Word of the Week: Open

OPEN

 

Being open to new ideas, suggestions, opinions...I think it's so important.

 Something that I've noted in my own life, again and again. When I had a belief, opinion, sometimes a misconception... about a particular topic, then did a complete "360" after talking to someone or reading an alternate opinion. Sometimes right away and sometimes, it took some time.

 

Being open keeps us "in the loop" vibrant, young at heart. Not that it isn't good to have personal beliefs that don't change and are part of who we are. But there are so many things that aren't "written in stone". That might at some time, be good to take another look at. Listen with an open heart.

 

Nothing is more beautiful than a flower, just opening it's beauty to the world.

Here's to being open and as fresh as a blooming flower, throughout life.

Makes things interesting too, don't you think? :<)

 

Wishing You a Wonderful Week! 

A Serene Scene and Excellent Book to Recommend

I'm currently finishing my haiku book. I also started re-reading: Haiku Mind by Patricia Donegan recently.

Ms. Donegan brings up a good point in Haiku Mind, reminding the reader to be in the moment, savor the moment...in even the mundane, every day tasks we do each day. Taking out the garbage, she stopped to commune with a butterfly. Enjoying the quiet before beginning a busy day. Just one example from the book that really made me think.

One of the aspects of haiku that I like the most is how a single moment or experience can be expressed/revisited, in only three short lines/ 17 syllables, in the traditional haiku form. It really is a magical form of poetry in my opinion!

Life IS the journey, not the destination. So true. We can miss a lot along the way that can bring us joy, peace....right here, right now; if we are always dwelling on the tomorrows and our plans for the future.

If you haven't read Haiku Mind, it's an excellent book. I reviewed it last year at My Real Life Reviews. You can read the full review here.

Hope you savor a tranquil moment; enjoying this "serene scene" and have a great week!

I've Been Posting Up a Storm!!!

I've been on a posting "binge" today. Actually wrote 6 posts in total. I think that's my record for one day! LOL

Here are the ones I've already posted:


Down & Dirty (book review) at: My Real Life Reviews (it's a gardening book btw, LOL)

Amber Alert! This time a happy ending at: My Poetic Path

On the Menu Last Night: Easy Vegetable Curry at: Veggies, Yarns & Tails


The others are scheduled for later. Now I'm off to work on my novel.

Speaking of storms, we've got rain on the way today, yippeee!!! We need it so much.

Happy Tuesday  :<)

Want to Live Longer? Lighten Up!

Just found this interesting article about a very inspiring 104 year young woman!  You go Dot!!!


Yet another plus of being happy, taking life as it comes, going with the flow, putting on a happy face...you can actually add YEARS to your life! 


This is just one of many articles on this topic and again and again the results conclude: happy thoughts and an optimistic outlook = a longer, healthier life. It's another good reminder to not sweat the small stuff and keep things in perspective throughout each day.


Does it really, REALLY matter if you burnt the toast this morning? What about finding a stain on your favorite blouse that you were planning to wear today? Getting caught up in traffic on the way to work...the list in a given day can be endless. Small, annoying delays, set-backs etc. Negative energy that can slowly but surely change a good day into one that you just want to end.


When an annoyance or delay happens, deal with it as quickly as possible and move on. Put it behind you.

Speaking of  traffic jams  put the time to good use, not dwelling on frustration:

• Sing along with the radio.
• Take some slow, deep breaths.
• Think about a pleasant event coming up.
• Catch up with your knitting or a good book.
• Gaze at the sky and the scenery that usually flies by in a blur.

                     
the list goes on and on...

Think about how lucky you really are to: have that toast to eat (personally, I like a bit of burn around the edges!), that special blouse that your best friend gave you that will still look great to wear again after a wash. And wow, having your own car and a job to go to and get paid for! Triple bonus! A lot of people who would be happy to have those and don't.  

Choose happiness today.


Make it a better day for you and everyone in your life. Living a longer and healthier life is kind of a nice plus too, don't you agree?

PS: Mr. Cheddar has also been busy today. He has a new cat treat review (there's a dog- variety available too) you might enjoy. As the Ched says: Chiao for now!!!

Welcome to My New Happiness Blog!

I hope you will stop by every day for a "happy break" here at my new blog.

Dedicated to good vibes, positive energy, encouragement, happy thoughts and lots of laughter too.
                     

There is so much focus on sadness and the harsher realities of life shared endlessly online and elsewhere in the news. This is my attempt to spread a little of the sunshine and optimism that life is also all about. To strive to make each day worthwhile and positive. To focus on all the good things. 
                                     

In addition to my own posts, I hope to include many "gems" from other bloggers, writers and friends. If you have an idea for a post to share here send me an email, I'd love to hear from you.
                        

We can never have enough positive, energizing thoughts. They are what we become, what can change a bad day into a better one. A good day into a great one. 

Even a smile can change, sometimes even transform someone's world so share one today!
                          

I plan/hope to post every day (Monday to Friday) so stop by soon and often. Subscribe or bookmark and spread the word. 


We all deserve more happiness...hope to see you soon!
                       

PS: Flowers always make me smile. I'll be sharing a lot of them here too!

New Blog Launch!

I'll be posting here starting on Monday February 28th. Hope you'll stop by then and often!

Have a wonderful weekend. G