Several moons ago, I injured my knee and was left to heal, unable to walk for several days, refusing to accept defeat, I stepped into my light. That was the time when I was ferociously practicing gratitude journaling. Day in and out, I was jotting down, pouring out, venting, with feelings of gratefulness. I stumbled upon a tool that was to become my guide, my friend, and my therapist!

This is a tiny peek into that time and a journaling activity to help those who feel they are not artfully inclined. I like to believe you can draw if you can write your name. I have kept this one particularly easy and straightforward to follow along. Happy journaling!

In his book Happier, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar @talhappier introduces the term “happiness boosters,” also known as MVIs—minimum viable interventions. These are short activities that last from a few minutes to a few hours, providing us with purpose and enjoyment and recharging us with energy. Their contribution to our mental health is both immediate and long term.

Good to know Journaling is one key element!

All sounds cease to reach
the quiet spaces inside…

All sounds cease to cease
where noisy thoughts reside…

I have always found this quote by Chanakya quite intriguing. I have read it and re-read it. I am only now beginning to relish it and understand it a little. I plan to apply it to my life. I can hold on to it now, more than ever before. It has started to make sense.

I have never been a religious person, but I have always believed in a higher power, something out there, and yes, something inside of all of us as well. The higher self is connected to this higher power. Most often, the flame is dim and, in some cases, totally blown off. Yet, it rekindles, and when it does, it is joyful. It sure feels soulful.

The quote is, "Your feelings are your God, the soul is your temple."

Happiness is not something that we go out looking for; it is something that is always inside. Sometimes, it just gets covered or buried under layers of time, time that is again nothing but a box full of thoughts and images, feelings and emotions that we keep filling into this box, and over time, we almost always never pause to clean up. Happiness is sitting right there, in some corner of this box. I am now more contained within, mindful, and present.

Before I joined HSA this summer, I always considered taking a course on Happiness. Over the years, I have signed up for many classes with the word "Happiness" in the title! My shower gel is also labeled Happiness. I was looking for deeper knowledge-based material as if I constantly yearned for more.

How are you traveling through your day?
What baggage are you carrying?
What are you carrying in it?

Is it weighing you down?

When you think about it, despite everything that goes on, life is made up of tiny glimmers we often overlook. We are so caught up in our gloom, that the glimmers do not shine through. What are you grateful for in the moment?

Little things, little moments, make a huge difference.

All you have to do is pause, jot down your thoughts, and go on a gratitude rampage.
Little things seem big. It's all about perspective.

On many afternoons, I look at these lovely, lush green succulents. There is a vibe about them, a joyful vibe. Jade is an easy-to-manage plant and a good source of oxygen. They are also known to bring good luck!

Your future self is counting on you! Rise and shine.