This is Day 6 of the 21-Day Positivity Challenge held in March 2012, where we work on being positive for 21 days. The challenge is now over but you can do the tasks in your own time. Visit the overview page for all the tasks.
21DPC Day 6 Question
Today’s positivity question is:
What Makes You Smile?
Your Task:
- Reflect and answer today’s question(s). Write as few or as many words as needed to fully express yourself.
- Do something that makes you smile today. :)
- It can be one of the things you wrote for your answer to #1 or something else.
- Identify at least one positive thing about your day. It may be something small or something big – as long as you deem it as something positive, it counts. If you have more than 1 thing to share, then by all means, go for it!
Share Your Answers!
After you are done, share your answers in the comments area.
If you’re doing this at the start of the day, you can post your answer for today’s question first, then work on your positivity task throughout the day, then return at the end of the day to share your results for your positivity task and your end-of-day positive reflection.
Check out other participants’ answers. Pick 1-2 participants’ answers and make a meaningful reply to them. Engage in the discussions. This is a group course, so let’s support each other in these 21 days!
Look forward to reading your responses!
(Images: Happy girl in the field, Baby smiling)
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What makes me smile? There are many things that make me smile. Anything beautiful and magical in nature and the universe makes me smile. A kind gesture from my hunny or a friend.
One positive thing in my day – The lovely smell of flowers in the warm air…
1. What makes me smile?
Knowing what i set out to do is done, following the course all the way until completion. knowing that i had achieved something i want very much.
2. Do something that makes me smile today.
Setting out a list of tasks and completing it.
3. Identify at least one positive thing about your day.
I tried not to think negatively and look at the bright side of things. getting ard problems by thinking of creative solutions to the problem.
The blue sky itself with puffy white clouds is more than enough to make me smile everyday. =D
I smiled at AND replied “morning” to a total stranger when we walked past each other on my way to work. That certainly made my day and had me smiling whenever I thought of it, somewhat like a little achievement for me. It’s not the culture to do that where I live, not total strangers anyway, and I’ve been thinking of executing that simple act for weeks! =.= Well, I FINALLY did it yippie!!!
A positive thing for today, hmmm.. I actually feel a little overwhelmed by the amount of planning and execution that I need to do lately on both personal and professional levels, nevertheless, the good thing is I have faith and confidence that this time I’ll pull through no matter what the challenges are. The more and the tougher the challenges, the more determined I am to overcome them, the more effectively I’ll learn and grow.
What Makes You Smile?
Easy question. I do this whenever I find myself grumbling as my car screeches to a halt after a minute of freedom in LA traffic. I turn on some Jack Johnson, or since yesterday, turn on some Mree.
The calm/ angelic vocals strongly supported acoustic guitars and other instruments puts me to ease like none other, lighting up a smile on my face. Suddenly, traffic isn’t so bad anymore as the music delights my ears and I attempt to sing along to songs I’ve heard who knows how many times.
Listening, I am thankful that such amazing singers exist. I then am thankful that music exists. Next I am thankful for my eyes. And I am thankful for being born in such an amazing world. I end up being thankful for everything until my cheeks tire from smiling, my eyes become crescents and mist forms, and the sweetest of aches makes me smile anew.
Thank you.
—
Positive point? … I end up procrastinating a lot when left to my own devices. Either something slightly productive like reading about how to do what I am putting off, or something completely different.
But today, I wrote and sent off a letter asking about opportunities (which would give me anxiety previously) and buckled down to catch up and write 3 posts for this challenge.
Go me! C=
Oh, I agree with you so much on the music :D You start being thankful for the singers, for the fact that the music exists, the fact that you can hear it, the fact that it’s made you so much happier, the fact that someone was so inspired to write something like that – and then it seems that everything becomes a source of happiness and gratitude :) And you feel that you just can’t express it enough, and you just want to – well, take the whole world into your arms and give it a massive hug. And it’s actually so frustrating, because you know that you can’t… or at least, that’s how I feel sometimes :shy:
Awww, that’s so sweet. Thanks for a great reply!
I guess you’re more tactile than me! I just want to smile really wide at the world cause I feel like I’m being “hugged” whereas you just have so much love to share! (: May you never lose that! Do you end up hugging a pillow when you feel that way? And what singers/ music make you smile?
Sometimes, yes :)
As for the music – a variety, really, depending on my mood. I love really uplifting classical music – a couple of Beethoven’s piano concertos just seem to wash away all my worries. I too love Jack Johnson, his music is just perfect for chilling out to. (I need to check out Mree, too – I’ve never heard of him/her/them!) Then there’s lots of music that just reminds me of really happy times in my life which make me smile, too.
