A few weeks ago I shared some simple advice for my daughters. This week I was inspired to share a few more nuggets I want to impart on my sweet girls. I’ve been thinking about what simple things bring me joy and a few themes appeared:
Be Nice
To the waiter. To the barista. To the grocery bagger. Every person you come in contact with is an opportunity to leave someone better than you found them. Or, you can simply transact. Which one do you think will leave the world a happier place and you a happier person? There is something to be said for the simple joy of making someone feel a little lighter or positive by simply SEEING them. Ask the person working the Starbucks drive-through line how they are when they ask what your order is. Look the waitress in the eye and ask her what her name is. Thank the grocery bagger for their help. The small kindness of acknowledging people will benefit you as much or more than the stranger you are giving your attention to. And in the process you get to add a little more light to world. Not a bad way to spend a few seconds and a proven way to make you a little happier.
Go Outside
Feeling out of sorts? Go outside. God’s most beautiful work, other than the two of you (in my COMPLETELY unbiased opinion, of course), can be found in nature. After spending a good amount of my childhood outdoors, I realized that being near water is a very calming and simultaneously inspiring place for me. For you maybe it will be the woods. Or the tennis court. Or the playing in the backyard. Or going for a walk around the block. The fresh air, the sunlight and the time away from electronics will be good for your health and your mood, I promise!
Do the Thing
Take the trip. Sign up for the race. Start the blog. And yes, I am talking to myself as much as I’m talking to you right now! You will look back at your life years from now and do you know what it will consist of? A collection of experiences. It is 100% up to you if those experiences consist of thousands of days that can barely be distinguished from one another, or a collection of moments that make your heart sing. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Don’t miss opportunities because there is a risk of failure. Don’t turn away from open doors out of false obligation to others or your own plans. You have one chance to live this life and my sweet babies, if I’ve learned anything in my years on this earth, it’s that life is exactly what you make of it. And I hope you make it one filled with joyfulness.
These are some simple things that have helped me live a little bit happier life and I’ve discovered them through time and trial and error. When you are my age, your list of simple joys may look completely different and that is okay. But understand that your happiness is and should always be your own responsibility. So take the time to get to know yourself and what brings you joy!
So real and inspiring Rachel💗
Thank you Trenda! You are one of the happiest, kindest people I’ve met in a long time. I bet you have a few tricks I need to hear about!
One of my hardest struggles has to be trying to always have a positive attitude. I tend to have negative thought which don’t get me anywhere, but I’m definitely getting better. I always pray God will help and protect me. I actually pray a lot in my mind and heart. As my life isn’t what I thought it was going to be but obviously it’s just where God wants it. Thru all my difficult work situation God has truely blessed me.
If your girls always open their mind and hearts to the Lord thru pray he will bless them with fulfillment and happiness.
Plus nobody can make them happy, they must be happy with themselves. I have know doubt they will be smart and confident woman someday.
Thank you for sharing! I couldn’t agree more on them needing to lean on God and also be happy with themselves.