Have you ever done something you didn’t want to do because you felt like you should want to do that thing?
Have you ever not done something you wanted because you’ve reasoned that “it’s not important,” or “it’s silly” or some other trivial reason?
As we go about our 2021 Happiness Project, I encourage you to take some time to come up with your OWN Personal Happiness Commandments.
Read MoreBack in January I mentioned that I was giving my money away for a happiness project (clarification, it wasn’t all my money. It was totally reasonable in the grand scheme of things, but still, it was something I knew I had to do).
Now that March has come and almost gone, I’m reflecting back on that decision (to purchase the course), and what I have accomplished over the last two and a half months. Not only that, but what has, and hasn’t worked for me.
First, I’m not at all sad about my choice to go through the course. For me, it’s simple and doesn’t take a lot of time. However, by focusing on the topic of the month, and happiness in general, I’ve found that I’ve grown faster in areas of my life than I have before. I’ve been into personal development for years, however, the speed that I am accomplishing in areas that have seemed to drag has been mind-blowing. I never would have guessed that I could do so much “work” in so short of time.
Read MoreIs there anything worse than getting a card with nothing but a signature inside? Not to someone whose love language is words of affirmation.
How would you feel if someone sent you flowers because they flaked on you… again? If your love language is gifts, you’d probably appreciate the thought. But, if your love language is quality time, you might just wonder if that person is trying to buy your affection.
So what exactly is a love language? Well, the ones I’m talking about are “the 5” of the The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. In his book he explains how different people not only experience but express love. While the original book is really aimed at couples, love languages can be used in any and every relationship. Yes, even at work.
The Languages are:
Words of Affirmation (words)
Quality Time (time)
Physical Touch (touch)
Acts of Service (service)
Gifts
Have you heard about the Enneagram? Do you know your type?
The first time I heard the word Enneagram was on a podcast sometime late 2017 or early 2018. When I really think about it, it almost surprises me that I hadn’t heard about it sooner. It’s a personality typing system where you “choose” the type you most identify with rather than be assigned a type by taking quizzes or tests.
I’ll be honest, I love this stuff. I love knowing it about me, and I love knowing it about all the people around me. I want to know everything from your Love Language (mine are words of affirmation and quality time) to your Myers-Briggs (ENFJ with my E right on the E/I line), to your Tendency (Upholder with some Obliger) to which Disney Princess you are (Belle).
Read MoreAt the beginning of this year I began reading “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. Well actually, I began listening to it (audio books are the best). About 20 minutes in, and I was hooked. I had to do my own happiness project. Obviously.
The signs were there. One of my clients had mentioned Gretchen at the end of November, which is how I “found” her in the first place. Then, Gretchen did an interview on one of my favorite podcasts, For the Love. THEN I found out that Gretchen was leading a group of people through a year-long happiness project.
Take my money now.
Read MoreExperienced traveler. Your GO-TO place for motivation, accountability, balanced life tips, and, well... the FRICKin Good Life with Erin Frick: Fit Life Coach; recovering perfectionist, people pleaser and clearance rack shopper.
Last month, I made a life changing decision.
I bought a second laundry basket.
“Really Erin? Life changing?”
Yes.
“Tell me more…”
Does the idea of “starting over” make you want to quit before you even begin? I get it. I’ve been there. I am there.
I’ve definitely had my shares of physical (and fitness) ups and downs. In fact, for the first almost 30 years of my life I was on a health roller-coaster. I would make progress over and over again only to backslide every time, often to a worse situation than I was in before I “started” (again).
My Mom is obsessed with ALDI.
My sister’s finance is obsessed with ALDI.
I have clients that are obsessed with ALDI.
In fact… a LOT of people are obsessed with ALDI. I find that the middle ground is murky when it comes to ALDI. People either love it, or they (think) think they hate it.
So what do I buy at ALDI? Let’s get into it…
Hangry toddlers are the worst.
Okay, so are hangry husbands… and sisters, and… well, I’m sure teens and tweens aren’t much better. But as of this point in my life, most of my day to day experience is dealing with the toddler and husband situation.
Which is why it’s not just nice but critical to have quick, easy, healthy, filling, and satisfying meals and snacks on hand. And these banana almond butter muffins deliver in all of those areas.
Halloween candy. Ugh.
Truth is, I don’t even like it. Maybe it’s because I have re-trained my taste buds to enjoy better quality food or maybe it’s because I know what’s in the candy and how it impacts my body (headaches & breakouts anyone?).
But there it sat, staring at me.
I knew it wasn't worth it. Sure, I love peanut butter and chocolate together. So Reese’s are a temptation. But truth is, the dark chocolate peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s and Justin‘s peanut butter cups are better than Reese’s.
I said what I said.