100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 7

Hello, hello, and happy Thursday!

There's only three weeks left of 100 Steps Toward Happiness. Unfortunately I missed last week because of a busy work schedule. Thankfully, we're back on board this week!

I hope you've enjoyed it so far, so read on for 10 more happy things!


61.) Borrowing a siblings clothing and feeling like you're wearing something new. Luckily, my younger sister and I are very close in size for most things we wear (minus shoes and pants...). So whenever either of us feels a little bored with our wardrobe, we never have to fear! Because there's another wardrobe with all "new" clothes in it right down the hall. With a "Please" and "Thank you!" we can look like we just went shopping without dropping a dime or leaving the second floor of the house when we're home during the summers and winters. And I know I always feel happier wearing something "new!"

62.)  Childhood teddy bears and baby blankets. We all have them, even if we don't like to admit it. I'll admit, not only do I have a teddy bear and a baby blanket, but I also have a variety of other stuffed friends that live in my room in my mom's house. And whenever I'm staying with her, I'm not afraid to say that I DO have one or two (or all) of them keep me company!

63.) Guacamole. Seriously. This stuff is just amazing. I love guac, and every time my friends and I get together, we almost always make it and eat it. We buy tortilla chips specifically for the guac we make. It's ridiculous, but great. And guac always makes me happy.

64.) 20% tips. Serving again reminds me that when people leave 20% tips (or other generous tips) it makes me very, very happy. It makes up for some of the other crappy tips that people leave. And even though you might make 10% on most bills, those few bills that people leave more--definitely brings a smile to my face and makes me happy to know I served them well and with a smile.

65.) Surprising someone at the end of their shift at work. This actually works both ways. The other week, my boyfriend surprised me at work after I got out on a Friday night. It was late, around 12:30AM, and I was beat from running around at the restaurant... but as I approached my car and saw him sitting in his car next to it I suddenly found myself smiling and the happiest I'd been all day. There's something about being surprised by someone you love after a long, hard day that makes it all better.

66.) Trading books. A friend of mine is going on a cross country train trip fairly soon, and he and I started talking about books we love. He recommended a few to me, and I recommended a few to him. And when he told me about his train trip, I told him I'd give him a few books to read. I could tell he really appreciated it, because there's nothing quite like a good book.

67.) Bear hugs. I love bear hugs. When someone scoops me up into their arms and squeezes tight, I feel safe, I feel warm, I feel happy. It's good to feel loved, and getting bear hugs is a way of feeling that.

68.) Teasing a cat. Cats are hilarious. They may not be seen as loyal or friendly like dogs, but cats have their own way of making me happy. They're curious. They're playful is a nonchalant kind of way. They're independent and do what they want. And I absolutely love when you take a feather on a string and drag it across the floor and have a cat pounce along after it. It's enough to bring a smile to my face.

69.) Making fishy faces at fish in a fish tank. Okay, so maybe it's a little ridiculous. But have you ever tried it? Because it's really fun. Fish, while dumb and not as exciting as cats or dogs or other pets, are still entertaining in their own way, because they will float there in the tank, staring at you, making fishy faces right back. After all, it's the only face they can make. I used to have fish and I did this all the time. And while I realize that makes me a bizarre individual, it was fun and I got a kick out of it.

70.) Playing peek-a-boo with a baby. The other night at the restaurant I work at, I had a family come in with a baby. The baby was so adorable, and kept looking around and smiling and baby-chatting. He was such a lively little fellow, and at one point, I couldn't help myself any longer. I played peek-a-boo with him and he giggled and cooed and loved it. It made my night, and the family appreciated that I was attentive to not only the adults and older kids at the table, but the baby, as well.


Share your thoughts on happy things in a comment below. It might show up next week on the list!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 6

Welcome to another edition of 100 Steps!

This week, we're featuring all sorts of fun things from the summer time, like picking strawberries, feeding the ducks, and frozen slushies!

So read on, and enjoy!


51.) Nalgene water bottles. Why? Because they're awesome. Also, because they're good for the environment (no more pesky disposable water bottles!). Also, also, because if you buy one online, 10% of your purchase goes to help Japan after the horrible earthquake and tsunami they suffered back in March.

