Spreading the Happy

[ 95 ] 01/18/2010 | Lissa

So much tragedy has been happening in the world lately and if you are anything like me, you have probably sat and watched the Haiti coverage with tears streaming down your face while you call your husband and beg him to let you adopt a Haitian child. It’s so easy to fall so quickly into THE FUNK.

Once THE FUNK hits, NEGATIVITY emerges. From there, it only gets worse.

This week, ladies and gentlemenman, I want to focus on the POSITIVE things in your life. Think happy thoughts. Find ways to smile. MAKE OTHER PEOPLE SMILE. Really, how many times have you felt completely alone or down-and-out, only to have someone, maybe even a complete stranger, say something to you that totally turns your day around??

A few weeks ago, I was completely wasting hours of my life on Facebook and in a shitty mood, only to have the little chat box-thingie pop up with a message from an old high school classmate (who I haven’t really spoken to in a decade) telling me to have a beautiful day. That is all it took to put a smile on my face and make my shoulders a little lighter.

What makes you happy? I’ll share a few of my “happies” with you…

Sunshine. Sunshine gives me an instant mood boost. I cherish the sun.

Giggling. There is just something about hearing my babies giggle.

Hearing from friends. I am not much of a phone person, but getting an email or text from friends brightens my day and nothing beats having a face-to-face chat with an old friend.

Mountains and beaches.

Photoventures. Taking my camera out on an adventure. LOVE.

Stickles. A tickle + back rub = stickle. My husband is THE BEST stickler ever.

I guess that was more than a few! What do you say? Are you going to think happy thoughts? Put a smile on someone’s face? Let’s SPREAD THE HAPPY! I’ll start…

Audrey - I think you are a beautiful person, both on the outside and most definitely on the inside. I hope you have a wonderful, fabulous day today. :)

Tags: compliments, happy thoughts, make other people happy, Melissa, negativity, positivity, smiles, spreading the happy, the funk

Category: Melissa, MIND IT, Motivation Monday

About Lissa: Melissa is the Co-Founder of Shrinking Kitchen and the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans She has been married for a dozen years and is mother to four children (15,12, 8 and 8), with more soon coming her way through the foster care system. Melissa has a love/hate relationship with food (okay, mostly candy) and cooking. This isn't improved by the fact that her husband, the true family chef, works in another city half the year, leaving Melissa to figure out how to feed her growing family something other than Pop-Tarts. Melissa loves her camera, enjoys traveling, kickboxing, creating beautiful things she finds on Pinterest, and planning her dream home that will be built… someday. melissa@shrinkingjeans.net :: @lissajoy :: whereverimaywander.com :: pinning here View author profile.

http://www.babytealeaves.blogspot.com Christie O.

Lissa — I think YOU are a beautiful person inside and out and I love you for posting this!! I bet that little Motivation Monday button doesn't know it spreads the happy with its random carrot!! But it does! Happy Motivation Monday everyone! You've definitely spread the happy to me!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Love YOU! xoxo
bwJen

Happy Monday and what a beautiful post!!

Sometimes that funk is hard to break out of but I love your list!!

Thanks for being you, you beautiful chica you!!

xo
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

I love this post so much! Lately, I find my day starting off with a bit of a funk and just snowballing. I try to stop and turn it around, but it's so hard sometimes.

One of my favorite things in the whole world is to make people smile. Especially if I know they are having a bad day.