Picture’s of my god babies makes me smile!
My co-worker brought me Pansit for lunch today, that was really sweet :hug:
Sunshine, walks close to water, the first cherry blossoms of spring, Completing a task that i had planned to complete, doing good at my job, smiling babies, sleeping in on weekends, running, clean home, street musicians, helping someone in need, Listening to an old song i liked , puppies, the sound of rain hitting the windows, hot cakes, having exact change, bacon and pancakes on Saturday morning, giving and receiving compliments :)
What Makes me smile??
There are lot of small small things which makes me smile like
1. The smile of any baby
2. Funny, naughty things done by my hubby:) :heart: ,
3.Watching dogs, cats and for this matter any animal which on street or any where :) ,
4.The column of CALVIN & HOBBES in the newspaper,
5.Having chat with my friends, parents and of course any kid :)
6. Helping others even though its small….:)
7.Wathcing funny movies, cartoons, videos of dogs, cats etc
POsitive aspect for the day:
After a longggg time. i had chat with one of old friend for very long time…..:) the chat made me feel very relaxed and helped me to clear many doubts or questions which i had with regard to pursue a happy married life!!!! :rolleyes: ;) :) :D
I LOVE Calvin and Hobbes too! What’s one of your favorite strips?? :D
I’m also glad you got that chat! Closure is great!
What makes me smile? Emails/calls/texts from friends just saying they’re thinking of me. memories. accomplishing a task. laying on the couch looking around my apartment knowing it is all mine. walking around this city. seeing a child reading on the train. snowflakes. sunshine.
Today, I finished a book and that made me smile! I always feel great after finishing a book — or at least emotional taxed in one way or another. But at least accomplished in some way. And the book I finished was good and is making me want to read related texts. thinking about reading interesting topics and trips to the library has made me smile.
my positive thing today was: seeing an old friend for a delicious dinner and a nice, chilly, walk.
LOTS of things make me smile. Babies, especially. A kind word received or witnessed. Acknowledging I messed up, but that’s OK. Friends’ humor; comedy. I could go on and on. In my best moments, I am appreciating the humor in life every day, not taking myself so seriously (a weakness ;)
As for doing something to make myself smile today, it’s late and I’ll read something funny. Best I can do just now.
One positive thing about today. All of a sudden, on the verge of leaving my 9-5, I’ve suddenly become quite responsible. It’s kind of funny in a way, as I’m not a big organizational team spirit guy, which I suppose is natural, as I am an outside contractor.
So now, after nearly a year and a half of doing this work, not enjoying it to much, and feeling like I am in wage-slave prison, all of a sudden in my last month I become “Mr. Responsible,” telling this dude via email that the content he wanted me to put up on our website was not consistent with other content, and that I might have to rewrite it. Angelo, the enforcer of standards, quite funny to think of myself that way in this job!
But it is good to be a responsible creator and I’m happy that my attitude has changed. :heart:
What makes me smile are my 2 very young grand children. They have no fear, say what it on their mind. Grand daughter is 4 going on 34. My grand son is 1.5 going on 31. As the saying goes kids say the darndest things. They make me laugh.
Adults can learn from little ones. They have no fear. They laugh most of the time. If an adult will follow these traits a list of things, goals can be accomplished that will also make you (me) smile.
Joe
Hello Joe.
I agree, adults should not try so hard all the time ! loosen up a little bit and be silly is more fun :p :D :D :D
It’s like Picasso said>
All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.
” ~ Pablo Picasso
Observing nature. Birds make me smile..alot. Bees in a flower – imagine being inside a flower! Last night I watched a dog joyfully playing with waves on a beach – bliss!
What makes me smile is:
Seeing other smiles
Making someone else happy
Validating myself
Validating and acknowledging others
Sharing with others
Giving to others
Serving others
Just living life
your comment makes me smile, Mo Nathan. simple,not a lot of story, just a poem. I like the “validating” comment. It is wonderful to affirm others and to be affirmed.
Thank you Jello. True validation is giving a true acknowledgment not just paying a compliment but giving specific affirmations. It is wonderful to validated as it increases self-efficacy.
Anything to do with kids. I love it when friends and family post pictures, vids and quotes of funny things their kids say. That can keep me happy all day. My sister just posted that my 8-month-old niece is learning baby sign language, and now constantly signs “eat” “more.”
