Between economic worries and the swine flu, things can feel pretty bleak. So how do we stay inspired and notice the beauty around us? I like to celebrate small pleasures. When life feels gloomy, I make a list of things that bring me joy.
At first it can be hard to think of twenty items — I admit I sometimes get that far-off, spaced-out look while I search my mind. But the more I think, the more I remember there really are at least twenty little joys in my life. That realization alone cheers me up and helps turn my mood around. Even if I could list only one thing, focusing on it would help me shift to something positive amid all the noise in the world.
A random list of little happy things
(and notice the last item — a giveaway!)
These are in no particular order:
- Sunny days
- Chocolate with nuts
- The smell of coffee
- My son’s laughter
- Faith in a God bigger than my problems
- Spring flowers
- Scones
- Makeover projects that are inexpensive
- Cute shoes from the thrift store
- Paint (yes, I’m stretching the list here)
- Blogs that inspire me
- Friends who encourage me
- Friends I can encourage
- Family I adore
- A cozy bed to curl up in with my husband
- A roof over my head
- Happy memories
- Dreams for the future
- Creativity
- New dishes! For one lucky winner: a $100 retail value gift certificate to DaySpring’s Life Collection
** GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED **
Recently DaySpring sent me pieces from their Life to the Full collection and I couldn’t be happier. I usually prefer white dishes, but these pieces are beautiful accents for outdoor meals or casual gatherings. They’re well made and lovely enough to display or use at the table. There’s no better time to celebrate living life to the fullest than right now.
This collection would make a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift. Here’s a 20% off code to use on a future purchase.
How to enter the Happy Life giveaway
You can enter up to three ways for multiple chances to win.
1) Share a post celebrating the beautiful things in your life via Mr. Linky for one entry.
2) Leave a comment here listing small things that make you happy despite the current worries.
3) Subscribe to The Inspired Room (or already be a subscriber) for an extra entry. A secret code will appear in one of the posts; email the code to [email protected] with “CODE” as the subject to claim your additional entry. Subscribe via email or RSS to receive the code in upcoming posts.
That’s three ways to enter — I’ll count every valid entry, so feel free to try them all for a chance at the $100 retail value prize from the Life to the Full collection at DaySpring.
Note: If your procrastination project doesn’t go as planned this weekend, take a deep breath and find a laugh — it helps. If Mr. Linky didn’t work earlier, you can still add a post; just link to a specific “Beautiful Life” post and include a link back to The Inspired Room.
This giveaway is now closed.