Hallelujah (The Happiness Agenda)

I've been searching for the secrets to happiness. 

Aren't we all?

It's an intriguing subject.  We could all go on for hours listing things that make us feel happy.  And the list would be a little different for each of us.  But most of us have learned that things don't provide a true and lasting happiness.  You can collect beautiful things, eat delicious foods, hang with cool people, take fancy vacations and still not feel content.

Doesn't it seem sometimes like Happiness is a secret place we strive to reach?  We've studied the map.  We're sure we know how to get to our destination, but...
No matter how hard we try, we keep getting waylaid, or hitting road blocks.
 
Just when we think everything is going good ~ something happens to suck the joy right out of our day.
 
If only there was a secret technique to eliminating sadness, fear and anxiety.

A way to live a life free of pain, heartache and troubles.

I haven't found one. . .

But I do believe the secret to feeling genuine happiness is not living a life free of these struggles.  That happiness remains in spite of our troubles.  We can't expect to live a perfect life.  I mean, COME ON.  Let's just be real.  There will be tough days, and sick days, flat tires and dead batteries, arguments with spouses and children, disappointments at every turn. 

I don't have a perfect life, a house filled with expensive things, a perfect job or family...  And that's okay.  (I'll keep trying!)  But I do have countless moments of joy...even amidst the chaos.

So, when things feel especially hard and I'm finding it difficult to smile, I just remind myself that when I'm overwhelmed, and tired and weary...He carries me...and I think...

Hallelujah

Sherry

We would love for you to follow along!

Continue Reading ...

Happiness Agenda ~ Where do you rank?

Pondered Primed Perfected is embarking on a journey. It's been titled The Happiness Agenda.

This journey will examine what factors may help each of us as individuals flourish and feel content. 

(I'm not a Psychologist, Doctor, Scientist, or Scholar.  I'm just curious, aren't you?) 

Wanna see what I've been up to?

I have been taking some interesting Happiness Tests at *Positive Psychology's website **Authentic Happiness

  

Go register and take the tests that interest you!  Just click the Authentic Happiness link above to get started.  

I would love for you to share your results or ideas in the comments section at the bottom of this post if you feel comfortable doing so.

And some recent images from my life....



A friend once told me that I could post about anything, even if it was just about my grass growing, and she would be happy.  Well, I don't think she meant it literally, but it certainly made me feel good to hear it! 

*Have positive people in your life, they certainly up the "happiness factor".

  

Our dog, Sadie, has enriched our lives in more ways than we can count.  She's sunbathing here.  She looks so sweet and innocent.  You'd never guess she dumped me on my face recently at football practice, would you!?  It definitely brought a laugh!  OMG, I love her.

*Having a pet can enrich daily life and diminish feelings of loneliness.

   

Watching my children go all out and succeed at something is definitely one of my biggest happiness triggers, and it's just as rewarding for them to work hard at something and succeed.

*Do something you're good at and enjoy; that is a reliable happiness inducer.

 

Our son being congratulated *briskly* by his teammates for running a touchdown! 

*Be part of something that serves a purpose higher than your individual needs and desires.  Kind of like team sports...do it for the team!  If you aren't athletic you could volunteer for a cause that you find important. 
So many ways to go here, if you think about it. 

  I'm using these mini pumpkins as fall decor.  Their color alone brings a smile to my face, they are adorable.  Eventually the little kids will decorate them and take them home with a smile on their faces!  (The pumpkins AND the kids! lol)

*Surround yourself with things that make you happy.

I like to bring some Nature inside for decorating.  Isn't this fall foliage pretty in my little green creamer?

*Enjoy Nature.  It's free!  And it comes loaded with fresh air, inspiring colors and natural wonders.

 

Two things:  A sweet gesture from a friend, and a sweet magazine to get lost in.

*Appreciate the "little things" in life.

  

Vitamin C...I changed the chalkboard tag on this canister when I added our Immunity C for cold and flu season.  These little chalkboard tags I made make me smile.  :)

*Take care of yourself.



I may feel some trepidation that Summer has ended but that won't stop me from appreciating the magic that is Autumn.  Nature is amazing!  This is the tree in my yard!

*Enjoy the now.  Appreciate the moment. 

*Nature is AMAZING!

Spend time appreciating the wonders of nature...with people that make you feel happy. 

