THINK HAPPY.  “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” ― Abraham Lincoln 

Well, good ol’ Abe said it right, and he hit the nail on the head!  So many times if we just change our thinking, we can change our lives.  Many of us struggle with finding, seeking and keeping happiness – especially us gals.  There’s a lot to deal with in this crazy world, and it’s easy to let ourselves worry about everything.  A lot of women struggle with eating issues, comparing themselves to the magazines and other women, and trying to fit into their “skinny jeans.”  It can become a crazy cycle we fall into chasing the inevitable invisible carrot and forgetting about where we are in the moment.

Sometimes we need to Just stop, take a deep breath and reset. Sometimes thinking of all of the great things in your life, the blessings you have, and the people in your life helps.  Usually the good outweighs the bad.  🙂  And sometimes actually doing a few simple things can make all of the difference.

Being a fitness enthusiast, it’s also easy to fall into a rut, so I’ve made a list of a few things that I’ve found lately that lift my spirits and get me from wherever I am to happy.  🙂

Buy yourself some flowers.  Every Tuesday I go to the 12 South Farmer’s Market and have fallen in love with the flowers from Humble Flowers!  These sunflowers are bigger than my head and put a huge smile on my face!  You can pick up a bouquet for $12, and it’s so worth it.  I walk in and see these every time I walk into my house.  Insta-happy!!

Get yourself a new workout outfit (maybe a bright, happy one!).  Sometimes just having new threads or kicks will make all the difference.  I got the outfit on the left at Lululemon (duh!), and found these crazy new kicks at the Nike Factory Outlet store in Opry Mills for less than $60!

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try a new route.  Maybe you need to try a new running route, a new workout routine or class, or maybe make a change in your life.  A small change can go a long way, so go for it.  You’ll never know what you may see or do by just taking a left instead of a right.  🙂

Plan a trip.  Having something to look forward to is so important.  I know personally, I get caught up in the daily grind, and forget to take time for myself.  Sometimes completely removing myself from my daily environment is the best thing I can do!  Having that time booked on the calendar gives you something to work towards and look forward to.  It’s the light at the end of the tunnel!  I snapped this beauty on my last vacay.  Sometimes all you need is just a dose of inspiration and a change of scenery.

Tell someone that you care about them.  I love to send random texts to friends just saying – I’m thinking of you.  How can that not make someone’s day? Usually doing something for someone else will bring a genuine happiness to your life.

Make a new playlist.  Music is good for the soul!  Here are some happy songs that’ll put a smile on your face –

Good Life – OneRepublic 

Happy – Pharrell Williams

Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bob Marley

Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

Beautiful Day – U2

I’ve Got a Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

So, there you go folks!  Just a few things that may brighten your day or your week!  I hope some of these help you get from here to even happier!