TIPS FOR HAPPINESS

My friend Meghan posted this article on "how to be positive" on facebook yesterday and I've been thinking about it ever since. I totally resonate with the author. I too do exactly what I want to do. I get to work from home and stay with my beautiful and healthy babies. I live in a house that is perfect for us. The fact that we immediately had renters for our other house and were able to close on our dream house are nothing short of a miracle. I love my family and friends, I get to buy good, healthy food. We go out to eat when we want. We are blessed. YET, I still find myself complaining: The kids didn't nap today, I couldn't get anything done. I have no cute clothes. There are a million loads of laundry to do. Kroger didn't have organic canned coconut milk. Target was sold out of my favorite blush. Sam and I never go on dates. There was no cream for my coffee this morning! I can't afford a new rug right now. We'll never finish unpacking. Etc and so forth.

SO. You see the problem here. There are so many ridiculously awesome things happening in my life and I am totally "glossing over the good stuff." Sometimes I struggle with being happy. I feel guilty. I see people around me having a hard time so I make myself feel less happy because I feel like I don't deserve it. Does that make any sense? What favor is that doing anyone?

I choose to be happy. I choose to not take life for granted.

Making me happy today:

the earring stickers I found for Matilda. they are sparkly and fun and remind me of being little.
watching the little girls in their ballet clothes flutter through the hall. seeing Matilda mimic the older ballerinas with fierce determination. this also made me cry. gulp.
getting to sit on my front porch with my mama and enjoy a latte together.
phoebe's new teeth peeking through when she smiles.
that we are feeling more settled. only a few more boxes to go!
reading this sweet book with Matilda. such a thoughtful housewarming gift from our friend's Kate and Andy.
no meltdowns after ballet.
the cool mornings we are having. unheard of southern july weather.
blinds that allow me to change in my room.
curry cashews.
all of you!