Today, I want to make Nancy (@barcrdimama) smile! I think she is an inspiration to us all, and one of the sweetest Sisters EVER!!!! I also know she's been having a hard time lately, and I want her to remember that we're all here and we all love her so much :)
Pingback: Tweets that mention Spreading the Happy | The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans -- Topsy.com
gelisbeth

Great post, especially on a gloomy Monday in Central Texas. Happy for me is finally being ok with just being me!
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

I hear you on the gloomy Monday in Central Texas! That's where I am, and I am SO ready for some sunshine and dry weather :)
http://bellaonthebeach.wordpress.com Bella

I just did a blog post about 10 things that make me happy (one of those blogger awards/memes). It was really nice to reflect on all of the things, both big and little, that make me happy. It also shows how the people in our lives have the power to affect us in a profound way, whether they realize it or not. Since we have that same affect on others' lives, it's always good to try to “spread the smiles” rather than the negativity. Nice post.
allysonlyon

OK, this post just made me decide that I didn't really want Mcdonalds for lunch and instead I'll take a walk and enjoy some sunshine. :) All because you made me smile. :)
http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

I'm with you Lissa, sunshine definitely makes me happy! And good coffee, kind people and hugs from my kid. The best.

Love this post.

And I'm spreading the happy to… Karena! All the way over in Belgium – hope you have a wonderful day!
http://www.littleladybugthatcould.blogspot.com ladybugs714

A few things that randomly make me happy:
Tailwags from Emma
Hugs and How was your Day from the hubby
Random texts that let me know a friend was thinking about me and wishing me a happy day
Seeing the scale move down.

My smiles for the day are going to Heather and Melissa-they both amaze me with their strength and optimism thru the last difficult year. It seems like they both has the wittiest way to say things about something that would normally bring a person to tears, but they makes it seem like “what the freak-ever” with that bring it on attitude! Love ya hookers-thanks for making me feel like I can get thru it!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Thank you, Jen! I think you are pretty damn awesome. Just so you know.
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

I completely agree. Nancy is so amazing and supportive. Love her!

And love YOU!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Thank you! I hope you have a great day, despite the gloominess!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Thanks! I will make sure and check your post out!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Awesome choice! Have a lovely day!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

I think you are a fabulous woman with a huge heart. And you're feisty. I like feisty.

Karena is completely awesome, too! I hope you both have a fantastic day!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Awww! Thank you!

I love seeing your beautiful smile light up my computer! :) Can't wait until I get to see it in person some day! xoxo
http://jinksee.blogspot.com/ stephanie

This is a much needed post to read today. I'm not really a 'part' of the shrinking pant site. Well, I mean I am, but new, so no one really knows me. But I want to say that each day I come here and there's a new post, I love it. I smile. I think. I ponder. And I do. So thank you, and smiles to you all..
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

I love this. Spreading the happy. It goes without saying that my hookers here at SJ make me happy, all of them.

Amanda (who doesn't comment often, but I am fairly certain she is reading) – you are a wonderful friend and have been there time and time again for me. I am so fortunate to call you my friend and lucky enough to call you my neighbor!

April- I think you are a true inspiration of perseverance and not giving up. Your positive attitude brightens my day and have I told you, you have some bad ass poem writing skills?!
anng

The reason we are all here is to have support and bloggy love from friends….people we may or may not know…So WELCOME, Stephanie! Trust me when I say you are loved here !!
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Other things that make me happy:
-good coffee (in fact, I'm going to make some very soon here!)
-hanging out with my gal pals IRL (Lauren, Amanda, and Christy of Shrinking Jeans fame)
-uplighting, encouraging comments from all of you (this past year has just been hard on me in all kinds of ways)
-exercising makes me feel GOOD
-hugging and kissing my kids, their laughter and silliness
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

I love you too Lissa! 2009 was not kind to you, yet you kept on fighting the good fight. Bravo hooker!
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Nancy, you effing rock!!!!! You are a hooker, through and through and that's said only with love and admiration.

Christy- MWAH! Can't wait to see you in TWO weeks- SQUEALLLLLLLLLLLLLL.
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Thanks! Where in Central Texas are you? I'm in Austin!
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Hi Bella! Thanks for joining in? Can you provide a link to your list so that we can all check it out?
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Awesome! And now, I think I sound exactly like Melissa. Imitation is the best form of flattery.
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Heather, you and Christie O. make me laugh more than anyone else on the internet. I can be funny in person, but who the hell knows over the computer. Now, let's ditch our kids (ha ha) and make a Starbucks run, shall we?!