52.) Feeding the ducks. It's been a while since I have, but one of the best things in the world is feeding ducks stale bread. First, because stale bread is icky and ends up getting thrown out and wasted usually. Second, because ducks love stale bread and quack their thanks when you feed it to them!

53.) Picking strawberries. I got lost the other night in the depths of South Jersey only to stumble upon Johnson's Farm, a little local farm where you can "pick-your-own" fruit. Currently, strawberries are in season, and I saw a sign for their daily strawberry picking hayrides. Needless to say, I will be attending (and probably attempting to drag my boyfriend along with me) for some delicious, freshly picked strawberries!

54.) Catching lightning bugs in jars. The other night when I was leaving work, I saw my first lightning bug of the season. Granted, I probably should have seen one before the other night considering we've had summer weather for a few weeks now, but regardless, seeing it made me think back to how happy I was when I was a little kid catching lightning bugs in jars. And it also made me promise myself I would do that at some point in the near future!

55.) Icy cold drinks and frozen treats when it's really hot. I always feel instantly happier after being all sweaty and hot when I get to have a tall glass of ice cold water or a frozen slushy from a local water ice place. Nothing brings a smile to my face quicker than the delicious coldness after a day of 95 degree heat!

56.) Rolling down your windows and blasting your favorite song on a summer night. I love doing this. It makes me feel free and happy and in the mood for all the wonderful things summer has to offer. If I need to get into a good mood, I know this is one way to do it--and whether it's Ke$ha or Mumford and Sons (yes, I listen to Ke$ha) I know I can always count on feeling better after singing loudly along with my car radio.

57.) Eating outdoors. Summer BBQs are probably one of my favorite things in the world. There's nothing quite like a hamburger or hot dog with some good friends around in the balmy summer evenings. Plus, eating outdoors (whether in your backyard or on a restaurant patio) just feels right.

58.) The beach. The beach really needs no explanation. Here in Jersey, we call it "going down the shore," but whatever you call it, the beach is just fantastic. Sitting on the sand, playing in the waves, enjoying some iced tea, and throwing a frisbee around on the shore line is probably one of the happiest things about the summer time.

59.) Air conditioning. Everyone loves air conditioning when it's overwhelmingly hot outside and you can't seem to escape the humidity. Walking past a store front and feeling that blast of cold air, stepping into a house that has it going full force, or simply sitting in front of a window air conditioning after a long run all makes me feel better and much happier after a hot day of summer.

60.) Luaus. Summer seems to be the time to throw Hawaiian Luau parties. And you don't see me complaining, because they're a lot of fun! Amongst the Hawaiian leis, the island food, and the tiki torches you simply can't go wrong and have a frown.


Share some of the things that make you happy, no matter how silly, deep, relaxing or fun they may be! Your suggestions might just show up in next week's 100 Steps Toward Happiness!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 5

I hope everyone's Thursday is going well.
Here is the next ten steps toward happiness!

We're halfway there!


41.) Set a goal and do it. You know that thing you've been wanting to do for so long? That thing you keep saying that you'll start tomorrow/next week/next month? Well, write down your goal. Write down a timeline for getting it done. And then do it. Instead of continuing to put it off until some undetermined point down the road, start today. There's no time like the present!

42.) Do something spontaneous. Whether it's calling up a friend at the last second because you want to go get ice cream or going to the park and finding some people who are kicking a soccer ball around and asking to join them; whether it's surprising your family with dinner set on the table when they all come home or sending a letter to your grandparents for no particular reason; whether it's getting in your car and driving into the city for a day of antique window shopping or heading out to the countryside for a little alone time at a garden center--just go and do. Sometimes, it's good to be spontaneous and give yourself a little personal time that wasn't structured into your busy schedule.

43.) Spend a day at the beach. Maybe you don't live near enough to a coast to get to the ocean, but I bet you can improvise and live close to some kind of body of water that you can swim in. Even if it means a pool in your Uncle's backyard, use your imagination and send yourself somewhere tropical while laying out by the pool side. I take to water like a fish, and I know that anytime I'm at the beach (or imagining I'm at one) I'm happy. Just remember the sunscreen!