Cute and funny pictures of puppies and kittens always work for me too. I also love to hear about my parents’ dog. He’s a very smart border collie who has enslaved them completely. Now that they’re both retired they spend their days catering to his every whim.
My husband makes me smile all the time. He always seems to know when I need a big, warm smile from him. Plus, he always says things to make me laugh.
Positive thing: today is not yesterday. I’m feeling good- no allergies- and am getting a lot of stuff done.
“today is not yesterday” i like that.
What makes me smile…….babies, smelling roses, my wonderful sons & their wives, my husband, my job, my puppies, playing games with my sisters & my aunt, the beach, impromptu kisses from my hubby, a secret glance across a crowded room from my wonderful hubby, chocolate, a beautiful day when I’m off work & get to enjoy being outside doing anything…..so many things, my list could go on forever!
Today’s positive thing…… I got off work early & got to spend an impromptu evening with my wonderful husband.
I love smiling and because I am most of the time optimistic it’s not at all hard for me to smile. I can smile even more easily with people around. Sometimes it’s so natural that I feel I have somehow trained myself to smile in front of people, even if that means hiding the pain and sorrow behind my smile. Random nice gestures from strangers make me smile, my amazing friends make me smile, doing things I enjoy such as taking photographs, chatting with friends, exploring new places, travelling, having fun, reading, watching movies, and listening to music makes me smile. Snow makes me smile, Starbucks coffee makes me smile, beautiful things make me smile, beautiful deeds by beautiful people with beautiful hearts make me smile. There are simply too many little things to be grateful of that it’s hard to not smile with heartfelt gratitude.
Positive things for the day:
– I get to talk with my best friend today (it makes me happy even though we talk to each other like everyday. lol)
– I have a very adorable supervisor and it’s very enjoyable to work with her.
– Tried something new at work today.
I love your list! I read somewhere recently that just the act of smiling will actually make you feel happier. So, even when you don’t feel like it, try it anyway, and you’ll probably feel better soon!
Thank you Christina! :D your reply just made me smile!! :DD yeahh I agree I do feel better every time I smile even when I don’t feel like it! it’s amazing how the simple act of smiling can bring a total upward shift in the mood itself! :dance:
..and it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown! So that’s a good reason to smile, if nothing else :D
The laughter of a child…the sun on my face….spending time with friends and family, the satisfaction of a job well done…someone saying thank you…..being appreciative and appreciated..a song..a memory…. :)
Sometime it’s not anything in particular but all these little things life brings in a blink of an eye, all these moments we take the time to appreciate.
Have a lovely day Michelle!
Hi Michelle,
About being appreciative and appreciated.. I too love the good feeling that these wonderful things bring to me!!! :heart: Just makes life sweeter to have that kind of input. :heart: I can appreciate and be appreciative all day long, but when someone out there in the world makes a positive comment that makes me smile, it goes a lonnng way to keep me smiling and even more motivated. :D
Amazing what a kind word or two can do! Very powerful! :D
Smiling is something I have no trouble doing, in fact, I smile alot- even a little too much- if that is possible! most mornings I walk to work, I smile when I see a beautiful flower or see a flock of birds flying past in the syncronised style that they do so well, I smile becuase the warm summers sun is shinning on my skin or because a stranger is walking past.
Since I was a baby, my nick name has been smiles. Even strangers call me smiles, apparently even when my mouth is not smiling, my eyes are.
I love passing people first thing in the morning with a smile and a pleasant “good morning”, seeing peoples face light up when you speak to them as a enlightening feeling. Waking up to snuggles with my cat and to an over excited dog that has eagerly and patiently been busting for me to wake up for hours puts an immediate smile on my face.
The biggest cause of a smile though, is seeing a smile on the people I love’s face. So today, the thing I will do to make me smile (as if I need a reason) is to make my Nans day by posting a kind message declaring my love for her on facebook ,though that seems lame, she has just got an iphone and facebook at the age of 67 and will adore the public announcement.
I will also, like most days, go for a walk or drive to a place that I can watch the sunset in its finest beauty. I do this every day and it is sure to make me smile without fail.
The most positive thing in my day, or one of them atleast, is that today I have sight to see all of the beautiful things this earth has to offer!
That’s so lovely about your Nan :)
I agree with you on flowers making your smile. I especially love it when I see a flower growing up in a place where you really, really wouldn’t expect it to – through a crack in the concrete, or somewhere like that. Nature is wonderful.
