Happy For No Reason

Boy I sure wish that I could be Happy For No Reason pretty much all the time. If I am happy its for a reason, I just won the lottery, I just finished the laundry, or I just ate a great meal. I won a book in a blog contest about a year ago Called Happy For No Reason by Marci Shimoff 7 steps to being happy from the inside out. I haven't even thumbed through the pages yet. I took it off my book shelf with 100 other titles of the same nature. Dusted it off and thought ok today is the day I will read at least one chapter. It looks as if I might just start this later in the week. Can you tell I am procrastinating here. I like to read don't get me wrong. But like I said before self help books are hiding way back in the garbage can waiting to be thrown at someone who mentions another book.

This comes from an except off her web page: What would it take to make you happy? A fulfilling career, a big bank account, or the perfect mate? What if it didn't take anything to make you happy? What if you could experience happiness from the inside out -- no matter what's going on in your life?

In Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out, transformational expert Marci Shimoff offers a breakthrough approach to being happy, one that doesn't depend on achievements, goals, money, relationships, or anything else "out there." Most books on happiness tell you to find the things that make you happy and do more of them. Although there's nothing wrong with that, it won't bring you the kind of deep and lasting happiness most people long for -- the kind you'll never lose, no matter what happens in your life. Based on cutting-edge research and knowledge from the world's leading experts in the fields of positive psychology and neurophysiology, plus interviews with 100 truly happy people, this life-changing book provides a powerful, proven 7-step program that will enable you to be happier right now -- no matter where you start.

You don't have to have happy genes, win the lottery, or lose twenty pounds. By the time you finish this book, you will know how to experience sustained happiness for the rest of your life. Sounds good to me....


 There is also a test you can to see just how happy go lucky you are:

The Happy for No Reason Questionnaire

 

The following Happy for No Reason questionnaire is modeled after the tests that Positive Psychology researchers use to determine people's happiness levels--with one important difference! Most happiness questionnaires are "state-dependent"; that is, they ask you to rate your happiness according to what's going on in your life (job, career, relationships, and so on) and how satisfied you are with your life circumstances. Those questionnaires measure Happy for Good Reason. This questionnaire is completely unique; it measures Happy for No Reason, or your happiness level from the inside out.

 

As you answer these questions, think about how they apply to you in general.

 

Rate each statement on a scale of 1 to 5:

 

1 = Not at all true

2 = Slightly True

3 = Moderately True

4 = Mostly True

5 = Absolutely True

 

1. I often feel happy and satisfied for no particular reason.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
2. I live in the moment.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
3. I feel alive, vital and energetic.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
4. I experience a deep sense of inner peace and well-being.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
5. Life is a great adventure for me.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
6. I don't let bad situations keep me down.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
7. I am enthusiastic about the things I do.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
8. Most days I have an experience of laughter or joy
   1      2      3      4      5
    
9. I trust this is a friendly universe.
   1      2      3      4      5
    
10. I look for the gift or the lesson in everything that happens.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
11. I am able to let go and forgive
    1      2      3      4      5
     
12. I feel love for myself.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
13. I look for the good in every person.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
14. I change the things I can and accept the things I can't change.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
15. I surround myself with people who support me
    1      2      3      4      5
     
16. I don't blame others or complain.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
17. My negative thoughts don't overshadow me.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
18. I feel a general sense of gratitude.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
19. I feel connected to something bigger than myself.
    1      2      3      4      5
     
20. I feel inspired by a sense of purpose in my life.
    1      2      3      4      5

 

Scoring section:

If your score is 80 - 100: To a great degree, you are Happy for No Reason.

If your score is 60 - 79: You have a good measure of being Happy for No Reason.

If your score is 40 - 59: You have glimpses of being Happy for No Reason.

If your score is under 40: You have little experience of being Happy for No Reason.

 

Whatever your score, don't be discouraged. Science tells that we have control over at least 40% of the factors that determine our individual happiness levels. So, it doesn't matter where you begin; what matters is that you do begin. Reading my book Happy for No Reason will enable you to be happier right away. Once you've been practicing the seven steps and the Happiness Habits listed in the book, take the questionnaire again. After that, assessing your Happy for No Reason score on a regular basis will help you chart your progress.