Karena- I am impressed with your dedication and girlfriend, you are doing a MARATHON in June? Freakin' awesome.
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Yes Mendie, Heather and Melissa are amazing but SO ARE YOU. It's a regular love-fest around here today and I LOVE IT. MWAH!
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Hi Stephanie! Welcome. You are a part of the Shrinking Jeans Sisterhood and we are so glad to have you. I would love to get to know you : ).
gelisbeth

I work in downtown Austin but live out in Cedar Park.
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

That's so awesome! Lisa lives near you!!! I'm a few hours away, but get up there as often as I can :)
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

Welcome to the Sisterhood, Stephanie! We're so glad you're here, and so glad you left a comment today!!
kay6672

Awww, thanks! Right back at you, babe! When I finally came slinking back to SJ, head low, your warm welcome really made my day! And here you go again!
kay6672

Thanks — I still can't quite believe it myself!
Lisa_ShrinkingJeans

Wait a minute! I live in Cedar Park too!!!!!!!!!!!!! How did you find
Shrinking Jeans?
kay6672

Love this post, Lissa! So many great responses already. Let's see, things that have made me happy today:

-listening to birds sing during my morning walk. It felt like spring.
-Liam's teacher telling me he's adjusting fine to being at school.
-Liam coming home singing songs in French.
-my three guys.
-the fact that despite falling off the couch, onto the tile floor, on his HEAD, I'm not spending the evening in the ER with Harry. I'm spending it watching sappy Disney movies and getting lots of cuddles.

Spreading the happy to ALL OF YOU! But a special shout out to Ann. When I mysteriously disappeared from SJ over the summer she kept coming around to our home blog to wish me well and check in. Thanks so much, Ann. I wouldn't be back here if it weren't for you!
kay6672

That's something I love about this site — you're a part of it from day one! Welcome, Stephanie!
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

I'm so glad Liam is doing so well at school! And what happened to Harry? ACK!!!

Ann is amazing, and I'm so glad she kept up with you when you left. We owe her some huge THANKS for luring you back, hooker :)

All of this happiness is making me a little teary eyed today!!!!
http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

Thanks babe! I swear you all were the only thing that kept me going some days. I knew I could always kick it with my sisters and feel better. xo
gelisbeth

hehe – I found it through a Twitter comment. I've just started exercising again after a 2 year hiatus due to sheer laziness! I haven't been good about keeping up with the website but hope to improve that aspect of renewing my exercise program.
Have you checked out the new Cedar Park recreation center? I signed up for a month membership to just check it out. Very nice equipment and super cheap prices.
babyboy3

What makes me happy?
Sunshine
Getting my “me time” to exercise, read, etc
Having a good day with my 3 boys.
Wet sloppy kisses (mostly from Zander since he is 2) from my boys.
Working out with/against my husband.
Scrapbooking/Knitting
Being part of the sisterhood and getting all of the support and encouragement from all of you without meeting you. I will send some happy to Jess B. for telling me about the sisterhood which has totally changed my life for the better. I am addicted to all of you. =)
kay6672

Awe, you called me a hooker! I feel like I really belong now. *wipes tears from eyes*

What happened to Harry? He's Evel Knievel in training, I swear. At two, he's scaling bookshelves, climbing up onto the top bunk and trying to let himself back down over the side, jumping off the kitchen table… he's responsible for every single one of the gray hairs I'm now sporting.

Well, him and my husband, who says I *am not allowed* to dye my hair. But that's a rant for a not-so-positive day :D
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

My Mia is totally an Evil Knievel in training, too! Climbing, jumping, acting crazy! She keeps me on my toes. Poor girl has had more knots on her head than I care to admit.

