it's the little things + giveaway

first things first, I absolutely love this album. I was obsessed with it when I was like fifteen, and I had to put it on to write this post! I haven't listened to it in way too long, and this song totally goes with the post.

they say {especially according to this song} that the little things are what make life such a big deal.

29 little things that make me happy:

1. remembering the words to songs that I haven't listened to in a long time

2. guessing the correct settings for a picture and having it turn out

3. snail mail

4. being mentioned in a positive review for the hotel that I work for

5. freshly painted nails

6. when that one thing that I need to buy is on sale

7. starting a new book

8. baking cupcakes

9. when my NatureBox arrives!

10. matching my socks to the rest of my outfit {yes, I am that person.}

11. blue skies and white clouds

12. going out to see some of my friends perform {and no longer feeling awkward about sneaking into a bar, since I'm finally 21.}

13. when one of my preschool classes ends successfully

14. fresh flowers

15. getting everything finished at work and feeling accomplished

16. when someone comes up to me and wants a hug

17. decluttering

18. wearing a dress or a skirt and feeling pretty

19. getting into bed after a long day and remembering that you did the laundry in the morning, so they're fresh sheets

20. checking things off the to do list

21. finding the perfect thing at a thrift store when you weren't even looking for anything

22. seeing friends you haven't seen in months or years

23. breaking out the markers and coloring a picture {I love Vanessa's work}

24. pretty handwriting

25. just driving and seeing the beauty of the world

26. scrolling through instagram to see the other people's views

27. reading old journals to remember the seemingly important details of the past

28. learning something new

29. writing in my Happiness Project daily journal

so, my second blogiversary was on Friday, but I totally missed it because I thought that it was later in the month. I'm giving away a copy of the Happiness Project one sentence a day, five year journal. enter with the Rafflecopter below! (:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo.

Thoughts on Happiness

I don't often talk about my faith here, because I believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions. Today, though, I feel as though this is necessary.

I grew up a Catholic, going to Mass every Sunday with my parents and sister, and I went to a Catholic school from kindergarten through seventh grade. I served Mass for six years, and I believe I have been teaching Children's Liturgy of the Word (Sunday school) for the past five years.

Yesterday, the lesson I was planning for this coming Sunday really hit home. I have been having a tough time dealing with some stuff in my life, and Sunday really hurt. I hope to someday be able to share these struggles here so that I can in turn help someone else through their own pain, but today is not the time for that.

This Sunday's Gospel really helped me put some things into perspective. Happiness comes from the inside and how you treat others; you should not be relying on other people and things to make you happy.

Matthew 5:1-12

One day, when Jesus was being followed by a large crowd, he climbed a hillside, sat down, and began to speak:
    Happy are gentle people, for they shall be treated with gentleness.
    Happy are people who forgive others, for they shall be forgiven.
    Happy are the poor, for they shall see heaven.
    Happy are people who do what is right and care about others.
    Happy are people who make peace and bring friendship.
    Be happy even if people are unkind and say nasty things to you because you believe in me, for you will have great rewards in heaven.

xoxo.

afraid

Friday, September 6: a story about a time you were very afraid

via

This one is pretty hard, because I can't think of a time that I've been very afraid. I mean, yes, there are times that I'm scared or nervous, like when I got my tattoo, or times when I have been alone at work, or taking pictures at Chateau Hutter, but there isn't like one story that sticks out where I was afraid for my life, you know?

I am going to take this to mean that I don't do enough adventurous things, and I'm going to try to step out of my comfort zone a little bit more (not that I want to be afraid!).

xoxo.



ps - did you see the giveaway in yesterday's post?

Happiness

Ten things that make me happy:

1. hugs with smiles and kind words.
2. good clearance finds at Target.
3. crunchy Biscoff spread.
4. when my nails are painted and not chipped.
5. clean pajamas & fresh sheets.
6. sending and receiving snail mail & packages.
7. spending Sunday mornings and Monday evenings with the greatest little people.
8. Modern Family - my favorite episode is the Express Christmas one!
9. holidays at my grandparents' house.
10. shopping/browsing at stores.

xoxo.