At the start of this month I wrote a post called ‘Marching into March with Happiness‘ in which I made two commitments:
1) To lead with happiness by finding happiness first before striving for goals. Rather than working to reach those goals to obtain happiness, I learnt that having that happiness from the beginning would help me not only achieve my goals but take me beyond them.
2) To post on this blog each and every day in the month of March to get myself back in the blogging rhythm.
Well, as we are two weeks in, it seems like as good a time as any to check-in and see how these initiatives are coming along.
For starters, I certainly feel happier. I start each day by spending time reading a book with a cup of joe and making some notes about what I’d like to accomplish throughout the day. Happiness then goals. The joy I get from fresh air and a good book releases endorphines to assist me throughout my day.
I’ve been accomplishing more, experiencing less stress and getting up WAY earlier in the morning. This may also have something to do with the increase in temperature here in Canada and the fact that the ‘February Blahs‘ are over.
On the post front, there have been even greater improvements with my post-a-day commitment. In addition to the blog’s traffic and my communication with others around the web increasing, I also feel back in the groove!
When I was feeling worn out and run down by travel blogging, it was almost a challenge each day to think of something to blog about. The topic here is ‘Travel,’ coming up with story ideas should not be difficult. Nevertheless, my daily commitment to posting something…ANYTHING… is paying off.
I have pages of post ideas that I’m excited to put together, it will just be a matter of deciding what to post first and then finding the time to make each one amazing.
So, as I suspected, my marching into March with happiness and posting a post each day initiatives are shaping up nicely and not only do I feel happier, I’m more motivated to reach my goals.
Win – Win!
Thank you to everyone for the kind words, re-tweets, posts, shares, stumbles, comments and encouragement through this process.
What practices are you implementing into your life?
Do you believe in the ‘happiness first’ mentality?
Please share with me below!
> Rather than working to reach those goals to obtain happiness…
One of the most profound things I have ever learned is that happiness is not a goal, it’s a decision. One simply chooses to be happy.
I think that can sound defeating for people who do not feel happy, but it really should come as a relief. You don’t have to find it, you just have to welcome it and it will come to you.
I would agree with you two, but I think it’s tough for people to simply decide to be happy. Setting goals towards happiness will ultimately, help you come to the realization that happiness is a choice.
Happiness is perhaps another word for gratitude. When you have thanks for all that is, you experience happiness. I experienced much gratitude today in the company Brock, it brought me much happiness!
@Caanan – Well put! I couldn’t agree more, it’s just a matter of sharing this concept with others and helping them understand it.
@Ben – It’s tough, no doubt. I hope it works that way.
@Lidia – I felt the same happiness and gratitude with you as well!