44.) Make yourself a mix tape. I know, I know. No one uses cassettes anymore. But mix tape sounds better than mix CD. Regardless, whenever I know I'll be driving around in my car, or running or sitting on a bus with my iPod shuffle, I make myself a playlist of music that I'm really into at that time. That way, I can rock out in my car, on my run, or on that once-lonely bus ride. Music always seems to turn my mood around.

45.) Get some sidewalk chalk, find a good piece of sidewalk, and get creative. I know when I was little, sidewalk chalk was the best thing since sliced bread. Now that I'm in college, I still find myself loving sidewalk chalk. We use it around campus to advertise events and lectures on campus, and I love being part of the "Chalking Committee." Sure, I don't get to draw a hop-scotch or a rainbow, but it still lets me release my inner chalking child. And it's a great summer activity, too!

46.) Throw a theme party. Everyone loves a Hawaiian Luau. Everyone also loves a toga party. And everyone certainly loves an 80's/90's dance party. So why not invite your friends over for some snacks, drinks, and music for a night of merriment and fun? Throwing a party, while some work, is rewarding--because in the end you know that you were the reason everyone had such a good time!

47.) Snap some bubble wrap. Stressed? Anxious? Feeling upset? Grab some bubble wrap and snap away. It's kind of like an office supplies stress reliever. And it's even more fun when having a snapping contest with a sibling, friend, or co-worker to see who can snap all of their bubble wrap the fastest.

48.) Paint your fingernails or toenails some really funky colors. While you men out there might decide not to partake in number 48, I know that almost all women can agree. When your fingernails or toenails are painted colors you normally would never use, you can't help but smile a little every time you look at them. Or is this just me?

49.) Orange slices. Remember those days you played pee-wee T-ball or kiddie soccer? You were probably 6 or 7 years old, and barely could control your balance, but you ran around on a field, not really sure what you were doing. The only thing you truly looked forward to--were orange slices. Halftime would come. Breaks between innings would come. And you could eat an orange slice with your team mates and pals. To this very day, orange slices still make me happy because of those memories.

50.) Learn to let the little things go. I will be the first to admit that I am the absolute worst at this step. I take things personally way too often, and I tend to cry about the little things more than I would normally care to admit. It's a step toward happiness that I'm working on... and although it's not easy (these past two weeks have been full of me taking things too personally and letting the little things get to me way too much) I'm really trying to make a conscious effort to change my attitude about the little things.


Share your thoughts and ideas about what makes you happy and you may see them show up here next week!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 4

I apologize for missing last week (and for being slightly absent in the last two weeks) but I moved home from Rome, had jury duty, and was job searching.

Excuses aside... here is the 4th week of 100 Steps Toward Happiness

31.) Watch one of your favorite TV shows. There's nothing like an episode of Law & Order: SVU or How I Met Your Mother to cheer me up and put a smile on my face. Whether I'm flipping through the channels and catch an episode (or if I'm really lucky... a marathon!) or watching on my computer, whether I'm alone or with friends, I know that I can always relax and enjoy myself while watching one of my favorite TV shows.

32.) Go for a run. Seeing as how today was my first day back in my running sneakers in over 4 months, I was certainly out of shape. It didn't make a difference in how good I felt after my 30 minute, 3 mile run this morning. I have to get rid of my pasta belly somehow, and exercising helps! Not to mention, it makes me feel happier. So get out, and go for a jog!

34.) Make s'mores. Last night I sat around a fire pit in a friend's backyard with other familiar faces enjoying a beautiful summer night and s'mores. Let me tell you, nothing says happiness quite like two graham crackers with chocolate and marshmallow in between.

35.) Get rid of the clutter. In the past year I've been slowly getting rid of all the clutter I've collected throughout my youth. While a lot of it brings back nostalgic memories from that one awesome vacation or that one great friendship--it really comes down to, when I move out of my mom's house for good, will I want to take it all with me? And the answer more often than not, is no. And so I've made it a point to begin to sell, donate or trash the stuff I don't need anymore. And you know what? Less is more.

36.) Make a collage. Collages are great. They're fun, they give you something to do on a rainy afternoon, and they're great for decoration. It makes a room a little more interesting, and brings out your creative side!

