Sunshine and Sippy Cups

I want to share an awesome post today, from one of my very favorite websites – www.marcandangel.com – “Practical Tips for Productive Living”. It’s called 50 Ways to Nurture Your Happiness. Seriously take a minute to sign up for their email updates – every post is so inspirational, motivating, and moving. Today’s post is about how to nurture your happiness – which as busy moms, is something we tend to forget about. Yes, you are a mom, and your family is your top priority. But you’re still “you”, too. And we all know, that in any home, if momma ain’t happy, no one’s happy, lol. Read more, and start your day energized and ready to take on the world….

Decide to be happy. It’s good for your health.

The happiest people I know appreciate what they have, keep an open mind to new ideas and ventures, use their leisure time as a means of self development, and love good music, good books, good pictures, good company and good conversation. In other words, they do small things every day to nurture their happiness. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. Anything that helps you feel more positive and joyful is self-nurturing. The result? A happier, healthier you. Here are 50 simple ideas to get you started with nurturing your happiness.

1. Act like today is already an awesome day. – Do so, and it will be. Research shows that although we think that we act because of the way we feel, in fact we often feel because of the way we act. A great attitude always leads to great experiences. Read The How of Happiness.
2. Make yourself smile first thing in the morning. – It’s difficult to feel down when your face is happy. Fill your bathroom or bedroom mirror with post-it notes of your favorite quotes, goals, mantras, photos, etc., and then reflect on them for a minute or two when you first wake up.
3. Spend time with people who make you smile. – Who nourishes and supports you? Surround yourself with these people. Spend time with those who reflect the person you want to be – people who do good things and make your life a little brighter simply by being in it.

Love it? There are 47 more amazing tips in this post – find the rest in the original article, 50 Ways to Nurture Your Happiness. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too, for daily doses of inspiration.

10 Ways I Will Nurture My Happiness Today

Inspired by this article, I made a list of 10 things that I will commit to doing today, to bring some sunshine into my life. I encourage you to make a quick list today too – heck, why not make one every day! – and I’d love to hear what you come up with. Post a comment below, or on my Facebook page, letting me know what 10 things you come up with!

1. Take a deep breath. I’ve been up, working at the computer, since 6am. I didn’t go to bed until almost 1am. I’m tired. Very tired. But – I will go outside, to the garden, and take a few big deep breaths. I will shake off that tired, grumpy feeling, and energize myself for the work I have to accomplish today.
2. Practice gratitude. It’s so easy, when life is stressful, to forget about all of the amazing things in life to be happy about. Each hour today I will find one thing to be grateful for, and take a moment to appreciate it.
3. I will use the “good” creamer. I’m on the Nutrisystem plan, and love it. I’m seeing some success already, which motivates me to work harder. But today, I will give myself a little treat – instead of coffee with only skim milk, I will use the super yummy Cinnamon Bun creamer in the fridge. {A little treat won’t hurt!}
4. I will read the whole newspaper. I usually rush through it, in a hurry to get back to work and household tasks. Today I will give myself enough time to read the articles that interest me, let them inspire and educate me, and just relax for a little bit. I work too much most days.
5. I will take play-breaks. I work from home, which is an awesome blessing, since I have a 20-month old little girl. But sometimes, it’s a struggle finding balance between being a mom all day, and being the boss all day. I will make sure to take more mini-breaks today for silly dance parties and building with blocks. It makes me smile, which will make my workload easier.
6. I will bring in flowers. We have a few early spring buds blooming in my garden. I will cut just a couple, put them in a small vase, and set them on my desk. Flowers make me happy.
7. I will put on lip gloss and accessories. I hate that I get into such a frump-mom rut sometimes. Since I work here at home, I don’t even need pants to go to work if I don’t want to, lol. But getting pretty, even if it’s only the fam who sees me, makes me feel better. Who feels glum with sparkly earrings, right?
8. I will light some candles. The house is a bit of mess, but lighting some candles somehow makes everything seem a little better. It smells fresher, the dancing light – even during the day – makes things a little more festive. And I love festive.
9. I will take a bubble bath. This is my favorite thing, and we have a big jacuzzi tub too. I always feel like I don’t have enough time to enjoy a bath – but today, I will grab my little one, and let her indulge her love of “baaa-bubbles” in a fun bedtime bath with momma.
10. I will give hugs and kisses. A nighttime snuggle from my little girl is the best-est thing in my world. Tonight I will make sure to be fully present, and appreciate that moment that ends my day.

Make sure to share your list with me – whether it’s 3 things you’ll do today, 20, or just one simple change you’ll commit to, to make your day brighter – I would LOVE to hear them! Share in a comment or on Facebook – and have a wonderful day!

Life is good. And it’s good to remember that….

{Photo credit to: Scarleth White. Original post by MarcandAngel.com. Tips, thoughts, and opinions inspired by the post are 100% my own.}