The Smacksy February Happy Good Things Thing - Day 28

Find a small box.
On the top, write the Italian words "Tutto É Possible."
(Translated in English, this means, "Everything is Possible."
On a small piece of paper, write down a worry that has been bothering you.
Fold the paper in half and place it in the box.
Leave that worry to other forces and move on to this moment.
When you catch yourself ruminating on it again, remember that you've put it in the box and move on.

If you'd like more insight into this idea, you can read about it here.

Thanks for a lovely February, friends.

Get happy.

xo

The Smacksy February Good Things Thing - Day 27

The new journal I received for Valentine's Day.

Do you keep a journal?
You don't have to be a writer - just a person.
And you're probably already a person so you're on your way.

Even a couple of sentences a day can be a very good thing.

Grab an empty notebook, or open a new word doc, or write an email to yourself, or use the back of an envelope - it doesn't matter. Just get something out of your head and down on paper.

This page has some nice writing prompts if you'd prefer an assignment as opposed to doing a stream of consciousness.

Remember, it doesn't have to be a big, elaborate deal. Just some thoughts, written out.
It's excellent for your soul.

Get happy.
See you tomorrow.

The Smacksy February Good Things Thing - Day 26 - Sunday Links

Minimize your daily distractions.

How to help a friend who's going through something horrible.

Every New York Times front page since 1852.

And a porcupine eating a banana.

Happy Sunday.

The Smacksy February Happy Good Things Thing - Day 25

My softest t-shirt for sleeping.

This is one you will plan today and execute tomorrow.
You're going to wear your favorite piece(s) of clothing.
It doesn't matter if you already wore it this week.
What makes you feel the best?

Athlesuire wear? Sounds good.
That great sweater Nana knit for you? Glorious.
Storm Trooper costume? Go get 'em tiger.
Pajamas? Delightful.
The beautiful cocktail dress you only got to wear once? Perfect.
Swimsuit? Really? Ok, sure.
Fluffy spa robe? You know who you are.
Wedding dress? Naturally.
The suit that makes you feel like a boss? Boss.
Jeans and that hoodie that has the teddy-bear ears? Swell.
Softball uniform? Love that.
Birthday suit? Hope you work from home.

You get the idea. Grab that one thing that makes you feel comfy or confident or pampered or funny or hugged or sparkly. Wear it and enjoy.

Get happy.
See you tomorrow.

The Smacksy February Happy Good Things Thing - Day 24

A little treat for you.

You want to read more, you really do, but maybe you're busy. Or not a lot of time for reading. So, right now you're going to read a story. It's short but look - you will have done some real reading of something besides the news ticker at the bottom of the screen on CNN. A fast literature win.

Raymond Carver was a brilliant storywriter. I'm a huge fan of his style. The following short story is from his collection Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? You definitely have time for this super 

short story.

The script here is a bit small. You might need to throw on your readers or make the font bigger on your phone while you're reading.

Get happy.

See you tomorrow.

The Smacksy February Happy Good Things Thing - Day 23

William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Let's get out of our heads a bit and feel some art.

This animation of classic paintings is gorgeous and clever.

Take it in.

Get Happy.
See you tomorrow.

The Smacksy February Good Things Thing - Day 22

Today, we start with this Chinese proverb:

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.

If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.

If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.

If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.

I think you know what's coming next. No, I'm not sending you a fortune - I have higher goals for you. You are going to help someone. Big or small, help is help and there are just a bunch of different ways to go about it.

Hold the door open for the man coming in the door with packages.

Tip your waitress too much.

Bag your own groceries.

Read to a kid.

Read to your pet.

Send a donation to your favorite charity. I like Doctors Without Borders.

Listen to the story you've heard your dad tell a million times. 

Teach a friend to knit or DJ or change their oil.

Bring delicious coffee to your just-waking-up significant other.

Sing along when they are singing happy birthday to a stranger in the next booth. Applaud.

Do the dishes when it's not your turn.

Recycle.

Let the grey Prius merge in front of you. (Thanks!)

Bake brownies and bring them to that person you know who could use a brownie. You know the one.

(Save one for yourself.)

Get happy.

See you tomorrow.