37.) Dry or press flowers. You know those special occasions when someone gives you flowers? Instead of trashing them as soon as they start to die, why not dry or press them? It's simple enough to do, and allows you to hang on to those flowers for longer than you would if you just let them wilt in a vase. Whether you hang them upside down in a bundle or you select a few and lay them in that heavy encyclopedia you rarely use, they'll smell great and will make you smile every time you look at them.

38.) Listen to a thunderstorm in the summer time. One of my favorite things to do in the summer time, especially down the shore, is to sit out on a deck, porch or sunroom and listen to thunder, watch lightning, and smell the rain on the dry sidewalks and streets. It reminds me of all the good things about summer storms--like how they make grass green and flowers bloom and bring life back to what was once dry.

39.) Don't just throw out the fortune cookie fortune. Reflect on it. Although they're sometimes lame, silly and ridiculous, occasionally you get one that, well, just makes sense. And if you take that fortune to heart, there's no telling what might come of it. Even if it's just a smile, it'll be worth it!

40.) Every once in a while, take a nice, long shower. In day to day life, we often forget to treat ourselves. We get so caught up in routine, that showers consist of a quick shampooing of the hair and scrubbing of the body. But, take the time every once in a while to relax and stand under the water.  Crank up the heat just a smidgin more, close your eyes, and enjoy. Forget about routine. Give yourself that extra 5 minutes in the shower.


What are some things that make you happy? Share them here and you may see them in next week's 100 Steps Toward Happiness!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 3

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Welcome to the third addition to 100 Steps Toward Happiness!
Enjoy!

21.) Read some feel-good quotes. It's hard to feel down whenever you're reading inspiring, uplifting, motivating and moving quotes from people who have made it in life. Just remember, they made it with the help of others. You can get there someday, too. In the meantime, read what they have to say. Happy quotes always bring me happiness.

22.) Feed the ducks. Go to your local park, bring a loaf of bread (yes... an entire loaf), sit on a bench by the water and feed the ducks. They'll quack their contentment and you can smile in return.

23.) Reconnect with an old friend. Maybe you had a falling out, but you can't remember why. Maybe you slowly drifted apart over time. Maybe you moved away, or they moved away, and life continued without them. Whatever the reason, reconnect with an old friend. See what they've been up to. Ask them about their life. Find new things in common. With technology and social networking, it's so easy to reconnect these days. What a fun way to re-meet an old pal!

24.) Go to a midnight movie showing. Maybe you want to see something new coming out, or maybe you want to go see a traditional cult classic. Either way, check out midnight movie showings in your area. Gather a bunch of friends, grab some popcorn, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

25.) Draw with sidewalk chalk. It's a simple joy from childhood, but can bring plenty of happiness!

26.) Play dress up with friends. I remember a few years back having a dress-up party with a group of about 8 friends. We all dressed up as what we wanted to be when we grew up. It was silly, fun and most of all, full of happiness and smiles.

27.) Dance. It doesn't matter where, how or when--just dance. It's a sure way to make yourself feel good. So blast some tunes and get down and funky.

28.) Sing (and finish) 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. I dare you. It's long, it's silly, it's ridiculous... but do it and with friends! Once you finish, I bet you won't be able to stop laughing with your friends.

29.) Make a gift for someone. Nothing says, "I love you," like a home made gift. Instead of buying a gift, giving a gift-card or spending money that you don't really have to take a friend out for their birthday or some other holiday, why not spend a little time to make them a gift instead? Make a scrapbook, a photo album, or a mix CD. They'll probably like the gift a whole lot more, and it'll remind them of all the happy times you guys have had together!

30.) Stop and smell the roses. But seriously. Stop. Smell the flowers when you pass by some. I did this the other day, and although my friends laughed at me like I was crazy, it smelled amazing and brought me a short moment of joy.


Share some of your keys to happiness in the comments and you might see your suggestion posted next week!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 2

Happy Thursday everyone!

As promised last week, here is the second installment of my 100 happy things! Enjoy!