*Positive Psychology is a branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. 

**Authentic Happiness is the homepage of Dr. Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of positive psychology

Sharing Here:

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/

http://homestoriesatoz.com/

Continue Reading ...

The Happiness Agenda ~ The Definition of Happiness



      Definition of happiness

Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.  A variety of biological, psychological, religious, and philosophical approaches have striven to define happiness and identify its sources. Various research groups, including Positive psychology, endeavor to apply the scientific method to answer questions about what "happiness" is, and how we might attain it.
Philosophers and religious thinkers often define happiness in terms of living a good life, or flourishing, rather than simply as an emotion.


source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness



Balloons are almost a guarantee of happiness with children.  Happy Children = Happy Me





Happiness is the easiest emotion to feel, the most difficult to define, and the hardest to create intentionally.  ~Norman Cousins

source: http://www.behappy4life.com/happinessquotes.html

Being caught up in a moment of pure abandonment while playing = happiness.  Leave it to balloons!

The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.  ~Ben Franklin

source: http://www.behappy4life.com/happinessquotes.html

Getting surprised with a special treat for a special occasion...Mmmmm...sweet happiness.

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.  ~Charles Haddon Spurgeon

source: http://www.behappy4life.com/happinessquotes.html

How will we catch onto and hold happiness?

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.  ~Aristotle
source: http://www.behappy4life.com/happinessquotes.html

Post-its for my next project. 
Being organized and on top of things definitely brings me happiness.

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. 

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

source: http://www.behappy4life.com/happinessquotes.html

 * Sneak Peak *
Finished projects make me happy...especially if the project helps me be more organized.

happy  (ˈhæpɪ)
— adj  , -pier , -piest
1.	feeling, showing, or expressing joy; pleased
2.	willing: I'd be happy to show you around
3.	causing joy or gladness
4.	fortunate; lucky: the happy position of not having to work
5.	aptly expressed; appropriate: a happy turn of phrase
6.	informal  ( postpositive ) slightly intoxicated source:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/happiness

What makes you happy?

I hope you are touched with many moments of happiness today and all through your weekend!

Continue Reading ...

Spicy Mango Shrimp Saute

Hi!

I've been attempting a wheat/gluten free week.  I'm trying to find solutions to a lack of energy I've been feeling lately.  There are some pretty obvious factors that are affecting me:  stress & insomnia to name a couple.  Otherwise, I think  I'm doing pretty good with my lifestyle. 

I exercise 3-5 days a week. 

I eat fairly healthy:  lots of fresh fruits & veggies, lean proteins, whole wheats, light on the sweets & desserts. 

I do love my morning coffee with cream, chocolate treats, an occasional alcoholic beverage, and I love cheese!

So beyond reducing stress, getting more sleep and cutting out all of my favorite things (yeah, right!)...what can I do to increase my energy level?  I thought I'd try a little experiment this week and cut out wheat products completely.  Next week I'm hoping to attempt cutting out dairy.  I have just been hearing and reading so much about the affects of wheat and dairy on our bodies so I thought I'd give it a try.

Three days in and I haven't noticed that I've gained any real substantial energy yet, but I've lost three pounds!  WooHoo!!!  Bonus!  :)  I'll keep you posted on how the rest of the week goes.  I'll try to keep updates on FACEBOOK too, if you follow me there...if not please do. 

Today I whipped up some Spicy Mango Shrimp for lunch.  It was delicious and went a long way in helping me NOT feel deprived with the lack of wheat products.

HERE'S THE RECIPE:

Spicy Mango Shrimp Saute

Ingredients:

Shrimp ~ I used Waterfront Bistro 51/60 ct. cooked and frozen

Peppers & Onions ~ I used a bag of frozen red & green peppers & onions

Spicy Mango Marinade ~ K.C. Masterpiece

Olive Oil

Boil water and cook shrimp just long enough to heat through. (Please follow heating directions on package if you use frozen uncooked shrimp).

Put a Tablespoon (more or less) of Olive Oil in saute pan ~ saute peppers and onions until cooked and soft.

Add shrimp and spicy mango marinade, I used enough for one serving of each.  

Stir and saute for a couple of minutes. 

Plate, Serve & Enjoy

Eating Healthy makes me feel happy!

Continue Reading ...