Secret to happiness

#11- Don't be normal.

Everyday is a revolution. 

A chance to completely change the way we normally do things.

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Every day that we are alive is a chance that we have to turn everything we know upside down and do something different.  By default the norm is set to keep our minds focused on self pretty much 24/7.  I really believe that if more people would make the choice to quit the norm and instead start their days intentionally looking for 1 person that they could help in some way, the result would be happier people all around.  It doesn't matter who you are, or what you've done, you have the opportunity to bless someone else. How cool is that!

Happiness, joy + fulfillment comes when we can stop being completely consumed with ourselves + start opening our eyes to who needs love around us. There is always going to be someone. Maybe they need money for gas, a night of babysitting, encouragement, or just someone to pray for them. And how great is it that we don't have to be a super talented person to be able to do this. If you are alive + breathing then you are more than qualified.

Ditch the norm. Be intentional about being mindful of others. Watch for opportunities. Be willing to be inconvienced + step away from the busyness. While Jesus was here on earth he was constantly going places, doing things, but when someone needed help He was always willing to stop when he was interrupted. His job  life was loving people. That should be ours too.
The happiest people are the most unselfish people. {"Don't pray + ask God to do something that you can do yourself"} -Joyce Meyer

So here is the challenge: Tell yourself this everyday...

Today I will not go to bed until I've helped/encouraged/loved someone.

a new secret

#10 - Soaking in the little things

This weekend my baby turns 2 and yes I am having one of those sentimental mom moments where I sit and wonder how it happened so fast. There's no turning back time, all those little moments have come and gone.

Reminds me of how important it is to really soak it in.

Enjoy it while it's happening.

Things like...

Finding little crayola masterpieces on my tile floor.

Turtle hunts in the backyard with a flashlight.

A surprise squeeze from Stephen in the morning

Sweet daily check-in messages from friends.

Eating ice cream for lunch.

Baby Linnea's contagious toothless grin.

The way Skylar says "thank you mommy" melts me every time.

Having exciting news and running to call mom & dad.

Watching Micah take the big leap off the board for the first time.

Taking the plunge myself and feeling like I'm 8 all over again.

Don't forget to soak it in!

be all there.

#9. Slow down, open wide and taste life.

This post is really kind of a note to self as I am prone to becoming overwhelmed with the busyness of life. I often forget that I don't need more time to manage it all. I just need to make sure I'm spending time with the source of it all. I need to be refilled every single day. I need Jesus. I need to fill up or I'm left empty and burnt out.

When I stop stressing over fitting it all in and really take in each moment here now in the present, that's when I feel like I'm really living. happiness = no more hurry, slow it down, be thankful for each moment and really live them.

"Wherever you are, be all there."

Jim Elliot

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secret #8

#8. filling the empty spaces

Every so often I feel the urgent need to reevaluate my life and sort of clean house.

Cut out the energy wasters, all the things in my life that are just time fillers and aren't really bringing any good. Or I need to tend to the parts that are holding me back from getting to where I want to be.

In John 15 Jesus talks about how His Father is the gardener who cuts off the branches that are not bearing fruit and tends to the ones that are so that they can produce even more.  If you say that you love Jesus and are following Him but you aren't seeing any fruit in your life then maybe it's time for some pruning.

And after that's done ask yourself,

"What am I filling myself up with everyday?" 

 We all are filling the empty spaces with something. But is it something that's going to  change you, help you to grow, and truly fill you up and be something that you want to pour out to others? Is it going to bring you real lasting joy?

If you have any knots choking you from the vine (Jesus) tend it! We are meant to live fruitful meaningful lives.

 Be careful what you are filling up on.

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Secret #7

#7. Live inside out.

Everything we are inside is obvious from the outside.

It pours out in everything we say and do.

So be the same person no matter who's watching.

"Life becomes so much simpler when there aren't so many costume changes." Beth Moore

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Secret #6

# 6. Making others happy.

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others,

cannot keep it from themselves.

- James M. Barrie

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What is your favorite way

to make someone else happy?

My favorites are back scratches, snail mail and yummy food. For giving and recieving. :)

secret #5

#5- the way up is to take a step down. humility

"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all." William Temple

It's when we empty ourselves that we are filled.

Secret #4

#4- Never losing faith

 Sometimes God has to bring you through a painful path

to get you to the place where you're supposed to be.

 Understand that even in the darkest times

God is at work to bring about His good.

Even in the darkness, trust Him because

He is always faithful.

Secret #3

#3- be self-less

Put others before yourself and

you’ll be happy for a lifetime.

I would give up anything just to see you smile.

secret #2

#2- Choose joy

Some days we won't feel it, but we have to choose it.

P.S.-happy birthday mama!
I love you.

secret #1

 

#1-  cherish what you have