Saturday, April 30, 2011

happy?


Spring is here! The sun is shining again, tulips and daffodils have popped up everywhere and the supermarkets have beautiful artichokes and asparagus. Those of you who have been reading my posts as of late know that I have done my own little reawakening. Finally, I don't feel so much like a frumpy mama bear. I have lost the baby weight (never mind that my youngest is now 4), have more energy, am happier, and [drum roll] a friend who came by for tea last week actually went so far as to say I am glowing. (I swear, I didn't pay her to say that.)

In the process of figuring out ways to jibe my needs with my family's needs I have done a bit of reading. Two books, in particular, really resonated and have helped me to be more calm and focused on what is truly important to me at this life stage. The first, I cracked in the New Year. Since reading Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project, I have given it to several friends who agree that it's fabulous. The second, Sara Avant Stover's new book, The Way of the Happy Woman, is so thoughtful and calming. She is actually coming to New Canaan Library on May 9th and leading a mini retreat at Saraswati on May 14th. I know a lot of you reading this are my friends scattered across the U.S. and beyond so here are the other places you can catch her if you'd like to hear her speak or go to one of her workshops. I am excited to send a copy of Sara's book to one of you who might like to read it as well. Simply leave a comment below letting me know something you have done to bring more happiness into your busy life. I will choose a winner on Monday!




7 comments:

  1. I started taking swing dancing lessons and have continued to learn different styles. Lindy Hop really puts a smile on my face! Thanks for suggesting these two books. I could use more encouragement!

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  2. Christine NMay 02, 2011

    Yoga at Saraswati! Meditation too. Transformative!

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  3. I started keeping a gratitude journal using an iPhone app. Focusing on the positive does wonders!

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  4. Louise PascalMay 02, 2011

    Creating beautiful and functional kitchens makes us at True North Cabinets very happy!

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  5. I finally have given myself permission to say "No." It has made me SO happy!

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  6. I started setting aside time for myself to work out, read, take a nap or anything else I feel like. Also, I've given up trying to be a perfectionist...works wonders for my mental state.

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  7. I make sure to make time to meet a friend at the gym at least three times a week!

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