Happiness project: Step one

So this whole journey begins with a few lists. For those of you who know me well, you know this has already spiked my happiness meter. I am a lover of lists. So here we go.

First, a list of things that make me feel good, energized, or joyful:

• Anything to do with music (singing, dancing, playing, listening to my husband play guitar or piano.)
• Anything to do with water (pool, beach, watermark, sprinkler, shower)
• Soccer, or other running games with the kids
• Rough housing in most formats from pillow fights to kickboxing.
• Reading, writing, or watching a good story.
• Naps.
• Chocolate.

Secondly, I tried to list things that made me feel bad, angry, or bored. Surprisingly it was harder for me to pinpoint these things.

• Wasting good weather by staying inside.
• More than a movies worth of tv or video games.
• Constant picking up of toys.
• Arguing.
• Listening to the girls argue.

Next I made a list of things that feel "right" emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually. A list of things that aligned with my own values, morals, or lessons that I want for my family.

• Helping the less fortunate by donating time, money, or supplies.
• Giving, cooking, or entertaining for friends.
• Supporting Creation with "green" choices.
• Giving thanks.
• Helping animals.
• Spending quality time with friends and family.
• Modeling the type of person I would hope my children can respect and aspire to.

Lastly, I thought about ways to build an atmosphere of growth in my home. How can I improve on some of the things I mentioned above. In what ways can we learn, explore, teach, and help?

• Listen to my children. Delve into the questions they have about the world around us.
• Plan trips with or without an agenda.
• Family meetings .
• Expose ourselves to new situations and people.
• Travel to new places, or look at old places in a new way.
• Look closely at things, or look at the big picture.
• Take notes, make observations.
• Share experiences.
• Read.

NEXT STEP: Whatever this is.