Laughing at the hair dying thing! I told my husband I was going to have to start buying wrinkle cream and he told me that was an investment well worth making! I totally wanted to slap him silly :P

And yes, you are a hooker. Through and through :)
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

We're so glad you're here, and that we've been able to change your life for the better. *That* makes me smile!!!!
kay6672

My husband says I should accept it and “grow old gracefully.” I say I'll dye it one of these days and he won't even know the difference!
http://thesassymama.blogspot.com Heather

I've been coloring my hair for, well, forever. I've been graying since 16. My husband doesn't even know my real hair color! HA!
kay6672

In his defense, I once cried to him from the bathroom, unwilling to come out, that I'd dyed my hair magenta! It took mucho $$$$ to get back to normal from that.
kay6672

forgot to add that that is a beautiful photo!!! I'm the daughter of a photographer — although I inherited no talent whatsoever, I know good stuff when I see it!!
anng

I'm sending some Happy Bloggy love to all my friends here at the Sisterhood!! Karena, Brooke, Christy, Christie, Lissa, Lisa, Heather, April, Thea, CE and probably a bunch more!! I would not be where I have gotten in this journey without all the support from my friends! You guys are always leaving me tons of bloggy love and comments and it makes me feel like someone cares…even in my darkest, saddest days! Today is a good day!! It is warm, sunny (sorry to you in central Texas that don't have sunshine yet!) and I have people who love me, but don't even really “know” me!! This site makes me sing a HAPPY SONG AND DO A HAPPY DANCE!!
kay6672

Right back at you, Ann! You know, living so far from *home* and having very few people locally that I would call *friends*, I really value the friendships I have made here!
http://www.babytealeaves.blogspot.com Christie O.

Well this is just about the happiest post I've ever seen! And I'm in LOVE with all the wonderful happy spreaders on here!!! I just had to come back and read all the love, you guys all rock SO.MUCH. And if anyone is here for the first time and you're not sure if you should join us in your endeavors, just read the comments from these wonderful beautiful women on here! Things that make me happy:
-getting my wetsuit and feeling all official for open water swims in the freakin cold
-being scared about embarking on a new endeavor
-my little babies sitting outside of the gorilla exhibit having more fun with the ducks than the gorillas
-singing my head off in the car with my kids in the back
-getting checked out while driving my minivan (LOL)
-my husband and all of his running hotness Vavavoom! (he's training for a marathon)
-my girlfriends, in real life and virtually. there is just nothing like girlfriends.

And now to spread my happy: APRIL I JUST LOVE YOU, bloggy twin. And Karena, you're just about the sweetest thing on the internet! You inspire me!
babyboy3

Lissa- I have had the same thought about adopting a child from Haiti. Great minds think alike. I have three boys already then I could have a girl plus help a child. I am sure it is a long process and more so because of the earthquake.
Nancy

Oh Christy, you are the sweetest person ever. It has been a rough couple of weeks, but I think I'm getting back on track and this certainly made my day. Thank you so much! Love you hooker!!
Nancy

Love ya back Lissa! Thank you so much.
Nancy

Lisa, you are the best. Thank you so much for all the love and support.
babyboy3

That is why you let the pros do it. Even highlights are fun and sometimes it is a nice pick me up.
DALewis

Awww, Lissa. Thank you SO MUCH. This put a smile on my face. :)
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

You may be new, but you are just a part of this as we are! Have a wonderful week, Stephanie!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Mwah. Love you!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Speaking of hair-dyeing, I need to get back to my blonde self.
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Thank you! It is from the Gulf Coast of Florida – the awesome family vacation we took in '07!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Love happy dancing!

We love you, Ann! You rock!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

I love that you always make me giggle like I'm 5-years-old again. ;p xoxo
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

I'm sure it is a long process…. but, OH, their eyes…. I just start crying every time I see one of the children hurting on TV.
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

Smooches, hooker, smooches. ;)
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

I love working out AGAINST my hubby too. Especially at racquetball. ;p

We are so happy you are here!
BrookeF

okay before i go through the comments – i wanna share how i spred the happy this weekend (and i didn't even know i was supposed to be)

i chat with people during races. its just what i do. i thank the police officers at the intersections who keep us safe. i sometimes interact with the sidewalk encouragers…but during my 5K this weekend i kept my mouth shut when i wanted to say something.

this lady run/walking ahead of me had these gorgeous calves. i thought about saying something to her, but resisted. how would she take it? so i kept my mouth shut. then later during the awards ceremony – i noticed she was sitting directly in front of me. so i seized the moment.

