For various reasons, 2016 has not been a good year for a lot of people. It has been so bad, in fact, that the positive energy building for people's expectations for 2017 is palpable!
I have lost count of how many locals are having huge family gatherings for Christmas. The last few years have been different, with many people "having a quiet one".
Adoring Husband and I are having a "quiet one" this year.
The energy in our town is charged with vibrant, positive happiness. It's lovely!
So I was thinking of things that we can do to start 2017 in a way that brings you happiness and self love. Changing the way that we care for ourselves proactively.
Make a list of all the small things that do, or could, bring you pleasure.
- Eating lunch outside
- Taking 15 minutes during the morning for coffee and a good book
- Sliding in between crisp clean sheets
- A long relaxing bubble bath
- Spend 15 minutes playing your favourite music and dancing around the room
- Baking your favourite muffins
- Writing a letter or receiving a hand written letter
- Singing REALLY loud when you're alone in your car
- Watching your favourite movie on dvd or Netflix
- Buying yourself fresh flowers to display in your favourite vase
- Enjoying an afternoon nap
- Phoning a friend for a leisurely catch up
- Watching a sunset or sunrise
- Bringing a smile to somebody's face
- Walking along the beach with bare feet and splashing in the shallows
- Picnic at the park
- Talking to the dog (or cat)
- Creating art with the grandkids
- Relaxing in bed after you wake up and planning your happy day
- Meditate
- Stretch
- Start a 'gratitude' journal
- Plan a trip with friends
- Stroll around your garden
- Go through your old photo albums
- Visit a friend or neighbour
- Browse your recipe books and find something easy and delicious to make
- Go for a swim
- Take yourself on a solo date
- Tell somebody you care about, what makes them special to you
- Be kind to yourself - look in the mirror and tell yourself what makes YOU special
- Doodling
- Have a 'no housework' day
- Give yourself a manicure or pedicure (or shout yourself a professional one)
- Go to the markets
- Walk around the block
- Make a jug of water infused with your favourite fruit and drink it during the day
- Eat your favourite dessert (any time of the day)
- Diffuse your favourite essential oil
- Spend time on your favourite craft or hobby
For the next 100 days, do ONE thing off your list every day. It might be the same thing three days in a row - it doesn't matter - as long as you do something that makes YOU happy.
It might only be for ten minutes of the day.
It might be an entire day for just you.
Be mindful. Be in the moment. Feel your happiness. No ... I mean REALLY FEEL it!
It's easy to take those happy, self indulgent moments for granted and they pass by without even being acknowledged. They are much more enjoyable and much more therapeutic when you soak it up.
I enjoyed a relaxed and happy coffee morning with the girls today, was productive at my desk and this afternoon Adoring Husband and I soaked up some sunshine, felt the sand between our toes and the wind in our hair as we walked along the beach hand in hand.
It was a glorious afternoon with lots of people swimming in the warm water and we were greeted by plenty of friendly dogs and puppies along the way.
I was grateful for some more time at my desk before preparing an easy dinner of leftover lamb shanks for Adoring Husband, while I enjoyed a toasted ham and salad sandwich. We opened and sliced our Christmas ham at lunch today. Yum!
A nice early night for me tonight. We have a BIG day planned for tomorrow, including an appointment with the financial advisor, lunch with the Best Cousin in the World and a movie date with AH to see 'Rogue One', among other things.
Have a lovely Wednesday!
Nite all.
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