Recipe to activate your happy-ability

1. Take five deep, slow breaths.
2. Identify five people you enjoy.
   1. Mix gently: Say the names of your 5 people as you take another 5 breaths.
3. Identify one trait you especially enjoy sharing with each person
   1. Combine: Say the name and trait as you take another 5 breaths.
4. Savor the results!

The best things you can do for yourself are usually free.

Activate your happy-ability!

Yesterday, after publishing Day 3, I was inspired to prepare breakfast for myself and my husband. I peeled a potato, sliced an onion, dashed some seasonings and placed them in a frying pan; put on some bacon in another pan; mixed 3 eggs with milk and some mustard; took the last of the waffles out of the freezer; set the table. A few moments later we were sharing the good times!

As we enjoyed breakfast, we realized there were small flakes falling outside our window. This is the first snow we have seen, except on the Cascade mountains in the distance. When it’s out our window, it’s like having a winter vacation come to our door! It snowed most of the day. In fact the snow showers have fallen through the night. (It’s 3 a.m. now). It was a lovely day!

I want to choose what feels good to me and continue to leave behind what feels awkward.

Sometimes I am aware of emotions that are uncomfortable.

Although I was delighted with the snow, I also was aware that Monday I planned to drive some 30 miles, drop off my car for an all-day maintenance, drive a loaner car back and return at the end of the day. I felt uneasy to drive in the snow back and forth. I could sense the uncomfortable feeling pushing against the delight of the beautiful snow experience! It was low-grade, but I knew if this emotion were left unattended it could grow to fear. I STOPPED. Just cancel! Pause. There. The maintenance can be rescheduled. I could rejoin the joy of living without uneasiness. Good common sense! Good use of time. I imagine the following quote can be used for fear also:

 “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are many ways to change your direction when uneasy emotions send alerts!

• Get up and move to another room or open the door and go outside.
• Stop and look for a better-feeling emotion to arise within you before you act.
• Ask yourself, what would allow you to feel better?
• Change your mind about plans that feel uncomfortable.
• Be true to yourself. Love yourself enough to refrain from doing things that feel bad to you. Don’t do things just to accommodate others. Teach yourself to STOP. Then choose an action that feels better, refreshing, even fun!

Each day there is a banquet of adventures awaiting you. Choose people, places and actions that feel good. Enjoy!

GETTING TO HAPPY: LEARNING TO READ EMOTIONAL MESSAGES Your Audio Book is waiting for you. Look here!