That is true, nature is wonderful. Just this morning, on my way to work, I saw that a vine had grown itself over and around a telstra phone booth and just this morning had burst out into the most magical pink flowers.
How great it is to see nature sneaking its way back into spaces that you would not expect.
P.s being an artist, I’m loving you PE name, Squiggle, haha just that brought a smile to my face.
Oh, that sounds beautiful :) The power of nature, indeed!
Hehe, ‘Squiggle’ is my boyfriend’s nickname for me. :shy: I’ve just told him that it made you smile – and that made him smile as well! Passing on the happiness!
Oh, let me think. So many things. Receiving complements, meeting friends or family, getting a phone call from a good friend, anything funny, going for a walk and passing other friendly faces, birds, animals, insects and bugs, my wife doing something pesty or just being herself, receiving a meal in a cafe or restaurant, and just interacting with other positive people.
To get me smiling today I will go out somewhere, either for lunch, a long walk or to buy some groceries. All good opportunities for a smile :)
Positive things today. The first I can think of would be that Celes’ site works again :) Due to her upgrading it of course, but much better than the error message I got yesterday. Plus, I have the house to myself, so it’s a good opportunity for a tidy up. Excited to get te next music video I’m working on completed too.
I watched the music video on your blog. They’re cool!
Haha, thanks. Trying to finish another now :)
Hi Glenn, that’s funny and sweet that you mentioned the site working as a positive thing of the day. :D It makes the pain I go through to ensure 100% site uptime worthwhile. It seems that the upgrade may *not* be enough though – PE is still hitting red on some resource limits. At this rate, a dedicated server would be inevitable I think. It’s all good of course – it shows we are expanding quickly.
Haha, it was worth mentioning! It meant I didn’t have to keep checking back to see if the site was working so I could post my response :) But yes, I imagine it would be very frustrating for yourself.
Could it be the email notifications on message replies causing it?
It may be one of the reasons but not the only one. Because the issue was already present before I installed the plugin. Either way I doubt I’ll remove the plugin though because I do think it’s quite a value-add function, especially for challenge participants who want to know if others respond to their comments w/o having to check back repeatedly or subscribe to *all* replies.
Yes, please, don´t remove the notify via email function!! I love it, it saves us so much time and effort. When I saw the option I wanted to give you a big hug :hug:
Hope you´re able to resolve all the problems, I can´t live a day without PE! Thank you so much!! :heart:
There is a lot in life that makes me smile. Some of it maybe shouldn’t, such as having a beer after a long day. Other things such as taking my dog to the park make me smile for no reason whatsoever and at any time day or night. I usually smile after a game of disc golf…. Even though I am horrible at it. I smile while eating cake, or after making a good meal, or even during a conversation with an old friend. Not sure which of these I will do next but whatever it is I will do with a smile.
As for a positive thing… I put in for vacation time this afternoon. The vacation will be taken at the end of July, and will be the first family cruise we have taken in 20 years.
Derrick, Your comment about having a beer at the end of a long day makes me want to paraphrase what a zen monk said when someone asked him why she was doing two things at a time (with the implication being that the monk should have been doing just one thing).
“When you’re having a beer, have a beer!”
Enjoy…
Okey- Dokey everyone, I am feeling SO completely exhilarated and exhausted, both of these feelings!!! Wanna know WHY??? Okay! Here is THE POSITIVE EXPERIENCE that made MUCH MORE than my day! :heart: :D :heart
:
THE PREPARATION
I decided I was going to a Meditation Retreat waaay up n the mountains, knowing full well that it would require supreme effort to hike from where the cars had to be parked to where the Retreat was being held. I r-e-a-l-l-y wanted to attend, and I have been visualizing the walk through the forest for d-a-y-s!!! I have been doing all kinds of affirmations about my muscle strength and endurance (while I have been swimming).
THE JOURNEY
The path was often steep, narrow…and going down slopes is more challenging than ascending (knees)….Mark and Maria helped me, as me and my cane slowly but surely made way through the twists and turns of the sometimes steep trails. A couple of times I put my back against a mango tree for strength, or rested a couple minutes on a rock. I had a great cheering section, and I knew I was being looked after, on many levels. :D :angel: :hug: :heart:
THE DESTINATION
About 20 minutes later, I REACHED my destination, and made some people, myself included, just so happy. :dance: :heart: :D :D :D I was beaming, thrilled silly! :D :D :D I really FELT the light shining thru my face! :D :D :D (Oh yes, and then, 6 hrs later I would be retracing my steps for the homeward bound journey!!!)