11.) Color. When I was a kid I colored all of the time. Even when I ran out of coloring pages in coloring books, I'd draw my own pictures in pencil or pen and proceed to color them in. It's something about coloring that's calming and therapeutic. Even to this day, I will admit, I still color in order to de-stress. I worked as a tour guide and office worker last summer at my university, and in between tours and jobs me and all of my co-workers would sit quietly in the back with crayons and colored pencils and computer coloring page printouts of Tinker Bell, great white sharks, palm trees, Power Rangers, and puppies. Granted, we were all between the ages of 19 and 22, but that didn't stop us from happily coloring away.

12.) Go to a pet shop and play with puppies or kittens. This one is almost self-explanatory. Unless you have allergies (in which case, I suggest you skip this one) check out a local pet store or shelter and play with the puppies and kittens. This is another great stress reliever, and puppies and kittens are just so adorable that it's impossible to be unhappy while watching them puppy-waddle-around in circles or kitten-swat at fake mice. Seriously. Cutest. Things. Ever.

13.) Buy some new socks. Whether you like them white and fluffy, bright and colorful, or fuzzy and warm--go buy yourself a few new pairs of socks. There's nothing like having a new pair of socks to walk around in. They're soft, they smell nice, and they've never been worn until now!

14.) Cook one of your grandmother's recipes. It might not come out exactly as she made it, but try it anyway. But don't cook alone--ask your sister or brother or mom to join in the experience. And while you're at it, reminisce about all the good memories you have of your grandmother. Because let's face it, grandmothers are happiness. They bake cookies and read you bedtime stories and take you to the park. So remember her through one of her time-honored recipes!

15.) People watch. There really is nothing funnier than people watching. I've never been disappointed and always had a good laugh while people watching, because people do, wear and say the darnedest things. Bring a camera along and snap a few discreet photos if you can, too. It's definitely a good way to bring a smile to your face.

16.) Say "I love you." I feel like so often today, people are resigned to saying, "love ya," "luv u," or "wuv youuu!" People resort to these abbreviated ways of saying, "I love you" because of technology--it's easy to shorten it when you're e-mailing or Facebook chatting someone. But it's important to say the entire phrase, because "I love you" carried so much more meaning than a simple, "love ya." It makes others feel, well, loved--and that will not only make them happy, but you happy, as well!

17.) Go yard-sale shopping. What could be better than some old records, a set of antique silverware, a vintage t-shirt or a barbie doll from the 60s? That's right! Nothing! Even if you end up buying nothing and only "window shopping" your way around your friendly-neighborhood yard-sales, it's a relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning. Plus, you never know what you'll find.

18.) Plant a seed. Growing a plant is a great way to nurture something, while also maintaining a hectic lifestyle. Owning a dog isn't for everyone, and even goldfish can be time consuming because of tank maintenance--but a plant? It just needs water, sunshine, and love. So plant a seed of some easy-to-grow vegetation, and watch your love blossom!

19.) Eat breakfast. Seriously. What better way to start your day? It's an instant mood booster. Bowl of cereal? Delicious! Eggs and toast? Perfect! Buttermilk waffles? Leggo my Eggo! Eating breakfast guarantees that you'll perform better throughout the day, which means you'll be much happier. So go chow down on some blueberry muffins or English muffins, oatmeal or grits, pancakes or french toast!

20.) Play a board game. Gather some friends, settle down into a cozy room, whip out the Monopoly, Sorry or Scrabble, and get ready for a night of laughing, memories and fun. Whether you play Risk for six hours or Scattergories for one, you'll have a good times in the midst of your friends without the brain-drain of TV or the clean-up of throwing a party.


What are some things that make you happy? Share them here and I might credit you next week with one of your ideas!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 1

I've decided to compile a list of things that make me happy. They might seem silly or pointless or just downright ridiculous at times--but give them a try. You never know... they might make you happy, too. And what is so bad about that? Exactly! Nothing!

This is the first installment--the first ten steps to happiness. Each installment with be ten more things, until I reach 100! Expect them every Thursday for the next ten weeks.

That way, you have ten things to be happy about every week for ten weeks! It's like hitting the lottery, smile-style. Cha-ching!



1.) When you make eye contact with someone, smile. The first couple times this might feel weird. It might feel creepy. But when you make eye contact with someone, even if it's a stranger, make it a habit to smile. Who knows? They just might smile back. And then you're both smiling, and life is good.

