Finding Little Moments of Happiness

Lately I have been feeling blah. Trying to balance my family, work, and social obligations has been taking a toll. A big part of it is because I’ve been so tired—and it’s my own fault. My 8 month old daughter has been sleeping from 10 pm to 7 am for the past two months. For many sleep-deprived parents, this probably sounds like a dream. But instead of taking advantage of this time to rest, I stay up until 2 am doing all the things I can’t fit in during the day.

So I start the day feeling run-down and cranky. My typical morning thoughts go something like this: I can’t wait until I don’t have to change diapers anymore. I wish I had more time to myself. I wish I wish I wish…poor me…blah blah blah.

After a little while I got sick of feeling sorry for myself. I needed a splash of cold water to the soul to wash away my “poor me” blues and kick start my happiness. We all get caught up in our personal cobwebs from time to time and need a good shake to get back on track.

Here are five things that made me feel better and will hopefully help you find your little moments of happiness.

Count Your Blessings

While my life isn’t perfect, I have so much to be thankful for. I have a best friend in my husband, a healthy, beautiful and bubbly baby, a nice home and good friends and family. Sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Do I have a genuine reason to feel bad for myself?”

Someone once told me that if you and your loved ones managed to get through the day without getting sick, seriously injured, and are still alive and kicking, then its been a good day.

Take Care of Yourself

This seems like a no-brainer, but so many of us neglect ourselves. For me, it means getting a couple more hours of sleep, going for more walks, and cutting down on my beloved junk food. For others, maybe it means taking 30 minutes a day for personal time and not feeling guilty about it.

You will be happier if there is more of a give-and-take balance in your life. While some might say that giving can make you feel good, there is only so much you can give before you are running on empty. Take some time to replenish your body, mind and spirit.

Through a Child’s Eyes

I stumbled upon this video by Gretchen Rubin called The Years are Short on her blog The Happiness Project. Ironically this video from the Happiness Project made me cry (but in a good way). Her quote says it all, “The days are long, but the years are short.”

One of the best gifts my daughter has given me is the renewed ability to look at the world through her eyes. She looks at everything with wonder and amazement. Hanging from our stairwell are two strings of hearts my husband put up for Valentine’s Day; I have yet to take them down as it serves as a daily reminder of his sweet gesture and it is one of my daughter’s favourite things to look at.

Everyday in the mid-afternoon, the sun streams through a window onto these metallic hearts and casts shimmering red and pink reflections around the house like a kaleidoscope. She smiles and turns her head around to follow the pretty colours and shapes. If it were not for my daughter, I probably would not have noticed this at all.

Stay Connected

Sometimes the busier we get, the more isolated we feel. Our network of friends and family are what keep us grounded and sane as they bring us out of our own little bubbles. When was the last time you had coffee with your best friend or visited that favourite aunt?

I recently joined a Mommy Group that meets once a week for a play date. Right now, the play date is mainly for the mommies as some of the babies cannot even sit up yet, let alone “play” with the other babies.   This weekly get-together has definitely made me feel like more of a normal person as we share stories about our daily grind.

And finally…

Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize

Take care of the most important things first, and if you don’t have time to finish taking care of the little things, don’t feel guilty! Ask yourself, ” Are my unfinished tasks going to seriously set myself or others back? How will this affect my day tomorrow?”

Its okay not to finish everything on your to do list – that’s what tomorrow is for. Tell yourself this, write it on a piece of paper and post it somewhere you’ll see it.