If you're on Facebook at all, you must have come across a hashtag such as this: #100happydays. If you don't know what it is, let me explain. There is a challenge we can choose to accept called just that, "100 Happy Days." You post a status/picture every day about something that makes you happy. The beauty of the challenge is that you are encouraged to dig deep and find something, anything that brings you happiness, even when you normally wouldn't see it. If you'd like to know more, or to sign up for the challenge check out 100happydays.com.
So as I'm quickly approaching the last day of my own challenge, I'd like to reflect a bit. I missed a couple days here and there, due to hormones or neglect of some sort. ;) But for the most part, I posted a picture or status every day. While I didn't have any grand epiphanies, I did see what is at the forefront of my happiness.... what typically brings a smile to my face. My number one subject to post on was my family. That's fairly obvious. I can't help myself. I love my hubby and kids more than anything, so of course they make me happy. They can drive me absolutely bonkers at times (as I do them), but they have my heart and soul.
Aside from family and friends, I realized that the simple things in life are what make me happy. Getting out of the house now and then... being home... doing my nails... good food... sunshine... Jesus... all those little things that add up to be one big ball of happiness.
I have to admit, there were quite a few days (especially considering the hormones flowing through my body) that I really struggled to find my "happy" for my post. The thing that I loved about committing to this challenge is that I was forced to find something, anything that could brighten my day in some way. It helped to direct my attention from my troubles, my stresses, my fatigue, and really find something to be thankful for.
While I don't feel my life has changed by leaps and bounds in doing this, I am truly grateful that I took that step and challenged myself in this way. Pregnancy is a fickle thing. It's so easy to be grumpy and negative in this season. I believe this had a hand in keeping my outlook on life in check. Without my faith, my family, and yes, even this challenge, who knows how this pregnancy could have gone so far.
The challenge is over for me, but the appreciation of the little things isn't. It's almost automatic... to search for the happy now. To me, that was worth those 100 days and more. I highly recommend this challenge. It is a simple way to bring a smile to your face every day, and to encourage others to look for their happy.
What makes you happy?
