Back on Track

I received this quote in an email today and wanted to share it:

"There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

Book Review: Children's Literature....How I Love Thee!

I went back to my last book review post and realized I haven't written a review since October. SAD, very sad. I have mentioned a couple of books in my other blog posts, but alas, I have not done a complete book review of them. Let me catch you up:

November 2012- July 2013

Currently reading: The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin - unfinished

I can tell you though that I am loving it. I have already written a post about my upcoming transformation. I like the idea of researching happiness, even though I have a pretty good formula already.

The Giver, Lois Lowry - 5*

This is by far my most favorite children's book. I have re-read this at least 6 times. I capture something different every time. I am not quite sure why this book is so incredible for me. This time I was struck by how much I take for granted. Color, feeling, knowledge, history, etc. I think one thing that struck a chord with me the most is feeling. I remember a time where I was numb to emotional pain. This lasted for several months. I remember wanting to feel something, anything...just as long as I could feel. There are several pivotal scenes regarding feelings. I think sometimes, even when I am feeling pain, I just want it to go away, to be numb. But then I remember what it was like not to feel, and I find that I have to let the pain take it course. If I decide I can learn something from this pain, the painful experience becomes a memory that helps me toward progression. Read it. You will know what I am talking about. 

The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd - 5*

There were so many great nuggets of wisdom in this book. I tend to have sensitivity to books regarding racial abuse, or abuse of any kind. I skipped the class that had us watch Schindler's list because I just can't take it. However, I found this book to be one of hope, endurance, courage, in spite of the fact that it takes place during a sad time in American's history. I loved the flow of the book, and the vibrant characters. I found myself wanting to reach out to this teenage girl myself and tell her how much she is worth. Must have been a good read.

Rocket Boys, Homer Hickam - 5*

A must read. I was so inspired by this book, I wanted to go make something of myself in honor of Sierra Vista. I couldn't put this one down, and want to see the movie October Sky. I enjoyed his writing style so much, I have looked into other books he has authored. His blend of creativity and explanation makes for a great read. I always wonder about memoirs that are written several years after the fact. Regardless, I guess if it wasn't true, I would still really enjoy it. Thank goodness no one has said it wasn't...and there are a ton of people who could validate it.

Running With Scissors, Augusten Burroughs - 1*

I only remember having seen the previews for the book-based movie and thinking, that show looks so dry...I would love it! Too bad the rating is not comparable to my taste! The first chapter was intriguing. I remember just wanting to get through the second because of the foul play. When I got to the third, I started losing hope that this was indeed going to be a good story. I stopped at the fourth. The writing was vivid and great. I would say A+ for creative writing. Sorry Mr. Burroughs, I just couldn't get past the swears and crude nature of the first couple chapters - that's just me.

The Magician's Nephew, C.S. Lewis - 4*

I was so excited to start reading The Chronicles of Narnia series. I thoroughly enjoyed the book for its humor, action, symbolism, and character development. However, during the book, I found that it was too fast. there was too much happening in such a short amount of time. My mind was not ready to warp from one world to another, back to another. I couldn't catch up. I found myself getting more and more annoyed with it because my mind was too overworked in trying to keep up. I am not going to give up reading the rest of the series. I must proceed with caution if I expect the series to be any different.

Harry Potter books 1-4, J.K. Rowling - 5*

Yes, yes, yes. Always and forever some of the most fantastic writing, EVER. I stopped reading them because I needed something different in the mix. I also didn't want to carry books 5-7 in my purse, and I refuse to buy a kindle.

Embers of Love, Tracie Peterson - incomplete

I was heavily involved with wedding planning, and didn't want to read a melodrama when I felt like I was having my own. I will most likely revisit this book. It was cute....or has been, so far.

I missed reading for fun when I was studying for my PMP. I felt guilty when I couldn't lavish away in my books because I needed to be studying. I found I was extremely frustrated when I would read sentences over and over in my text books and not get a single word. If I can conquer Great Expectations or Count of Monte Cristo, I can surely successfully read the PmBOK, or the Rita Mulcahy PMP books, right? Hazaa, I did read them, and they got more interesting the more I studied them. 

As for me and my house, we prefer Children's Literature.

