10 Ways to Have a Happier Day

Feel stressed?  Overwhelmed?  Sad?  Heavy?
Having quit my job and left my 9-5 behind, here are the biggest lessons that I have found bring lightness, smiles, and happiness to life.  

1. Spend time Cloud and Star Gazing.  Bask in the bigness of it.  Look for constellations and funny shaped cloud.  Remind yourself of how little you are in the scheme of things.  
2. Breathe in special moments.  Remind yourself how grateful you are for enjoying the little moments in life.  The giggles of your kids, that hilarious lunch moment....Pause from the stress and really appreciate those favorite parts of your day.
3. Challenge Yourself.  This can be physically via a hard workout, by reading about a topic that you were uneducated in, or by trying a new activity.  By expanding your horizons daily your self confidence blossoms,  your desire to try more grows, and you may find yourself stronger than you imagined.   Growth only happens when we are challenged.
4. Play! Take a bike ride.  Go on the swings.  Jump on a skateboard.  Plunge off the diving board.  These things don't get less fun as you age.  Splurge.  Enjoy playing some.
5. Compliment others.  Tell a stranger that they look lovely in their dress or sincerely thank a server for their committed job.   People like to feel good.  Sometimes people need it more than you realize.  And it always feels good to say a nice word to others.  So if you are thinking a kind thought- share it!
6. Do something for yourself everyday.  It may be writing, yoga, or baking...but make sure to commit a little time each day to doing something that fills your soul with solace.
7. Laugh with a loved one.  Be silly.  Let them anti-serious your day with giggles.  Not around anyone in person?  Try it via phone calls, video messages, and even with aptly written text convos.  Be sure to get in some laughs though...it lifts both of your spirits, it tightens your bond, and brings some love into each of your lives.
8. Appreciate the beauty around you.  The light rain, a gorgeous garden you walk past daily, a fancy ass house, a pretty butterfly... Notice it.  Take a second to appreciate it with all your senses.
9. Spend some time being honest with yourself.  What are your goals?  Are you doing all you can to work towards them?  Spend some time alone, taking in the task of self care, self love, and self evaluation.  If you don't do this- no one will for you.
10. Say thanks.  Each night remind yourself of your favorite 3 things from the day.  The things you were grateful for seeing and doing.  Thank others for the kindness they brought into your life- the food they made or services rendered.  The more you send thanks out, the more you will realize how many great things fill your life.

Give them a try and let me know what I am forgetting!