Texas Lou

Yesterday, I watched the documentary, Happy, which explores what makes people happy in all different walks of life.  The movie was very enlightening and definitely worth the hour and a half it took to watch.

Lately, I’ve been doing quite a bit of research: reading (books, blogs, and articles), watching (online and TV), and exploring of myself to try to become a happier and healthier (mentally and physically) person.  I know that true happiness does not come from a pill, or other people, or money, but from inside myself.  So I’ve been trying to figure out how to access this happiness that I know is hidden somewhere inside of me.

One of the methods for finding happiness within that the documentary suggested was listing 5 things you are thankful and grateful for on a regular basis.  I’ve heard that this is a great way to bring about feelings of happiness and well-being from many other sources, so I thought that this blog could server as a great medium for listing what I’m thankful for on a regular basis.  I’m going to try and remember to post 5 things that I’m thankful for every Monday here on the blog.  I like to think of it as a good experiment.  If it works and succeeds at making me a happier person, then I’m better off.  And even if it doesn’t make me happier, it will serve as a good reminder as to why I should keep my chin-up and count my blessings.

So here it goes, 5 things I am grateful for on this Monday morning:

1. I’m thankful for my cat’s health.  We found a large lump on Revolver Ocelot’s chest Friday evening and I’m so grateful that not only was the vet able to get us in for an appointment at the last minute on Saturday morning, but also that the vet seems to think that the lump is not a tumor, but only an infection that is being treated with antibiotics.
2. I’m thankful for cell phones and wireless networks.  It is because of these, that I was able to call my twin brothers, Christian and Bradley, last night and wish them a happy 7th birthday.  I would have liked to be there to celebrate with them, but I’m very happy that I could call them and talk to them on their birthday.
3. I’m thankful for my husband’s family and that we live close to them.  I am often whining and feeling sorry for myself about the fact that I live so far away from my family.  However, I realize that many people have no family or friends close to them.  When my dad moved to America, his entire family was half way around the world (and a much longer and more expensive plane ride than the one from Virginia to Texas).  So I am very thankful to live close to my Virginia family and have lovely traditions to share with them during the holidays.
4. I’m thankful for strong legs and a healthy body that allows me to run on a regular basis.
5. I’m thankful to have the ambition, desire, and knowledge to seek out a happier and healthier me.

A couple other things that the documentary mentioned that I’m hoping to try are compassion meditation and committing regular random acts of kindness.