22 Things Happy People Do Differently

I recently found this list and thought I'd share it.   A lot of it rings true.   I gave my two cents about a few of the topics and put my thoughts in purple font.

1. They don’t hold grudges.
Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.  This is a difficult one for me...there are a few people from my past that make it very difficult to forgive and forget.  I have to admit though, the negative feelings I have are no where near as severe as they used to be.

2. They treat everyone with kindness.

Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.

3. They see problems as challenges.

The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.
That being said...weight loss is quite the challenge.

4. They express gratitude for what they already have.

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.

5. They dream big.

People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.

6. They don’t sweat the small stuff.

Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.
I definitely have a difficult time with this piece of advice.   I take everything at work super duper seriously when I could let more things go.  

7. They speak well of others.

Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.

8. They never make excuses.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.

9. They get absorbed into the present.

Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.

10. They wake up at the same time every morning.

Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.  Yikes...this one is tricky...especially on weekends and when I have time off.

11. They avoid social comparison.

Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.  It's too bad that human beings seem to automatically do this!

12. They choose friends wisely.

Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.

13. They never seek approval from others.

Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.

14. They take the time to listen.

Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.

15. They nurture social relationships.

A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.

16. They meditate.  (I'd include prayer here too if I was the original author of the list.)

Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.

17. They eat well.

Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.

18. They exercise.

Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your Self Improvement and gives you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.

19. They live minimally.

Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.

20. They tell the truth.

Lying stresses you out, corrodes your Self Improvement, and makes you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.

21. They establish personal control.

Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth. 

22. They accept what cannot be changed.

Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you can control and change it for the better.  They also don't accept what CAN be changed...aka weight loss and healthy habits.

Drama, Drama

I only have about 20 minutes, let's see what I can get written down before I jet off to Johnston, IA.

The dieting has somewhat derailed.   Been eating out a lot and not hitting the gym much.   I hope that next week (Spring Break) helps with my food choices and physical activity levels.   I want to try some more recipes and organize meals for upcoming weeks.   Work has been stressful and very busy so I'm not shocked that I put my health and eating habits on the back burner.   It happens regularly each semester.   My summer will also be more busy as I'm teaching for both DMACC and ISU and running the summer camp program.   It makes me wish I had a personal assistant or something so I don't lose ground with home life and my personal goals.  

The drama-themed title relates to church.   Receive an email today from our pastor explaining that I can no longer teach Sunday School.   I'm not shocked or surprised.   My lifestyle and choice to live with Jon does not match the leadership qualities they need for the education portion of church.   It was honestly hard to teach each Sunday with my weekday stress.   Hopefully the next person does well and is able to "keep the job".  I really hope they don't expect all these exemptions, restrictions, and judgments to push Jon and I into marriage faster.   I am able to just shrug things off usually.   I can tell that a lot of these church issues are really irritating Jon.   We have enough "crap" and stress at work.   It sucks that church has to be filled with the same.

I'm pleased to announce that I'll be flying off to Michigan in May.  Going to spend a quick weekend visiting Nicole as a treat after the semester ends.   I was pleased by the price as it's quite affordable to go see her...maybe I should try to do it twice a year.  

Sadly time is against me right now...need to hit the road so I'm not late for a meeting.  

Health-Related Update

Greetings:

I'll probably divide my blogging into parts so I don't create a novel.  

Sadly the dieting is not going well.   We've hit a period of time filled with eating out and impulsive choices.   I can tell I'm feeling worse lately because of those dietary choices.   I haven't been to Weight Watchers for a while either for two reasons:

• My work schedule on Wednesday afternoons hasn't been great and I'm not leaving Ames on time
• I know I've gained weight and I don't feel like having Weight Watchers personnel tell me it

I'll have to bite the bullet soon and hear the number.  I did have bloodwork recently done and liked most of the numbers.   I had a few improvements from 2012.

Triglyercides:   239 in 2012    160 in 2013   (supposed to be between 0-250)
Cholesterol:  198 in 2012        184 in 2013   (supposed to be between 50-200)
HDL:     56 in 2012        55 in 2013 (supposed to be greater than 40)
LDL:  94 in 2012               97 in 2013 (supposed to be between 60-130)

I was so happy to see the change with my triglycerides.   I hope to continue to see my overall cholesterol drop.   My blood gluclose was a little higher than what is encouraged.   I'm going to get checked out again in 6 months to make sure my blood sugar is not out of whack and sending me down Diabete's Lane. 

I'll blog again soon to give an update about other pieces of life.   The stress of the semester is officially kicking in...yippee!!


       

Can't Even Think of a Decent Title

I turned my computer on about an hour ago with all kinds of motivation to blog.   After making myself some food, doing two loads of laundry, loading the dishwasher, and taking out the trash...my energy is much lower.   I'll try to sum up my week though and it may be brief.

Swim & Gym started.   We are at maximal capacity.  39 kids.   (We have usually had around 20 in the past years.)   It's awesome that we are full....word-of-mouth has really been helping the program.   A lot of home-school families enjoy the program and it provides PE for their children.   I had to make some changes in regards to employees and volunteers.   Our budget isn't fantastic.   I basically charge enough to pay the general cost (life guard, a couple paid positions, etc.).   It's not designed to make a giant profit.  I only pay two assistants to help me and everyone else is a volunteer.    The amount of PE majors taking the initiative to help is pitiful.   Fortunately students from other majors in Kinesiology have come forward in addition to some education majors.   I could handle having a couple more because our swimming lessons need a little more assistance.   With the amount of "new" helpers that had no idea that Swim & Gym existed before, I am doing a lot of the work myself.   It's a lot of running around on Tuesdays and Thursdays.   I know things will get better as we progress into the program and we find our groove.   I'll also figure out which of my volunteers are dependable and can handle more responsiblitiy.   I do have a grad student as an assistant too.   I won't get into that tonight.   I'm not impressed.

