How To Be Happy

How To Be Happy

14 comments
There's a quote in the world that says something along the lines of, "If you want to be happy, then be happy." As easy as that sounds, some days feeling 'happy' is a little harder than others. In 2010 I started this blog to find myself after a horrendous breakup, sudden move to Arkansas, and total loss of knowing who I was anymore. It's as dramatic as it sounds. 

One afternoon I sat outside on my parent's patio and talked with my mom about what I would name a blog. The only two words to describe my life at the time were Southern and Blonde, hence the name. Writing has always been an outlet for me so I thought why not find myself again in a way that was creative, and self-motivating. Never in a million years did I think I would still be blogging six years later (even if I did take a year break). 

Long story to say that this blog has made me happy throughout the years. However, lately, I haven't been 'feeling' happy.  Don't get me wrong, I have nothing in life to be sad about. I also know that this is not a depression situation (though if it was I would also be sharing that journey). The only word I can find to describe my mood lately is with the word, sluggish.  The things that once brought happiness and joy are starting to feel like burdens. 

Cooking use to be one of my favorite hobbies and in the past few months, I've cooked maybe a handful of times. For a while playing tennis was a challenge and fun, but after I couldn't find anyone to practice with I just let it go. Education has always been an important part of my life because I love hands-on learning but once I finished my master's degree I didn't think about what would be next. Same with working out. Those people that love to workout and feel better after, yeah I was one of those annoying people for a few years. 


My point to all of this is that somewhere along the way I've stopped enjoying things that use to make me happy, and instead, I've let them feel like burdens. So what is one to do? I picked up the book, "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. This book isn't new, it came out back in 2013 and it's a little self-indulgent. Neither I, nor the author, have anything in our lives to complain about, but we have both lost the ability to have fun, enjoy what we have, and focus on the good. 

So far from the book I'm working on a Happy Action Plan - a personal timeline to keep me accountable in working towards feeling happy again, and letting go of the sluggish feelings. 

  1. Find one new thing to try to cook for the month of August (I actually think I want to learn how to make homemade bread.) 
  2. I started weekly Spanish lessons in May but it's time I take more time to practice throughout the week. 
  3. Blogging is fun for me - and even if it's on my mom and my cousin who read it, it is still something that I enjoy. 
  4. Find a new workout that makes me want to go to the gym/find a tennis partner to play with. 

I'm going to start in August on focusing on those four things - they aren't difficult goals, they are activities that I know I enjoy I just need to re-focus on why these things provide happiness. 

Does anyone else feel sluggish, or bored from time to time? I'm halfway through the book and I think it's starting to give me ideas on how to find my personal happiness again. Only you can make yourself happy, and I have let myself become a little lazy. 

So as I work on my own happiness project on how to make myself happy again - I want to know, does anyone else ever feel, 'unhappy' at times for no apparent reason? What makes you happy? 
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14 comments

  1. I want to read this! I've been seeing so many happiness project type posts lately! Super inspiring! I am happiest when I am living purposefully and not based on what people tell me I "should" be doing!

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  2. I totally relate to this, sometimes you just find yourself in a slump! I always love spending time with friends or just relaxing at home to get back to being "myself" and getting out of that slump!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

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  3. Lev Tolstoy was a smart, smart man. (He's the author of the quote.)

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  4. I need to read this book, seem like a super great read. I always love cooking and baking and relaxing. I always find myself getting into the slump but those little things help get me out!

    http://xoxobella.com

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  5. Great words in this post!! I think that we can all go through seasons of discontentment, but it's all about realizing that it's there and taking action to fight it. :-) Go YOU for rediscovering your passions! <3

    xoxo A
    www.southernbelleintraining.com

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  6. This is great! Honestly, cuddling with my dog and doing nothing makes me happy lol.

    Alix | www.apintsizedlife.com

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  7. Love the honestly and I think everyone can certainly relate! You should read Big Magic, it's a good one!!

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  8. I really want to read this book! I had to learn how to be happy with myself and now I've found that I can also be happier in other relationships in my life.

    Tori

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  9. I can never seem to find a workout I can stick with... I am currently doing T25 with Beachbody since it's only a half hour a day! Whenever I'm feeling down, I always curl up and write for me like no blogging or school work but just a little journaling to get my head on straight :)

    http://thewanderingbrunette.com

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  10. I absolutely know what you mean! I have nothing in my life to complain about or be unhappy about... In fact I live a tremendously blessed life. But sometimes I fall into slumps where I feel sort of sluggish or bored or unmotivated. It happens to all of us, I think. Good for you for making efforts to rekindle your interest in things that make you happy and find your happiness again!

    Stephanie | www.stephanietherese.com

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  11. I tend to burn out all of the time and wonder what's the point of all of it, but it's so important to find the things that reasonate with you!
    www.kayleighskloset.com

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  12. Such a great reminder! I have so much to be greatful for but sometimes I lose sight of that. I really want to check this book out!
    xoxo
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

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  13. I love self help books like this .. would love to add it to my reading list

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

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  14. So many people have recommended this book; I definitely want to read it soon! Good luck with your August goals :) XO, Nicole // www.empirestyles.com

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