January 30: Happiness Project Update

The last two weeks have been more than a little tough when it comes to my Happiness Project. Travel plus some family issues have been a setback (and that's putting it mildly).The interesting thing about the last two weeks is that some of the basic things I've already learned about Happiness are being put to the test. Nutrition is super important during stressful times in life. When you're not eating well, you're not able to physically able to keep up with the things coming at you. Sleep is also important. With a few exceptions, sleep hasn't been an issue lately. By the time my head hits the pillow, I'm bone tired and need  several hours to regroup and get ready for whatever is coming my way the next day.

Meditation has been extremely difficult the past two weeks. With a zillion things bouncing back and forth in my head (some good, some not so much) trying to quiet my brain enough to just breathe has without a doubt been the biggest challenge for me. But I'm still doing what I can.

Creating something hasn't happened beyond some of the day-to-day stuff. I've been able to "create" processes and SOPs for work but that's about as far as the creation is going. It has helped though.

Physical exercise has been non-existent practically and my body is definitely feeling the toll. Last night I took the kids to the mall and we just walked because I really knew I needed to move. That helped a bit, but not as much as my regular workouts had been. At least it was something, right?

Earlier this month, I talked about the importance of hanging around positive people. That has, without a doubt, been my saving grace. I am blessed beyond reason with a great support network who have encouraged me to "hang in there," "take care of myself," and assure me that everything, ultimately, "will be ok." These people have been my life line. They've made me laugh, they've reminded me to eat and sleep and they've let me cry. They're great people. If people had half as many friends that can do that that I do, they should consider themselves lucky.

In the past two weeks with everything else going on, I haven't forgotten about the Happiness Project. If anything, it's been on my mind more than ever. Because it's time like this that you need to reach into the well of Happiness you've been filling and draw on it for strength. And my friends are right.

I'm hanging in there.

I'm trying to take care of myself.

And yes, everything will be ok.

Everything works out in the end and if everything hasn't worked out yet, it isn't the end. So I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and making sure that I can be there for the people who need me right now, but also take time to pay attention to what I need to stay strong and focused.