Staying Positive

It sure is hard to stay positive when you feel like crud. I am happy one minute and then the next I feel like choking someone for driving too fast, or not using their blinker. I am calm one minute and then feel totally anxious because the kitchen is a disaster and it's been that way for two days now. Don't sweat the small stuff all stuff is small someone awhile ago said to me. Just think of it every time you get angry over something so small.

Staying positive is something I strive for not only every day but every second of my life. The only thing going for me is being able to sit here and type how I feel and what is really inside of me. Do I care what others think? Not really. My motto: You don't pay my bills so shove off. But deep down inside after brewing about what I read or what I may have said YES I do care. I want to be a part of something positive. I feel that this is positive. I like the computer and what it has to offer. I like to read others stories of hope, dreams, love and abilities to overcome grief, death and losing.

How many self help books does one need to read in order to become a better person? I am tired of all the authors that think they have yet one more thing they can offer their readers that someone doesn't. Why don't they just all get together and write a book and then we all can read it once and pass it on to the next person who has just spent a good chunk of change on books to make them feel better.

I don't have a lot of positive people in my life I guess. The only one that comes to mind is my sister "L" she seems to be upbeat and always looks for the good in people. Just the other day at the store a young man said excuse me honey and I wanted to slap him silly. My sister said, " Maybe he meant that in a good way" I felt degraded. Creep. But now that I look back on it I feel bad for thinking that of him and thought well maybe my sister was right. So my goal for this week is to think positive in everyone. I sure don't want people to label me or stigmatize me, so in return I shouldn't do it either.

Check back on Monday and I will recap where I left off. If it was a good goal or not......

Beth


How To Choose Happiness...Most Of The Time: 30 Ways In 30 Days

Yellow Pages Blues

There are loads of things about mental health issues that no one consumer could handle in a day. Just going to see a therapist requires a lot of stamina and patience just to get in the door. For instance just last week I wanted to find a therapist again after a long 8 years of not having one. I looked in the yellow pages and started calling. I called most of the "A" section in the book and took a break because I was feeling burnt out. Most receptionists tell you that they would have to call back. Call back? I don't have time to sit and wait for a call back. Why can't I just make an appointment now?

So, while waiting and 4 hours later I called several friends and asked who them would recommend. But there is always a problem with insurance issues. If you have insurance then great you can get in. But like me I have none or little and it doesn't cover this type of service. So I try to get in on a sliding fee scale. I pay as I can, or pay so much down each time. These days in this economic downfall you would be able to find places that would help out just  a little. But no, that is quite impossible. So if you ever do and you are in the great Midwest please let me know.

There is also a wait for services probably in every county in the United States for mental health issues. In the newspaper yesterday I read about the outlaying areas who have to wait for months sometimes years just to get to see a psychiatrist. This is not right.  We shouldn't have to wait for anything. There is also the paper chasing game. I do know that in my hometown and I live in the Capitol State that there are still all those freakin papers you have to fill out. Whatever happen to electronic filing. I don't want to have to keep a book in my purse just so I can give it to each time I want services. This makes for a very frustrating and long day. Something I don't need.Choosing an Online Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Professional Help on the Web

 Long story short: I had one call back out of 73 phone calls I put in. One lousy stinking phone call. Just think I have the rest of the yellow pages to go. Pray for me!

Winster

If you enjoy playing games then this is the site for you. Winster is a fun and addiction site that will remind you a bit of slot machines. Winster.com is a social community where friends help friends solve puzzles to win real prizes. You pick the prize you want to win, then play engaging, fun games until you win your prize.

Our games are specifically designed to foster a sense of community and promote positive interaction. Players cooperate to help each other win prizes, rather than compete. At Winster.com, players play with each other, never against each other.

Our mission is to build and serve a friendly online community through entertaining games and valuable prizes.

Let them know that I sent you and you and I both can win.

Light My Wick

I am writing this because I ran across a website that is all about candle making. I love candles I will buy any candle anywhere no matter what the price is. I often am quite disappointed to find out that the candle that I bought for over $15.00 doesn't even smell. I have to have smell people. I like to be able to walk into my house and not smell the cat box. I feel sorry for our guests. I actually am embarrassed.

So this candle making company is called The Candle Making Store  it has everything and anything you need to make your own candles. The one package I am probably going to order is the Complete Soy Candle Starter Kit 

The prices are very reasonable as well. I can't afford high priced candles anymore and making my own would be a delight. I can see it now... Birthdays, Holidays or just those special moments that you would like to say "Thanks for Being in my life"

They are also having a giveaway you can take a look at it on their site when you sign up for their newsletter or you can also view it on Crafty Mama of 4 blog. She has some other neat stuff to look at as well.

