On happiness

Have I talked about the documentary Happy before?

Happy - A Documentary Trailer from Wadi Rum Films on Vimeo.

If not, I should have! Have you seen it? If not—do.

I took some notes (below) on my phone while watching it a couple of months ago.

HAPPINESS
Intrinsic goals
Volunteer
Get really good at something and do it often
Close friends and family relationships
Exercise
40% of happiness you choose
Acts of kindness
Happiness is a skill
The things we love to do are the building blocks of a happy life
Every Sunday night write 5 things you're grateful for
Sent from my iPhone

 Then today the Happy facebook page had this post up:

HAPPY - A Documentary

23 hours ago

My Top 3 Happiness Boosters are:
1. ____________(fill in the blank)
2. ____________(fill in the blank)
3. ____________(fill in the blank)

*Keep your list visible - sometimes in the busy-ness of the day, a little reminder can be helpful.

Mine are:

1. Quality time with family and friends

2. Seeing shows (plays, concerts, et al.)

3. Dance classes at the gym

 I've really been into reading about happiness lately, and it seems like everyone's into studying it. What makes you happy?

Some reads about happiness: 

The Happiness Project

Stumbling on Happiness

The Road Less Traveled

Man's Search for Meaning (I read this book in my first year of college; I reread it every year).

5 Things: Valentine's Day Edition

My funny Valentine.

5 Things

1. My little sister graduated from Navy boot camp last week. She wasn't home for the holidays this year and we really missed her. I finally got to Facebook chat with her a little the other day now that she's in Pensacola, FL for "A" school and she seemed so grown up  (we're 8 years apart). I'm proud of you, Nellie!

My sister Chanel

2. I've been ramping up on my other blog and seeing a ton of shows lately. I saw "War Horse" at The Paramount last night and I think it might be the coolest play I've ever seen! I'll be writing a review of it shortly so you can look for it here. I also got to visit the newly opened Museum of Hisotry and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle and Chihuly Garden and Glass due to work events recently. I recommend both!

Looking totally natural on the set of  the 90s TV hit "Frasier" at MOHAI

At Chihuly Garden and Glass with my coworker Sarah

3. I gave up meat and alcohol for Lent, which began yesterday. I don't practice a religion that traditionally observes it, but I like a good challenge. A couple years ago I gave up meat for Greek Orthodox Lent in solidarity with a friend and I didn't miss it; I think giving up alcohol will definitely be harder. Lent lasts for forty days, ending on Easter Sunday. I wanted a glass of wine just typing that.

4. I'm headed down to Cannon Beach, OR with a friend this weekend to see the Pacific Ocean; that was actually the stated reason for going.  Just to see it. I mean, look at it.

 5. I have a Valentine and I am happy about it. A hint about what we're doing tonight:

What makes you happy? (the little things)

I am stealing this post from A Cup of Jo although it reminds me of  5 Things.

Really warm weather with a slight breeze.

Eating something really satisfying when you're starving.

My mom's face during FaceTime.

Happy New Year!

20 second December recap: I went to a few holiday parties in Seattle in December...then went home to Cali to spend Christmas with my family!

At my work holiday party

I found the dress I'm wearing just a few hours before the party at a cute boutique store in my neighborhood. It was perfect for the conservative venue, but still young and fun I think.

At a festive holiday party with some of my best girlfriends


On NYE at Toulouse

I was back in Seattle in time for a fun NYE party right down the street from my apartment at a spot called Toulouse Petit. I searched high and low for a NYE dress while I was home in Cali to no avail. I wound up buying this dress from Urban Outfitters at the last minute. Nothing spectacular but I liked the color.

Moving on, so I'm not big on resolutions per se, but I always like to set a few goals throughout the year.

1. My health: I don't necessarily think I'm unhealthy, but I've never taken vitamins regularly or exercised more than sporadically. I want to start running again, taking Vitamin C and a multivitamin, and ingesting probiotics diligently. Oh and how could I forget my one big food goal: eat a salad everyday!

I'm also always trying to get my skin, hair and nails in good condition — all three are a constant challenge. I'm turning the big 30 this year though and I feel like I should have a handle on these things by now!

2. Take an acting class and audition for something. I'm a huge theatre geek and loved acting in high school, but the older I got the less confident I got about my ability. Every time I see a show though I always think to myself, "That could be me!"

3. Continue to purge things from my home and life. Less stuff = more happiness. Have you seen Graham Hill's TED Talk on this? Watch it.



4. Visit my friends in Tokyo. (read: start saving like yesterday).

5. Be more introspective, starting with these.

Do you have any goals, hopes, dreams for 2012??

Happy New Year, lovelies.

iPhone Hawaii

Find three good things each day

I'm going to try this.