“this might sound a little weird, but you were in front of me during the race and i couldn't help but notice you have incredible calves. have you been running a while?”

i totally made her day. she told me how she had always hated them and had asked her doctor how to make them smaller. how they were genetic…i hate just complimented a body part that she hated. :) and you could tell it made her feel great.
BrookeF

freakin gorgeous isn't she. makes me sick. in a totally jealous wish i was that hot kinda way.
BrookeF

christy you are great because you do make people smile – you always know just what to say to be an encouragement.

ps – i don't take encouragement well – i wanted to kick my husband in the balls whilst he was encouraging me yesterday. you totally know how to do it to not enduce the ball kicking urges. :)
BrookeF

*hugs* nancy you are an incredible woman :) i'm so glad we have you around (totally selfish on my part)
BrookeF

karena is incredible – i can't wait for her to prove to herself and her hubby that she can totally do it!! :)

heather you aren't too shabby either *hugs*
BrookeF

go bucks!!

and they are both incredibly amazing women. :) the bitch of it is that the are as beautiful as they are strong.
BrookeF

isn't ann incredible? when i grow up i wanna be just like her!
BrookeF

i haven't had the pleasure of chatting with amanda i don't believe. but lisa you're incredible, and if you say that she's wonderful then i'm sure she is!!

and april kicks serious ass. the end.
BrookeF

the addiction is mutual! :)

there is nothing like getting in a hot bath with a good book and just lingering. :)
BrookeF

can i cut in? i wanna happy dance too!!
BrookeF

you are incredible. one day i will be like you. maybe minus the kids but with all your motivation and spunk.
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

You are so amazing! Seriously! Sometimes it really doesn't take much to make someone's day, and you seem to have a real knack for it, hooker!

You totally made my day :)
http://christy.shrinkingjeans.net Christy_TheSistherhood

I so glad I don't have balls. Seriously :)
http://www.littleladybugthatcould.blogspot.com ladybugs714

I agree…April is amazing. She continues to learn more about herself…and that is one of the hardest things along the journey! And she likes BEER and COLLEGE FOOTBALL…and WIENER DOGS! TRIPLE SCORE! Hugs to you sweetie!

Christie-you Triathalon completing, Florida lovin, adorable baby boy momma bakin' premie supportin woman-you are wonderful and I love how upbeat you are. I hope you realize how uplifting you can be! mwah!
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

You are totally hot and you should know it!!! *mwah*
http://www.whooosthatgirl.com Lissa_ShrinkingJeans

I love that you made her day!!! You are such a ray of sunshine!
SJs_April

Aww, thanks!! Love you, hooker!
SJs_April

Now you're just trying to make me blush. ;o)
SJs_April

You rock, Ann!!
SJs_April

I love you too, bloggy twin!!
SJs_April

I mean, beer, college football? What's not to love?! Thanks, friend!!
SJs_April

I love this so much. Every single one of YOU makes me happy and smile and laugh. Never forget how much you touch my life every single day.

And I love kicking you east coasters asses during our last chance tworkouts!
SJs_April

Aww, thanks!! Love you, hooker!
SJs_April

Now you're just trying to make me blush. ;o)
SJs_April

You rock, Ann!!
SJs_April

I love you too, bloggy twin!!
SJs_April

I mean, beer, college football? What's not to love?! Thanks, friend!!
SJs_April

I love this so much. Every single one of YOU makes me happy and smile and laugh. Never forget how much you touch my life every single day.

And I love kicking you east coasters asses during our last chance tworkouts!

Spreading the Happy

SUBSCRIBE!

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

Daily Popular