Just Another Manic Monday

Up at the crack of dawn just so my cat Nermal can get a drink of water. Clearing throat yes he only gets sink water. He is 11 years old what do you expect. I spoil him. He is my time clock. No need for expensive alarm clocks anymore that is for sure. Instead of hearing a horrendous sound of a beep. I hear a soft meow until I wake up. As soon as my eyes are open then bam. The meowing gets louder and louder. I can't move that well in the morning I suffer from Fibromyalgia in my knees especially. So I sit on the side of the bed and wait till I want to wince. 

Nermal gets his daily morning regimen along with his sister Oreo. Although Oreo doesn't get bathroom sink water she sticks with the good stuff out of her bowl. But they both get to dine on some sweet treats too. Something I should of stayed away from but what can I say they are my kids. They are satisfied and I am not. Coffee filters have disappeared and so I use paper towels and let me tell you this is not a good thing. Messes in the morning tend to put me in a dismal mood.

Am has a migraine again, nothing new there. Up to call the Dr. ( she gets a shot of the good stuff) twice a week to combat these horrible horrible pains. Trying to eliminate the narcotic diet though. Went to the sleep Dr. and they told her that she will die eventually if she doesn't wear her CPAP. Um this has been going on for over 5 years. I don't feel sorry for her anymore. What the heck took you so long. Her doctors have been telling her this for the last 10 years. No oxygen to the brain and wham you are bound to get a headache or worse yet a migraine. I don't understand people sometimes. But then again I have to deal with myself too so there is a big mystery right there.

Should really get ready for the day. But I just hate Monday's. I don't sleep that well these days and am hoping to find a regimen to conquer these sleepless nights. I do take sleeping medication but am trying to cut down. I would love to be able to sleep on my own. I never feel groggy in the morning I just feel wiped out after 2 hours later. I too should have a CPAP. But because of insurance problems I don't. So the day goes on.... back at you later.

Personal Quiz

 I'm taking a quiz that I found over at Peggy Sue's Perspective -- Rants & Randomness
blog. If you want to, cut and copy the quiz and post it over at your blog and send me a link to it in my comments so I can check out your answers.


What color are your socks right now? I don't ever wear socks in the summer. Flip Flops everywhere. Sometimes I wear socks at night. But that hardly happens anymore.

What are you listening to right now? Criminal Minds in the next room. I can't watch that stuff when I am eating.

What was the last thing you ate? Just had chili cheese and mac with buttered bread and my favorite Brussels sprouts in butter.

Can you drive a stick? No, not interested!

Last person you spoke to on the phone? My mom, they are selling their house to move to Florida.

How old are you today? Just had a birthday. If you are that interested you can figure it out.

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Eating contests. That is a sport isn't it?

What is your favorite drink? Instant Tea. Nothing in it ever. Plain

Have you ever dyed your hair? Used to in my teens, all kinds of colors. Pink, green, black, now I am natural gray.

Favorite food? anything salty. especially saltine crackers and peanut butter

What is the last movie you watched? Shutter Island. It stunk. I am appalled for my family and friends thinking I would like it.

Favorite day of the year? 10-28-94 The birth of my son C.J. Rest in peace

How do you vent anger? LOL this could be a book. I don't handle it very well. I scream, say a lot of "F" words and then break down and cry.

What was your favorite toy as a child? My hotwheel.

Favorite Season?  Fall.


Cherries or Blueberries? Love em both, don't eat them because I get heartburn really really bad.

Living situation? I live with partner and two cats. Nermal and Oreo

When was the last time you cried? 1996 the year my son died
What is on the floor of your closet right now? everything, laundry day tomorrow.

What are you most afraid of? being murdered. How morbid right well I watch to many Criminal Minds I think

Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? No red meat for me, just thinking of it makes my head spin

Favorite dog breed? Black labs, although I don't and will never have one. My cats are my kids.

Favorite day of the week? Wednesday. In the middle is all right by me.

How many states have you lived in? Wisconsin, Minnesota and back to Wisconsin so 2

Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds and only on my current ring finger.
What is your favorite flower? Sunflowers

Did you get an H1N1 vaccine? yes, I have a lung disease so I try to stay on top of stuff like that.