One nifty aspect of Swim & Gym is that really helps me earn activity points.   I earned 8 points on Tuesday.   I earned another 8 points tonight.   It's from teaching in the morning and being on my feet most of the afternoon.   I had considered going to the gym after Swim & Gym but that won't be necessary.   I wouldn't have the energy anyway.

Due to my schedule on Wednesday, I didn't get to Weight Watchers.   I'm hoping to stop in tomorrow night or Saturday morning.   I haven't been a perfect eater.   I had Taco John's this week.   I felt horrible afterwards.   I haven't been tracking well either.   I did track today though.  

We have kind of a busy weekend too.   Having dinner with a couple from church on Friday night.   An ISU game on Saturday and hopefully a quick stop at Sam's Club.   Church on Sunday.   Valentine's Dinner at Church Sunday night.   Grateful I don't have a lot of work to do over the weekend.  

This is longer than I anticipated.    Hopefully I can log on again this weekend to announce I have a weight loss. 

February Update

Greetings:

It's time for an update.   It also helps that I'm sitting at my parents' house and pleasantly have nothing to do.  Didn't need to bring work with me and my email duties are already done for the day.   I weighed in on Wednesday and was surprisingly disappointed that I had gained a pound.   I say it was a surprise due to the fact that both Jon and I worked out more and I was mindful with my food tracking.   The leader reminded me that I should be using some of my extra points and eating protein to help my body recover from workouts.  I'm trying to be better with that this week.   Being back in full gear with work has really helped with my activity points.   Most days I'm reaching 100% with my ActiveLink or going past 100%.   That means I usually earn 3-4 extra food points a day and those accumulate throughout the week if I need extra points for meals.  I've been trying to not use any of those extra activity points and I usually don't feel like I need to either.    I'm going to try to sneak in more yogurt.   I'm already eating a ton of eggs as omelets are a common food for me.   I'm also trying to keep some deli chicken in the house as it's wonderful on sandwiches.  It's a pesto chicken breast.   Hy-Vee slices it for sandwiches and sells it at their deli.   It's a tad bit pricey but worth it. 

Working out has been enjoyable but I have to admit the crowds at the gym suck.   It's only happened once but I had to stand around and wait for cardio equipment.   Jon and I are trying to be logical with the time we visit the gym.   My hatred of the elipitical is officially gone.   It's been easier to bump up  my time on the machine to about 40 minutes of continuous "elipticalling".   I was always amazed with how fast some people go on them (especially women).  I've been nosy and looked at some of their set-ups.   I could go a million miles an hour too if the resistance was set at 1.   I always aim for 4 to 7 as a resistance.  Oh well, whatever burns calories for people.   I've only been focusing on cardio in the recent weeks but do need to spend some time with the weight machines.   My arm feels almost 100% so doing upper body work isn't so worrisome.   My butt is still rather bruised and tender though but luckily it doesn't affect how I walk or move.   Only hurts when I sit too long or lay too long. 

I didn't reach my goal of being down 20 lbs by the end of January.   I'm extending the goal to the end of February.   I'm officially down 16 lbs due to last week's gain.   My body is always so tricky when it comes to losing the first 20.   It usually causes me to fall off the wagon but fortunately that's  not the case this time around. 

I don't really have any recipes to share as the meals we tried last week weren't that great.   I found out that Jon isn't a great fan of cilantro.   The different version of chicken chili wasn't as great as our original taco chicken chili.   I also made stuffed green peppers and wasn't very impressed with them either.   Oh well.   I have other things to try that hopefully appeal to us.

Stay warm!  Happy Groundhog's Day!

Dusted off the Treadmill

Woohoo!

I knew I wanted to work out tonight after work.  The cold temps made it quite undesirable to go to the gym across town.   I plugged in the treadmill, checked the good ol heart rate monitor, and did a short workout.   I was able to jog for 30 minutes straight!   It did help that I had a movie on the TV...I've found the TVs on the elipticals at the gym distract me nicely too.  It still blows my mind that people can read while using an eliptical or treadmill.  

I was also pleased how quickly that "runner's high" feeling kicked in too.  I'm sure my attitude helped how I felt during the run.   I was anxious to do it and not dreading it.   I'm going to head upstairs and eat some of our leftover chili so I can finish this movie without starving.  (I'm watching the sequel to "Elizabeth".)

Stay warm!!

Chicken Taco Chili

I'm not a huge chili fan but I wanted to share this recipe.   I do really like this version of the chili and it makes for a great meal.   We snacked on it a lot this weekend.   We use Fritos Scoops to make it more of a dip at times.    I think Jon added some cheese on top of his and the recipe states you can add sour cream too.   A very easy crock pot meal!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/11/crock-pot-chicken-taco-chili-4-pts.html

 I need to look at the Skinny Taste website more often.   Lots of good recipes there.