My word for 2012: Happiness

Several of the blogs I read talk about choosing a word for the year. Along the lines of resolutions and goal setting, the idea of one word, one simple word to guide you through the year. Of course I’m lousy at finding links when I need them, but there are blogs out there that quite eloquently explain why you need a word. Other bloggers (generally mommy bloggers are the ones I follow) talk about the word story, or peace, or discipline. It’s an idea I like and one I have been thinking about for a few months. Towards the end of December I decided my word should be discipline. Mostly because I’m struggling with the eating thing and really wish I had more of it. Discipline, that is, not eating.

However, as the new year rolled over I decided I want to focus on happiness this year instead. I realized, what most of you already know and have been trying to tell me in your sweet ways, is that I am being way too hard on myself. I am healthy. I am strong. I am loved. I should be happy.

Happiness, mind you, does not mean acting on every whim. Instead it means making choices for myself and my family that will lead to happiness

Have you seen this video? Alan is a big fan of TED Talks and turned me on to this one. The Happiness Advantage: Research Linking Happiness and Success

Shawn Achor is a fast talker, but very funny. He says:

“The lens through which your brain views the world shapes your reality. If we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.”

“90% of your happiness is predicted by the way your brain process the world.”

“The absence of disease is not health.”

“Your brain at positive performs significantly better than it does at negative, neutral or stressed. Your intelligence rises, your creativity rises, your energy levels rise.”

I like the ideas very much. So much of success is based on positive thinking and that good old fashioned “can do” attitude! When when you get bogged down with worry about “what if” or “if I had only” or “how will I ever” you are really just setting yourself up for failure. Bummer as that may be!

Recently I read a book called Mindset for Moms: From Mundane to Marvelous Thinking in Just 30 Days. It is a very easy read, essentially just a series of tips on how to look at your every day life in a different way. Not how to clean out your house and declutter your world. Not how to raise your kids better or earn more money. Just how to look at what you have in life with more respect and appreciation. I think we could all stand to do a bit more of that.

This year I will focus on happiness. I may not make much (or any!) money. I may gain a few (more) pounds. And I will certainly have good and bad days, but I will strive for the good ones. I will look for the positive every day. I will try to find the balance that allows me to respect and care for my body, my family, and my surroundings.

So as not to get too serious, and to leave this happy post with some happy pictures… What could be more fun than…

Decorating the trees in the middle of winter...

Winning at pin the eye on the fish...

A party for twins means twice the cake!

What makes you happy today?

Linked up to the Happiness Is… blog hop.