EVALUATION
This landmark experience heralded a great, great day, just like I knew it would be. I have alot to take with me from the insights gleaned at the retreat….as well as accomplishing a h-u-g-e physical feat for myself!!! :dance: :heart: :D I have not done anything that difficult or that took that long, required me on my feet, for over FIFTEEN YEARS!!! Is that not awesome and wonderful? :dance: :heart: :D :D :D (course, I can hardly move this evening…time to r-e-s-t and look forward to working out all this achiness in the ocean!
The experience such as the one that I have described with you today is one that I have been preparing for for a lonnnng time, (to build up strength and endurance despite my body being out of proper alignment and needing knee replacement surgery, and to have gotten rid of enough excess weight to be able to even be able to consider such a hike!!) I am SOOO HAPPY to have accomplished this! Some had doubts that I could even do it!…I dug deep and overrode my own hesitation and doubt with faith and trust. And so happy I am to have had the experience so now I can share in this happiness with you!!! :heart: :D :heart:
I
Hi Bette,
This is really a great achievement, congratulations, it seems it was quite a journey with a taget ahead which needed ambition and adoring, I really admire you in these terms
so since you have seen that you can achieve anything once you set yr mind, more challanges are on the way I hope!
Wish you all the best!
Ugi
Ugi, it is heartwarming to hear your words of encouragement and I love the words you chose to communication your thoughts. You’re so right about the adoring, and seeing the target ahead!!! And as I continue toward my goals, I place your best wishes for me right in my heart. :D
And you got me to thinking about the nature of challenges…
I used to balk at a challenge sometimes, especially if it involved my actually DOING something PHYSICAL! Of course i had reason to shy away, avoiding something physical, when just getting off the sofa was a veritable athletic event for me. I’ve worked very hard to come this far and have the privilege of making that climb/doing anything challenging physically.
And what a perspective you have about your hope for more challenges on the way for me! It got me thinking… Challenges are ust more stepping stones to a higher ground, and with my newfound confidence and strength, HERE I COME!!! :dance: :D :D :D
Actually, your hope has already materialized…When I went for my workout in the ocean to ease some achiness, the ocean greeted me with her mighty strength! She was a force to be reckoned with, seeings as how there were all kinds of currents going every which way, and the turbulence gave me the most challenging workout I have had yet encountered. And I was in there doing my thing for 1 1/2 hours!!! I was/am a force to be reckoned with TOO!!! I feel invigorated and stronger for sure!!!
It just keeps getting better and better and better!!!! :heart: :heart: :heart: :D :D :D :D
Your post made me grin from ear to ear, you can actually feel the happiness radiating from your words! :D Fantastic job on such a big achievement, keep up the wonderful positivity, you’re doing a great job! :D Well done!
Ffion, I am sooo happy you felt the warmth of the happiness from the words and me, and that glow beamed all the way to your heart!!!!! :heart: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :heart: :heart:
Which in turn just expands my smile and joy about the whole experience that I am still feeling from head to toe!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :D :D :angel:
Your words of encouragement go a lonnng way with me, thanks so much!!!! :heart: :heart:
My boyfriend probably makes me smile most. The way he looks at me touches me, teases me, behaves, and expecially the way he laughs and smiles at me. He has this beautiful cheeky grin I cannot help returning. His presence makes me so happy that when I’m with him, it’s hard for me to stop smiling.
Feeling the sun on my skin makes me happy.
Children having fun… their sheer joy is just so authentic and free… and contagious :D
A good hard excercise session. (I think I may go to karate and krav maga later…)
Good things that happened today:
I met up with a friend from grammar school, who I’ve only ever seen by coincidence twice on the train since we both left school. I phoned her the other day and she was so happy. Yesterday we managed to meet up again for the first time since school and it was brilliant. I really want to try and see more of her, she’s a wonderful person.
I’ve realised recently I can choose the people I want to hang out with more and am trying to make an effort to get together more with people whose presence is positive and uplifting. :)
Phoneing her was the first step in that direction.
My kidney and bladder infection seems to have been beaten into submission, which makes me really proud, because it’s the first time my body’s managed to deal with a bladder infection and twice a resulting kidney infection without my having to resort to antibiotics, which I really really hate :( I get a bladder infection on average twice a year and it really gets me down, and so far, except this time I’ve always needed antibiotics.
