Small Steps

"It's gonna happen when it's supposed to happen, and we find the reasons why, one step at a time. " - Jordin Sparks

Tagaytay, Philippines

Last day of the month, a couple weeks into The Happiness Project. I'm still working through this month's goals. I feel a little lighter and a little happier, but this may be because I got a job offer! A paying job! Now before I start jumping for joy, I'm still on the fence about the whole thing. I went and put myself out there and in return I got offered a job! Which of course is what I have wanting for three years now. This job is not my dream job and not in the field I'm trying to pursue. However, it is near my house and part-time so I can keep exploring what's out there. 

I'm on the fence because I don't want just a job or just a paycheck. I feel like taking this job goes against everything I've been preaching, but money is money. I did say I was going to explore open doors this year, and this door has definitely opened up. Is this a step I'm supposed to be taking? Is this a small step to something bigger?

Another reason I'm on the fence is because I have an actual job interview coming up, something more up my ally. What to do? What to do?

Anyone have advice for me on this one? 

P.S. I am especially over the moon ecstatic for my friend Karlie because she got to go home with her baby girl over the weekend!

Believe in Miracles

"All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired." - Martin Luther

A week ago I opened up Facebook to see all my high school friends  asking for prayers for a former classmate, Karlie. I learned that Karlie went into the hospital last Monday to be induced. It was decided that she would have a c-section but before she went in, she coded. It took 14 minutes to get a heart beat and was shocked 5 times! Both she and her baby girl, Mackenzie were put on ventilators. Her mom has been writing updates here. 

I am beyond words today because Karlie got to hold Mackenzie for the first time yesterday! Believe what you will but I do believe that there is a God and in the power of prayer. When I hear stories like this, how do you not believe in a greater power? I am in complete awe in what God can do and really is in control of everything.

A friend said it best, "if I ever loose my faith or doubt there is a God, I will think of Karlie and remember this amazing miracle." Sometimes it is hard to believe and trust that God is working when life gets hard, but my problems seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of things. I know if God can work wonders with the matters of life and death, He can certainly take care of my small problems.

Do you believe in miracles?

Quest For Happy

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Another job interview that didn't turn into a job offer. Not going to lie, a little bummed about it, but I have learned to deal with it and move on. Another job  rejection that hasn't killed me, I'm still standing. Only a lesson to be learned to make me stronger. One thing that does keep me going is knowing that there is something bigger and better out there that will make me happy. 

I finally got my hands on book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Since I still have extra time on my hands, this is the perfect time to be on the quest for happy this year. It's not that I'm unhappy, I am aware of what makes me happy, at least I think I do... For sure number one on my list is to have some kind of income, but until I can fulfill this goal, it never hurts to start a new project. Who knows where it may lead? Besides, we all could use a little more happy.

I guess I will be making resolutions after all this year! January's first resolution is to Boost Energy by going to sleep earlier; exercise better; toss, restore, organize; tackle a nagging task; and act more energetic. 

• Sleep has not been a problem for me. I love my sleep, I get a full eight hours every night, but I definitely could go to sleep earlier.  
• Exercise better. This is one that will be a problem for me. I am not a fan of anything that involves any kind of physical movement. I have a gym membership that has not been used, ever, okay maybe once and it was not a pleasant experience. I do however enjoy going for walks. This I can do and manage, when the weather is nice out. It's just so hard to do in the cold, winter months. I know it's something I need to work on.  
• Toss, restore, organize/Tackle a nagging task. I have decided to combine these two because my never ending nagging task is to toss, restore, and organize. I have piles of stuff that needs to be organized, donated, or trashed. I am happy to say I started this task yesterday and have a bag of paper that is to be recycled. 
• Act more energetic. Not entirely sure on how to do this. If I get enough sleep, start exercising, eat better and healthier, and declutter, I should have more energy? Isn't that how this whole thing works?

Being halfway through this month, I have a couple weeks to get this going and really incorporate it into my everyday life. Will these small steps bring me more happiness? I'm hoping to find out. Stay tuned as I start this quest for happy. 

What can you do to be more happy?