The Marriage Learning Curve, Lesson 6: Opportunity to Grow

I have been struck lately by the idea that it is a divine opportunity to grow together in a marriage, but it is also a divine opportunity to grow individually. Lately I have been struggling with this concept and how that fits into our marriage. Every once in a while I find peace in hearing about someone else who also has had a tough time understanding this same concept, and learning about what they did to pull through. I am uplifted in seeing couples who, despite their individual trials, can testify of the sanctity of marriage, and how precious it is. I admire people who share openly their trials and admit that they too are anxious and nervous, like me. At the end of the day, I realize that this experience gives me the opportunity to really rely on those foundational elements I learned so greatly about when I was single: patience and endurance being the top two.

I was humbled today by this video the church put out, and again thank my Heavenly Father for my opportunity to grow individually in order to grow together....


I recently read an article, Stage Sets and Scribbling: How Personal Growth Enhances Marriage. She starts off telling a story about the day she told her friend that she had fallen in love with her husband over and over again. When her friend asked her how she could possible do that, she responded that she was changing and he was changing all the time for the better, and those changed people still found one another. I found this article refreshing as it discussed a full and eternal love that companions can have for one another. In addition, she discusses the need to grow individually, as well as together. Each of us are blessed with different likes and dislikes. This doesn't have to be a burden on marriage, but should provide variety and excitement. The article states, "We have discovered that our marriage is most vibrant when each of us is true to that inner voice that whispers, “Go forth, progress, learn, develop, become.” The renewal process of marriage begins with the renewal process of the individual." 

Other inspiring articles: 
What Happily Married Couples Do
Union of Love and Understanding

Happiness Project and Blog

I am currently reading a book called The Happiness Project. I was given this recommendation last year when I felt stagnant, and felt like I was whining about the same things every single day. I think what struck me the most about this book was the honesty of the author, Gretchen Rubin. She said that she didn't write the book because she was super depressed, but that she felt like she could obtain a deeper happiness in the already 'happy' life she was living, call it a journey to joy...or whatever. 

I admire her for taking into account that others may be extremely struggling to find happiness, where some of us are moderately struggling. And so now, I am taking in the thoughts of someone else's happiness project, and will be excited to start mine after I complete the book. I could do it prior, but I want to relish in the book before I go hog wild. Something about me - I am a go-getter. Those who know me well are probably saying sarcastically, "No way, YOU?" I'm afraid that I could tackle this project without too much research or thought, and so, I must study it out in my mind before I do it. I have already started changing some of the things I do that could contribute to my happiness project, like digging out old journals, finishing projects laying around the house, etc., but the full blown project has not yet begun. I need to figure out other things that contribute happiness, and in particular my happiness before I act. My rule: If I jump before I get to the diving block, I will just land on the pool deck.

Regardless, I am super enamored with the future idea of starting my own Happiness Project, and can't wait to get started. In the meantime, might I suggest a little taste in what I am reading? Here is Gretchen's blog.

You Thought I Was Done Posting About Our Wedding...Didn't You?

I am not quite finished posting about our wedding day. Want a glance?

Click here to view this photo book larger

Plug for Shutterfly photo books. Super excited to get mine in the mail!

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

I have been contemplating happiness lately. I saw this article that I loved that matches up with my personal beliefs on the topic. Enjoy!

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

by Chiara Fucarino. 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to address those with mental illness or clinical depression.

There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a person living in the slums of a third world country could be happy and content. I have spent plenty of time amongst both groups to have seen it first hand. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.
The question is: how do they do that?

It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

1. Don’t hold grudges.
Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.

2. Treat everyone with kindness.
Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.

3. See problems as challenges.
The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.

4. Express gratitude for what they already have.
There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.

5. Dream big.
People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.

7. Speak well of others.
Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.

8. Never make excuses.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.

9. Get absorbed into the present.
Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.

10. Wake up at the same time every morning.
Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.

11. Avoid social comparison.
Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.

12. Choose friends wisely.
Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.

13. Never seek approval from others.
Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.

14. Take the time to listen.
Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.

15. Nurture social relationships.
A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.

16. Meditate.
Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.

17. Eat well.
Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.

18. Exercise.
Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.

19. Live minimally.
Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.

20. Tell the truth.
Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.

21. Establish personal control.
Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth.

22. Accept what cannot be changed.
Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you can control and change it for the better.

31...barely!

 
Thanks Mom for the super cute video!