This time I fasted for two days in the hope the rest would let my body sort itself out. Don’t know if that’s what did it, but after one day the pain was already receeding :D After two it was gone.
My body rocks!
Oops, sorry for posting this as a reply.
What I did today that made me smile:
Went for a walk in the lovely sunshine. (Saw a really lovely happy dog that made me feel really happy :D He was gamboling about and having a whale of a time. He was quite young and still had those adorable big puppy feet.)
Also sent in my application forms for my dream training course – Feldenkrais. Now it’s time to sit back and wait. *anticipation*
What fantastic, positive news!! Thank you so much for sharing :D :dance:
Thank you so much, squiggle! You are so welcome…it was so wonderful to share that happiness!! :dance:
Your NAME makes me smile!!!!!! :D
It’s my boyfriend’s nickname for me :shy: I just told him that it made you smile – and that made him smile too :D Passing on the happiness!
Hey Bette, that’s awesome!!!! :heart:
I too have always wanted to go off to a meditation retreat…its great that you had the will and the calling to go for it bearing in mind the troublesome journey…but then, those who are scaling achievements like Mt Everest, have to endure the hardest of treks through the 5 milestones….at the end of the day, what matters more to them is the achievement/overcoming their fears/troubles climbing the Chomolungma more than the ecstasy of reaching the summit
Was it the same for you? Achieving a new personal milestone being the more lasting memory than (or as much as) attending the retreat?
:heart:
ASLO, you’re SPOT ON about the climb, the trek being about facing/overcoming fears/troubles, more than the ecstasy of reaching the summit.
Long live the Mount Everest experiences in our lives!!! :dance:
Bravo for the challenges that stretch us beyond the appearance/reality of limitation! :dance:
I see challenges in a totally new light now! :D ANOTHER GIFT!!! :D :angel: :heart:
Yes, this is definitely, definitely a new personal milestone! :dance:
I am sooo happy to share this lasting memory here on Day 6, “What Makes you Smile.”
This is a smile that s-t r-e-t-c-h-e-s w a a a a y into the tomorrows, on the wings of dreams coming true! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Thank you ASLO, always, for being right here! :hug:
Congratulations on concuring the rough terain to reach your desired place, I hope that is was well worth it and the swim in the ocean alleviated the ache.
Without knowing it, you helped me realise something very important. My Nan, wants ever so badly to go to Cairnes, Australia and visit the Dayne tree forest and when imagining this, I saw rocks, awkward decending pathways and a near impossible treck.
Now, I see that It is more than possible. She may be disabled, but she also has two grandchildren to help her every inch of the way.
I’m going to book for our adventure and make the “impossible” history. Dayne tree, here comes Nanna! Bless you for making this clear to see.
Thank you Bette
Kylie-Mac….I am SO happy , THRILLED in fact, that you have seen the way clear for your Nanna to put her feet on a cherished dream/adventure of a lifetime! I honestly believe that her desire and your clarity and wanting to assist her actualizing her dream can lead the way for a wonderful trek. Besides, those trees and rocks and earth will give their awesome wise and loving energy!! :heart: All sentient and non-sentient beings will hug her along the way. :hug: Little by slowly is fine….it’s sooo worth the climb!!!
Yes, the trek for me was SOOO worth it!!! I STILL am in the glow of it all!!! I could go on and on, but Im quite certain you get the idea! :D
And yes, the ocean swim worked wonders, thank you for your comments, congrats, and clarity!!! :hug: :heart: :D
DAY 6 WHAT MAKES ME SMILE?
Smiling for me can be on the outside, but it can also be happening on the inside.(doesn’t have to be all over my face. Although the act of smiling increases one’s vitality and health. It releases endorphins that make me feel good (even when it’s a forced smile!), and smiling releases stress! All righty then, i’m lovin’ smiling!! :D :heart: :D
SO WHAT MAKES ME SMILE? Here is my ever-evolving, continuing list…..
:D Remembering the good times
:D Enjoying myself in the moment
:D Feeling loved/loving
:D Feeling infatuated, feeling “in love,” even “in like”
:D Feeling appreciated/being acknowledged/feeling a part of a greater whole
:D Feeling that I uplifted or inspired someone
:D The image of that adorable smiling baby at the top of this page
:D Writing Day 5’s “What I Most Love/Loved About Mom/Dad” What a great celebration that
was/Is
:D Celes’ life purpose being realized in the world at large and here at PE
:D Making new friends, new connections out in the world and here at PE
:D Good photograpy…Any delightful picture of happiness exuding from a person or animal. (Big
“Awww” factor!)
