What Will Make You Happy This Year?

What Will Make You Happy This Year?

A colleague of mine shared with me an activity he did regularly that enabled him in a simple way to keep a track of the things that made him happy. For him it was a way of being conscious of the joy that surrounded him on a daily basis, a way of measuring even the little things that so often go unnoticed, a way of achieving goals for the soul.

I took the idea and created a simple "smilie face" on a sheet of paper (see below) and put on it those things that made me happy. I used some magnets to stick it to the refrigerator in my kitchen and set about adding a mark every time I completed one of these activities. I got a real boost each time I could mark something off and whilst doing so was able to reflect on those that were looking a little lonely and needed some attention. 

Having started 9 months earlier, it was in October 2012 when I realized how important to my life this simple activity had been and how consciously grateful I was for it. One of the activities I had listed was "R&C(Rum n Coke) with Dad". Every Friday I was in town I would finish work and call in to see my Dad and my Step-mum on the way home for a couple of drinks and something to eat. October 5, 2012 Dad passed away suddenly and without warning at the age of 75 years young. 

Life is very busy for most of us and no-one knows whats waiting for us around the next corner with any real certainty. I know that I was very grateful to my colleague for sharing his activity with me, grateful that I had put my plan into action enabling me to spend quality time with my Dad. Having recently arrived in the U.S. from "downunder" I celebrated my first Thanksgiving and after dinner we spent some time reflecting on what we were grateful for. Could your Thanksgiving be enriched a little more consciously this year? 

(Beginning of 2012)

So take the time to "smell the roses" you'll be glad you did! Happy New Year.