2.) Compliment yourself every morning. You know when you're standing in front of the mirror after waking up, you're brushing your teeth, your hair is a mess, and you're still a little groggy? Spit out the paste and compliment yourself. "Damn, girl! Those are some dazzling, pearly whites!" "Oh hey, cutie. You're lookin' fine this morning." "You're going to kick some butt in that meeting today." "What beautiful eyes you have!" All right, it's a little silly talking to mirror-you at 7 in the morning (or whenever in the morning), but give yourself an ego-boost in the AM. It'll set your mood for the day.

3.) Listen to a feel-good song. Personally, I have a feel-good playlist that I like to play for myself whenever I need a mood-booster, but even just having one go-to song to listen to in order to help you smile is good enough. I recommend When I'm Up by Great Big Sea, Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root, or Catch My Disease by Ben Lee.

4.) Eat something yummy. Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, if I eat something delicious it helps me to feel better. I'm not talking about bingeing on oreos or finishing an entire jumbo-bag of potato chips (although, I'll be the first to admit I've been there, done that). I'm talking about eating just enough of something that has good feelings attached to it. For me, it's peanut butter. It's hard for me to feel unhappy while eating a banana or an apple with some peanut butter on it, because it's just so damn tasty!

5.) Pick one place to call your own and decorate it. Whether it's in your room, kitchen, office, desk, or garden (or anywhere else for that matter), pick one place that you spend a lot of time in and decorate it with things that make you happy. Currently, the wall next to my bed in my apartment in Rome is covered with pictures of my family, friends and dogs in addition to a few of my all time favorite fortune-cookie fortunes, a message from my boyfriend, some birthday cards, and a few magazine clippings. These things remind me that I'm loved--and that makes me happy!

6.) Open a window. Everyone needs a little fresh air once in a while, and what better way to get it than opening your window, especially if it's a nice day. It brings in some warmth and breeze into any stuffy apartment or house, and then you can hear the goings-on of your neighborhood, as well. For me, when I open my window, I get to hear birds chirping, little Italian men greeting each other with "Ciao!" and "Buon giorno!" and mopeds zip by down the street. It reminds me of all the good things my neighborhood offers!

7.) Wear something fun. For me, I love big earrings. I have more pairs than I probably know what to do with, and I rarely go out without a big, dangly, bold pair in my ears. They're unique, and a great conversation starter. So wear something different, like a brightly colored pair of sneakers or a flashy patterned shirt or a glitzy handbag or a bold solid color tie. It doesn't matter what it is, but it will make people want to know about it and will more than likely gather you a few compliments.

8.) Blow Bubbles.  Remember when you were a kid and you'd get those little jars of bubble soap with bubble wands and you'd stand outside with your siblings and neighborhood friends blowing bubbles for who knows how long? I know I sure do. And it was a blast. I can't think of something I enjoyed more than blowing bubbles on summer days when I was ten years old. It was the bees knees. And I know that, eleven years later, I still get giddy whenever I see someone blowing bubbles. It makes me want to join in. So go to your local dollar store and buy some bubbles. I bet you'll have fun.

9.) Celebrate a ridiculous holiday with a group of friends. International Chicken Wing Day? Sounds delish! Leif Erikson Day? Yarrr! Cockroach Race Day? Ok... maybe not. But regardless of what you want to celebrate, there's probably a ridiculous holiday for it. And with a few good friends and some funny ideas, I'm sure you can think up a good time and be happy while celebrating. Check out some of the holidays here.

10.) Keep your room organized. Now, for clutter bugs like myself, this might seem like more of a chore than a way to stay happy. But I assure you, if you keep on top of your mess and continually put things where they belong instead of on your floor or desk, you'll be happier. Clutter amounts to stress, because then when you go to look for something you have to sift through piles before finding it (if you even manage to find it). So instead of letting it pile high until its unmanageable, be sure to put things where they belong every day. It makes cleaning easier, it means less stress, and it makes everything look nice! Cleanliness - Stress + Looking Nice = Happy!


What are some little things that make you happy? Share here and perhaps you'll be credited and see your suggestion in one of the future additions to 100 Steps Toward Happiness!