:D Listening to beautiful music
:D Beautiful colors
:D Hearing about progress being made with the environment/going green/working on solutions
to enable those who do not have their basic needs to have what they need to sustain
themselves healthily/making products healthier for a better quality of life for all
:D Watching somebody feel good. Even hearing about it…I love it when people feel happy.
:D Happy, satisfying or otherwise fulfilling movies, particularly ones with happy endings!
:D A clever or corny joke (assuming that I “get it”!!!! :D :lol: ;) )
:D Feeling happy
:D Being out in nature
:D Seeing endless fields of flowers…or just one single blossom
:D The smell of rain, freshly mowed grass, fresh laundry hung out in sunshine, toasted bread,
coffee, fresh strawberries, sweet roses
:D Hearing the soft whir of a fan, the birds singing, frogs, crickets,the wind, laughter (especially
babies and children)
:D Well-written words, stories, poems, articles
:D Calligraphy/beautiful handwriting
:D Reaching the world through the printed word/internet/videos
:D Positively influencing a child (or anyone)…making a difference
:D When I write something I think is worthwhile
:D A good hearty swim in the ocean
:D A good workout/physical exercise/activity
:D Looking at clouds, anytime of day, in the clear blue or gray skies and at sunrise and sunset
:D Stretching
:D Meditation
:D Making a gratitude list
:D Looking at rocks and crystals and minerals
:D Looking at beautiful art
:D Having a two-way interesting/stimulating conversation
:D Good communication
:D Being at a live performance (theatre, music, dance)
:D Reminiscing/sweet memories
:D Looking at old photos/letters/cards from my life…sometimes the older, the better
:D Hearing a familiar voice on the phone, and I can hear the smile in their voice!
:D Phoning someone who is really glad to hear from me and we can each hear the smiles in
our voices!
:D Reading excerpts from my old journals(started journal writing when I was nine years young!)
:D Looking at drawings I have done (and had forgotten about)
:D Hearing good news
:D Getting a good surprise
:D Watching a good show on television (a real treat)
:D Getting a real live letter (snail mail)
:D Getting a meaningful email
:D Hearing from an old friend, just “Out of the Blue”..someone I had lost contact with & wanted
to find, but couldn’t
:D Feeling good about myself/that I am taking care of myself
:D Anticipating meeting/visiting with a dear friend that I haven’t seen in a while
:D Cooking/having a satisfying meal, especially WITH someone
:D Making someone happy/surprising them in a way that they love and appreciate
:D Taking slow, deep, relaxing breaths
:D Feeling all squeaky clean and getting into a comfy, cozy, freshly made bed
:D Having a scalp massage, hair brushed, facial, foot massage, body massage, mmmmmm
:D Having “Ah-Ha!” moments…/Being part of others’ “Ah-Ha! moments
:D Visualizing standing my full 5’9” tall, slender and strong, walking with ease of movement.
So be it!
:D Visualizing riding on my bike, carefree, slender and strong (This IS in process of happening!)
:D Seeing the number on the scale drop (consistently till I reach goal weight!!!)
:D Feeling my body get stronger, muscles working, clothes getting too big, feeling better about
myself
:D Having increased endurance in my physical activity/making milestones
:D Having an orderly, clean house
:D Accomplishing a job well done and feeling the fulfillment of all that
:D Making a worthwhile contribution of my time and energy/giving back
:D Reading an engaging story/a real page turner, but one that I don’t want to end-it’s that good
:D Feeling confident, sure of myself, knowing who I am, and glad to be me!
:D Feeling that sixth sense that someone who has passed on is somehow right with me
:D Getting goosebumps/confirmations
:D Feeling rested, waking up after a good night’s sleep, enthusiastic for the day
:heart: Love this task Celes! :heart: Learning alot! :heart: Thank you for all you do for us!
:hug: :D :D :D :D :D :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :D :D :D :D :D
My Mom calling me. :love:
What makes me smile is a day hanging out with my son, the feeling I have after mass and prayer.
1. Including what I’ve written in my Daily Positivity section of my posts, here are some additional things that make me smile:
The beach
A sunset
When I wake up each day
When I get through a tough workout
His reaction when I do that little extra thing to show I care
My favorite art
When I play a song on the piano well enough that you can name the tune
A warm cup of tea on a cold day
Running through the park
2. I try a new workout this morning. Made me smile that I got through it (even though I’m sore now).
My Daily Positivity:
I didn’t hurt my bad knee doing my new workout! :dance:
The pregancy glow my co-worker has – it’s intoxicating.
