It doesn’t take much for us to be happy in life. And often, it won’t even cost us any money. Here are 10 signs that you’re a truly happy person and if you’re not, here are 10 simple things to start adding to your day:
©2015 Susie Lee
Tag: Appreciation
Seasons of Change.
There are going to be days when you doubt your destiny, lose your way, or feel insecure with who you are. This is a part of your journey. You’ll never have it all together, you won’t always be happy, and you won’t be sure of who you are all the time. Instead of beating yourself up over it, just go with the winds of change within yourself. In life, there will be seasons of growth and change, and there will be seasons of restlessness and rest. We can’t always be productive, purposeful, and passionate. Some days, just getting dressed will be a huge accomplishment. If you’re in this cold dark season, be gentle with yourself, keep moving, and stop criticizing yourself. You’re not going to stay stuck in this place of complacency forever. I know it may feel like it now but you’re not – you’ll get your zest and motivation back. Until then, just live and be.
©2015 Susie Lee
Words to Live By.
A little goes a long way.
Etiquette will never go out of style – everyone from all walks of life, race, genre, and age will always appreciate kind gestures. Not only will it make them feel appreciated but these simple and sincere acts will speak volumes into your character, mannerisms, and thoughtfulness. Always make time to show respect through the little things you do for people, it’ll leave a lasting impression long after you’re gone.
©2015 Susie Lee
Top 10 myths of introverts.
We’ve been taught it’s not good to label people or put them in a box yet there are undeniable personalities traits that are evident within us that either put us into the category of being an introvert or an extrovert. It’s easy for people to love extroverts because they’re generally friendly, enthusiastic, and optimistic. And it’s easy for people to misunderstand introverts because they come across as being standoffish, shy, or snobby. Whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or a little of both, we must learn that our differences can compliment each other at work, home, and play. But before we can appreciate our differences, we need to understand them. Here are 10 myths to demystify the image of introverts.
©2015 Susie Lee
Tips for Everyday Exercise
I’ve always been mindful of being proactive through the little things I do; like eating right, sleeping early, being thankful, and moving my body. With the warmer weather here, it’s been a treat to go outside for picnics, walk along the beach, and bike at night. Since I don’t buy a gym pass, I like to exercise through simple and free means like walking to the grocery store, vacuuming the house (which I really dislike), doing the dishes by hand, baking, gardening, or going for a walk after dinner. Although these simple activities will take up a part of our day, it’ll help us to slow down in life and benefit our health in the long run.
©2015 Susie Lee
A brush with death fosters thankfulness.
This weekend I had a bit of a scare as my dad collapsed in front of me. Since then I’ve been replaying the scenario of what I could’ve and should’ve have done, kicking myself for not having enough sense to pick up on the warning signs, and haunted by ‘if only I had done this and that’ then he wouldn’t have fallen. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can torment us with regret, guilt, and grief. And in the days to come, we may be tempted to overcompensate, control, and protect our loved ones based on fear. The fact is I did what I could under the circumstances I was in without knowing my dad would’ve collapsed. Although he had a brush with death, he seems to be doing okay today. It was a sobering reminder that we can’t completely protect our loved ones from harm – all we can really do is be thankful that we have another day with them.
©2015 Susie Lee
STOP focusing on the destination and START enjoying the journey.
I’ve come to realize that most of us have the tendency to live in the future – we think about what we need to do sooner, later, or eventually. It starts from the time we’re young – we want to grow up, finish school, be independent, make money, get married, buy a house, have kids, and freedom 55. And as adults we subconsciously wish, probably on a daily basis, that we were healthier, wealthier, and happier. By mentally living in the future, we fail to be in the present and unfortunately, miss those defining moments of happiness around us. The other day, as I paused to give thanks for my breakfast, I realized how lucky I was to have a choice every morning of what to eat for breakfast. And in that moment, I was happy and grateful. Being in the moment + Being appreciative = Being happy.
©2014 Susie Lee
Poster of the Week | Small Acts, Big Impact
I’m totally guilty of this. I’m so busy with ‘my life’; work, deadlines, plans, hopes and dreams. That I sometimes forget (or underestimate) to reach out to my parents in simple small ways I know would make their day – a phone call, a hug, a smile, a meal, a ride, a thank you note, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a unexpected visit. As they get older, I believe it’s the small acts of kindness that’ll touch their hearts rather than the once-in-a-while-big-events. My greatest hope is that my actions will always be motivated by love rather than by fear, expectations or guilt. In our parent’s season of change, may we honour them by expressing and showing how important they are to us today, and in the days to come.
©2012 Susie Lee
It’s Never Too Late or Too Early
“The loneliest people are the kindest.
The saddest people smile the brightest.
The most damaged people are the wisest.
All because they do not wish to see anyone else suffer the way they do.”
-Anonymous
I thought of my dad when I read this quote as it describes him. Especially over the last few years of seeing him in physical discomfort and with increased loneliness of growing old. I’ve been told that you’ll never fully appreciate your parents until you have kids of your own or until they’re gone. I don’t want to wait until that day to fully appreciate and embrace them. As the holidays draw near, give the gift of time (and thanks) to your parents. It’s never too late or too early. Wishing you the best. Always.
©2012 Susie Lee
This is what my dad looks like. All the time. Truly.
Susie Lee 