people, made some new friends this month and have also been more diligent about creating an exercise routine. My adventure dog, Pearl, and I go for a morning bike ride at sunrise and then again in the evening. In total it is usually under five miles, but my body enjoys the challenge and the benefits of exercise seep into my attitude and outlook enormously.
I think everyone can benefit from creating something new - Make a card and send it to a friend, or better yet, make a new friend, pot a happy plant inside or outside and enjoy its season, create a special time just for yourself, start a get together tradition or a game night. It doesn't have to be a huge undertaking or directing an elementary school choir for it to bring you great joy in the process of creating something new!
My second goal was to learn to like something new. I tried new kinds of wine at a Jazz on the Lawn festival and listened to new styles of music. I went to community festivals, riverfests and farmers markets this month. I met with all the new teachers at my school for a fun BBQ and established a new doctor in my local area. I met with a new friend at a new restaurant and even had a chance to try catfish for the first time with a group of old and new friends. I redeemed a gift certificate for an entire day at the dayspa and my body was so happy afterward! Pushing the known boundaries of our lives and making room for things that are new and unknown is such a healthy way to move forward through life. I hope that you will find something new to enjoy in the months ahead too!
Next month: October- Go BIG.
Remember these are not just mini-month long experiments, but things that I will continue to carry throughout the year. Next month I’ll continue to add to my growing list of ideas for how to live a happier life. Feel free to try them out with me!
How I've missed the opening of the "school season." The sharpening of pencils, posting of bulletin boards, fresh little faces, and lesson plan preparations. I had an entire school year off to rest, recharge and re-start my life and something about this month clicked me into place. I felt like I knew all the steps and my feet happily obliged in the starting of this school year dance. One of the things my school has never had before is a choir! I got to work advertizing, explaining, sending out permission slips and schedules, choosing music and preparing for this extra extra-curricular adventure to begin this month and was blown away with the response of over a hundred students signed up! Our first rehearsals have been full of excitement and fun and I am very much looking forward to our performances in December!
I have met a slew of new people, made some new friends this month and have also been more diligent about creating an exercise routine. My adventure dog, Pearl, and I go for a morning bike ride at sunrise and then again in the evening. In total it is usually under five miles, but my body enjoys the challenge and the benefits of exercise seep into my attitude and outlook enormously.
I think everyone can benefit from creating something new - Make a card and send it to a friend, or better yet, make a new friend, pot a happy plant inside or outside and enjoy its season, create a special time just for yourself, start a get together tradition or a game night. It doesn't have to be a huge undertaking or directing an elementary school choir for it to bring you great joy in the process of creating something new!
My second goal was to learn to like something new. I tried new kinds of wine at a Jazz on the Lawn festival and listened to new styles of music. I went to community festivals, riverfests and farmers markets this month. I met with all the new teachers at my school for a fun BBQ and established a new doctor in my local area. I met with a new friend at a new restaurant and even had a chance to try catfish for the first time with a group of old and new friends. I redeemed a gift certificate for an entire day at the dayspa and my body was so happy afterward! Pushing the known boundaries of our lives and making room for things that are new and unknown is such a healthy way to move forward through life. I hope that you will find something new to enjoy in the months ahead too!
Next month: October- Go BIG.
Remember these are not just mini-month long experiments, but things that I will continue to carry throughout the year. Next month I’ll continue to add to my growing list of ideas for how to live a happier life. Feel free to try them out with me!
- January: Be Sarah- I am already enough. Smile when you wake up. Keep on top of health, work, living arrangements, chores, activities, exercise and be grateful.
- February: Make mistakes. Do you best. Be Generous.
- March: Be present. Be Patient. Don’t settle for “I am here…” go for “Here I am!”
- April: Go somewhere new! Make some “I was here” footprints. Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle your setbacks.
- May: Be loving and love will come looking for you. Get creative with your life.
- June: Keep in touch with friends. Get outside!
- July: Be Fearless
- August: Explore; find Joy!
- September: Create something that wasn't there before. Learn to like something new.
- October: GO BIG!