What a great mix of things that bring you happiness!
This is going to sound lame but laughing makes me smile. I love to laugh! And spending quality time with my family.
I will spend time with the girls tonight at dinner so I’m sure that will make me smile too. And, I had an almond joy which is my favorite candy! :)
One positive thing about my day is that I had great coffee time with a dear friend. We don’t get to do that as much as we used to, so it was a definite treat. :dance:
I love it when you get to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. It’s really special :)
What makes me smile? Quite a lot of things actually. The first and foremost is the love that my husband has for me. We have rescued many dogs and cats and our latest adoption was three orange tabby kittens who are identical triplets! The only way we can tell them apart is by putting different colored collars on them. Their names are Marley, Wasabi and Ziggy and in addition to making me smile, they make me laugh. The way that they interact with each other and their unconditional loves always brings a smile to my face every day. :love:
Positive thing about today? Although the weather is a little chilly today, there is a sense in the air that indeed Spring is right around the corner. :D
What Makes You Smile?
Animals: my horses, other peoples horses, dogs, cats (I look at silly cat videos on YouTube when I’m having a bad day!), silly birds, rabbits, squirrels
Jokes: whether on the TV/radio or spontaneous in-person with friends
Good Music
Accomplishing Something/ A Job Well Done
Do something that makes you smile today.
I worked today, which always makes me smile because of all the goofy animals there :D , I’m also probably going to watch some funny TV or internet videos so I can laugh a little today.
Positive Things Today:
been eating healthier for about 5 days now which is a record for me recently.
Also, completed a school assignment which I’m proud of because I understood everything with no guessing which is really rare these days!
Hi Laurel, you have wild rabbits around your area? I sometime see a few myself. There’s a lot around the local beaches. So cute!
Yes, quite a few, there are at least 4 living in my garden right now, and they aren’t afraid of anything. In the summer, they just stretch out in the lawn and watch as you go by!
What Makes You Smile?
Lots of things! My guy makes me smile everyday! Our grandkids are a huge resource for smiling : ) I smile a lot. Even when I’m not feeling so great… if I smile at someone it always makes me feel better… and it’s usually makes the other person feel better too!
Another (this is my 4th Positivity Challenge I’ve completed today) positive thing about my day… I am almost done with work! yay : )
I especially like your comment that you smile even when you’re not feeling so great! What a great example you set.
What makes me smile is getting my ‘Good Morning, Sunshine’ text from my husband (truck driver) every morning with a photo of the sunrise from where he is at that day. He knows how much i love beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets. I love seeing photos of my family on facebook that i don’t get to see but once every other year. I live 13 hrs away from them. My positive reflection is that i’m so blessed to have a job with great friends. Even though situations at work can be very frustrating, we can always find something to laugh or smile about.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful experience with your husband. I can feel you are so happy and in love :-) My husband is going to travel next week so you inspired me to do something similar. thank you :-)
Aw, that’s a really really lovely thing of your husband to do :) That’s incredibly sweet. :D
That is sooo beautiful, Beverly. It is an inspiration to me, as I have finally realized after a long rough patch in my marriage that I have had a big part in us veering off the path. Your sharing reminds me of the little, thoughtful things that can be done to provide kindle for the fire.
They both worked really hard to make sure we had what we needed. They sent us to a great Christian School to instill in us the right way to live and be. Most importantly they spent quality time with us. In the evenings we would all, as a family, play softball in the front yard. Families today don’t do that anymore as much as they used to. We didn’t have alot of material things, but we were so rich with love.
The happiness of my kids makes me happy (isn’t that the case with all parents?). Visually, the sight of bright dogwood trees, sunflowers, fields of cotton, pumpkins, and Tuscaloosa, AL. for football games.
I’m really struggling with postive things about my days…..as mentioned in one of the earlier posts, my daughter is going through a breakup that is causing me some unexplained grief, I just can’t seem to shake it for some bizarre reason. I am praying more though so that is always positive!!
We wish to protect our children from the rough tumble and rumble of this world but that’s not always possible. They need to go through their own journey themselves and learn their own lessons. We can only give words of encouragement, our support and love. You being there with her when she needs a shoulder to cry on is so great.
Not just for parents :) I find children’s happiness so incredibly contagious, their joy is so authentic.
Its true…smile on child’s face makes every parent happy! i have seen it many times.
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