The Treasure of Being Happy

Happiness - 40 Days of Thankfulness

National Win with Civility Day

Sort of goes along with Happiness Happens Month doesn’t it?

As Ogden Nash put it:

Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;
Whenever you’re right, shut up.

No matter what Charlie Sheen thinks, it’s not all about WINNING! And when it is, then best to do it in a nice way. With the lack of real confidence that many people have today, it would be so easy to win being a meany. But why make yourself look bad?

Happiness Happens Month – It always makes me feel happy to treat others with respect instead of getting angry or frustrated. Which is sometimes why “work” is called “work”.

Fear Factor

Fear is a powerful thing. It can stop you in your tracks even when you so desperately want to move forward. From another’s perspective, your fear may seem silly. Fear of flying, of insects, of mother in laws all seem like small blips to me, yet to others these are mortifying paralyzing fears. I admit, I have many fears and they have shaped my life for both good and bad. My biggest fear right now isn’t a gray hair or wrinkle, the future or loss. My mortal enemy that stops me in my tracks is my sewing machine.

I have been so afraid of my sewing machine, but I have met my fears head on letting the critic inside me have her say and still moving on. Through frustration, disappointment and even a few curing matches with the machine, I prevail a little more every day. In fact, giving myself permission to make mistakes and not be perfect, yet still trying (and retrying) my best, I am winning this fear factor battle.

My latest step to conquering my fear has been repurposing a pillowcase. I was inspired by Betz White, but Penny Carnival has a cool idea too using a real pattern. My sewing machine is a pretty basic model, so I couldn’t adjust the bobbin tension to use elasticized thread. Instead I used ½” elastic along the top and under the bustline to create sort of an empire waist. I was so proud of myself adding the ribbon trim and getting the hems straight, even though it isn’t perfect. I tapered the bust area and left the bottom wider to fit my curves. The flower is from Joann’s (on sale) and was just too cute to pass up.

This was my second attempt and something I really enjoy. With each experiment, I am getting more confident with my sewing and falling in love with the items I make and the skills I am acquiring. I am starting to love my sewing machine and respect its power. Next fear to conquer … snorkeling (I get all claustrophobic).

Happiness Happens Month Quote - Sewing mends the soul (and makes me very happy). ~Author Unknown

What Makes You Happy? – Happiness Happens Month

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy---Anne Frank

For instance, lovable puppies and all the joy they bring. Happy 3^rd Birthday to my little Millefiori!

I just had to pull in another Anne Frank quote for the

Secret Society of Happy People’s Happiness Happens Month. The Society has declared the three following purposes for this month:

• Recognize and express happiness

• Listen to others talk about their happiness

• Don’t rain on other people’s parades

We all may feel a little challenged by happiness, but this would be a great time to make a conscious effort to be happy. I used to feel that happiness was something that hinged on outside forces and it was a goal, not really a state of living. For the past couple of days, I’ve been thinking about happiness and believe that for me, happiness is that wonderful time when I am truly content with the here and now. I put aside the chatter that says, “I’ll be happier when I have more money (time, love, things, health, drama, less weight, etc.) When I did this, I realized I am a pretty happy person.

So my goal is that each day when I meditate, I will focus on something that makes me very happy and content in my life. What makes me happy today: Knowing that I am already very happy.