“They think I’m simpleminded because I seem to be happy. Why shouldn’t I be happy? I have all I ever wanted and more. Maybe I am simpleminded. Maybe that’s they key: simple.”
Dolly knows best. <3.
love,
melanie
Tag Archives: happiness
2013: The Year of Kindness and Simplicity
I took this picture at midnight on NYE. Fireworks over the Mississippi river.
I’m a little late to the New Year’s game, but it’s never too late to set goals for yourself. Right? In 2013, I’m not resolving, but I’m making S.M.A.R.T. goals to simplify my life and be nicer to myself. I’m not going to share my specific “S.M.A.R.T.” goals because they’re too personal. Sometimes keeping goals a secret is smart too.
I’ve recognized over the past year with the stresses of taking on more responsibilities at work and planning a wedding that I need to be nicer to myself. I can’t beat myself up if the dishes aren’t done or if I never finish the unending laundry pile in my downstairs bathroom. I can’t even beat myself up if my blog posts are sporadic.
I’ve also recognized that I want to live a simpler life– which means owning less stuff and appreciating small things. I feel so lucky to have so much: a new husband, a loving family and a warm place to live. This year, I want to appreciate all I have everyday.
Is anyone else trying similar goals? Let me know in the comments.
love,
melanie
How to Deal with Disappointment
Remember that job I told you all about? Well, I didn’t get it. Recovering from the disappointment and starting a new school semester has been difficult. In fact, I haven’t been blogging much lately because I’ve been both amazingly busy with the rush of students and I’ve been busy moping.
I’m not afraid to admit to you all that I cried when I found out that I lost the job to another applicant. I’m also not afraid to admit that I ate way too much and maybe drank a little too much that evening in the hopes that it would make me feel better. I didn’t feel better. I just felt bloated.
To cheer myself up on this rainy Monday morning, I made a quick list of things that I am happy about. I forced myself to write 20 items. It was difficult to write at first, because I love to be a pessimist. It’s just my nature of self-improvement, I suppose. But after the first couple of list items, it became much easier to think of things I am happy and thankful for. I have a wonderful life.
There will be more job opportunities in the future. In fact, I applied for one over the weekend. I can’t—I won’t let this get me down.
How do you fight disappointment in life? Let me know in the comments.
love,
melanie
Thankfulness
The view from a block from my house.
Picture by muah!
I have to admit, I’m not always the most thankful person. I always want more. It’s the perfectionist in me. Or consumer, if you want to be political. 😛
I want to live in a bigger city with more opportunities and exciting food. I want a better wardrobe. I want to travel. I want more free time. Want. Want. Want. Want. Want.
And although I think it is good to keep my eye on the prize and all those clichés, I also need to remember what I have. I live in a beautiful, historic town. I have a closet full of clothes. I’ve been all over the country. And I’m apparently making enough time to blog.
ANDDDDD something really exciting happened to me today. I won a grant! When I found out I literally skipped around the library. So that means I will be traveling to a conference in one of my favorite towns, Asheville, NC this weekend! I’m more excited and grateful than I have been in a long time.
How do you stay thankful?
love,
melanie