Add Happiness

Normally, I like to keep my little space on the interwebs fun and light but every now and then, something, or someone, sparks me to add a little something more. Every year, as the Lenten season begins, I find myself in a time of reflection and growing in my faith. This time also makes me to strive to be a little better in all aspects of my life. It is not because I am not concientious of these things every other day of the year, but Lent and Advent always seem to put me on "high alert". Ever since I was old enough to know the meaning of sacrifice, I have given up something for Lent. Chocolate, eating between meals, refraining from bad language. I even hid away my NSYNC CD's one year! A few years ago, I remember a conversation with my parents that sometimes it's not always about giving something up that is hard to live without, but rather adding something good. While at Ash Wednesday mass earlier today, the priest left us with something that I have been thinking about ever since: "This is God's world. We are just the temporary tenants. Do something good with it".

Earlier this week, I had a great conversation with a lovely friend about paying attention to the small things every day and for making sure we are thankful for the good things around us. It made us realize that no matter how happy and blessed your life is, there is always room to add! Around Christmas time, I expressed my desire to keep a gratitude journal. Something I would write in everyday to highlight everything I was thankful for during those 24 hours. I wish I could say that I was successful in my attempt but sadly, after the first few days of January, my journal remained in my nightstand drawer and has been there ever since. With a new season of Lent upon us, I have decided that now is as good a time as any to pick back up where I left off and continue journaling my gratitude for the next 40 days in hopes that I will not only continue, but that I will be so overwhelmed with gratitude that I will see more in my everyday life than ever before. I have an amazing husband, unbelieveable family and the very best friends possible. I owe the blessings in my life the reflection and thanks that they deserve. I thank God everyday, but I don't think it will ever be enough. It's been 24 hours and I already have a list of things I know I will be writing tonight before I go to sleep. It's amazing what one can notice if you just take in everything around you. (all the while I refrain from eating marshmellow Peeps until Easter!! And for those of you who know me, know this will not be easy for my sweeter than average sugar craving sweet tooth!!)

What can you do today to add happiness?