As I reviewed the spring/summer schedule, I wanted to be sure that I wasn't falling into the trap of doing too much of what I think I am supposed to do versus what I want to do. That's an easy trap to fall into if you don't take the time to think about what truly makes you happy. So, what's on your happy list, and how can you make that happen more often?
Friends and family
Adventures with good friends and family members top my happiness list. I love to explore new, beautiful places with people I love. I also love entertaining people I love with wonderful meals and time to connect.
Adventure and exploration
I love to explore beautiful places old and new.
Great movies and shows
A great movie or show truly takes me away, makes me think, and gives me great pleasure.
Cooking
I love to cook delicious foods and try out new recipes.
Shopping
I enjoy shopping for gifts for people I love.
Creating
I love to make things, and this includes creating a garden.
Research
I truly enjoy researching issues of need or interest. I like what good knowledge can do to enrich and enhance any situation.
Advocacy
I enjoy working for betterment to help improve lives.
Children and teaching
I enjoy teaching children.
Parties and celebrations
I love planning and taking part in meaningful parties and celebrations.
Reading, writing, drawing, playing Scrabble
These are amongst my favorite pasttimes
My happiness list is quite simple and not too different from the lists of many. I'll use this list to make sure that my spring/summer plans are a good match. As I think of this list, it's also good to know those activities that are your least favorite so that you can work around that as much as possible. On my list are the following:
Paperwork
I try to streamline our family paperwork as much as possible by keeping things simple.
Repetition
I'm not a big fan of repetition in most ways, and try to create a sense of exploration and novelty to anything I do.
Dull events
I don't like to waste my time at events that are dull for me.
Conflict and problems
I like peaceful situations and as much as possible try to avoid conflict and problems
Complexity
I like to live in simple surroundings with few things and not a lot of complexity.
Creating a good life means recognizing what makes you happy and also what confounds and confuses life. This helps us to choose well. Onward.