a year of happy

finding happy in march

blooming buds
melting snow
a beautiful sunrise

early birds at play
children outside laughing
a brisk walk
signs of green

open windows
spring cleaning

quick storms
warm sunshine
a peaceful heart 


What has made
you happy in March?

how to be happy in february ...even after valentine's day

.
Looking for good in February
is a little bit easier than January.
At least it is for me.

The pressure of
new resolutions is off.
Spring is just around the corner.
And Valentine's Day
gives you something
to look forward to.

But what about
after Valentine's Day?

Do you find
that after day fourteen 
it's a bit of a let-down?

Here are some things
I've tried this February
to help me get happy...
and they seem to be working!


Look for something green.
.




.
Learn something new.
.





.
Eat something summery.
.




.
Think of something positive.
.

.
.

What are you doing
this February
to get happy?

Let's make a list!

how to be happy in january

Do you have a hard time
being happy in January?
I know I do.
I am basically
a warm weather person
from deep inside my heart
clear to the outermost
layer of my skin.

I'd much rather fight
the heat
than fight the cold.

But I live in Utah.
And Utah in the winter is very cold.
I was reminded of this
when I ran out to my driveway
this morning to pick up
my morning newspaper.

There was icy frost on my door
and my breath came out
in puffs in front of my face.
You know the kind of cold--
when the bitter air
freezes the tiny hairs
inside your nostrils.
(Sorry...but it does.)

Right now, I'm snuggled up
in a blanket
working at my computer...
and I said to myself,
"It's time to think of
something good
about January!"

Here's what I've come up with....

7 Things to Do to be Happy in January

1.    Eat oranges and grapefruits. Oranges and grapefruits are so juicy and sweet--they're better right now than any other time of the year. You can buy them by the box and eat all you want!

.

.

2. Take some children sledding. The only requirement is that you have to go down the hill at least once yourself! I promise you'll laugh just a little.

.

.

3. Plant an indoor herb garden. There's something kind-of liberating about going against nature and growing fresh herbs in the dead of winter! 

.

.

4. Go to bed early with a good book. You'd never do that in the summer, would you? I've got a new book I've just started--"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown. If all goes well, I'm going to bed early to read it tonight!

.

.

5. Look at your summer vacation pictures--and picture yourself on a beach somewhere, soaking up the sun. In November, as we sat on a beach in El Salvador, I remember thinking, "This will have to last me until spring!" Let's see if the memories help.

.

** It took a few pictures, but yes it works!

.

6. Do something nice for somebody else. December is full of gift-giving and kind deeds and secret service. I think that's a big reason it's the "happiest time of the year!" But who brings you cookies in January? Surprise someone, and see what happens!

.

.

7. Do something to improve your home. Clean out a cupboard, paint a wall, redecorate with some framed family photos. I promise it will lift your spirits--it sure does mine! I'm getting set to paint my bedroom (since I gave up on doing it before Christmas!) If you do, I highly recommend this handy gadget. It's a paint roller that lets you suck the paint right up into the handle. It's a no-mess way to paint--the easiest way that I've found.

.

.

Well that's my list for today--
I feel better already!

What's on your list of
ways to be happy in January?
Let me know your ideas...
I'd love to try them!