6 month Happiness project

[TxZen]

***MODERATORS*** feel free to move..it encompasses a bit of everything

There are multiple "Happyiness Projects" out there- just hit google and you will find a ton of inspiration. I decide to do my own, over the next 6 months.

Why? Why 6 months? What does this entail? What is my hope for an outcome?

1. 6 months- I like BIG challenges and tangible results. 1 month or even 1 day is great. My intention is to make some big life changes, while appreciating what I have, where I am now, who I have around, what I eat, wear, feel, live each day.
2. Rules- well there are a few for me:
A. No buying except for necessities- not putting emphasis on things. The only exception to this is for Christmas. I have already earmarked $$$ for gifts and how many for hubby and son and I am sticking to it. Also, I need a winter coat this year. Mine fell apart last year, I literally had to sew the arm back on 3x to make it through winter. I also have a goal for not spending a certain amount on it and it must meet certain requirements.
B. Anything we are not truly "using" will be put in the closet and not touched. Our goal is to put away 25% of what we have and just live with less. I am stripping this house back. I don't want to think of my home or what I wear as "important" and just be happy. :)
C. Money- the BIG one- I want to get our debt 50% knocked out in the next 6 months. I need to go through and get that information organized to see where we stand and where we need to be.
D. Everyday- a moment of gratitude and HAPPINESS, time working towards my new career (could be looking a jobs or descriptions to see what skills I have/lacking, networking, creating, just learning), time with family and making time for health- moving my body and making healthy simple meals. I may add a photo of happiness of the day, but we shall see how that goes.
E. Move towards smaller living. We don't want to live in a tiny house on wheels or something like that but I like the one I posted in the housing forum. Realistic simple living.

I am taking the next 2 weeks to prep for this. I am putting things in the closet, cleaning the house and what not and I have a bit of painting to finish. I also have some curtains to finish and hang and one small footstool to paint and recover. The curtains are a necessity, because after last winter, we realized the blinds were not enough to keep the house warm. I may also throw the painting of the dining room and chairs in, but perhaps this can be part of the project- doing it for enjoyment rather than trying to meet a deadline or worry about it. I also have some pictures to frame and hang- because they make me happy. Does that make sense?

The great thing is I have 1 more box of items to go to donation and things are starting to sparkle around here. I really can see what I have left and it's exciting.

I want to see if making happiness a priority will make a major shift in how I approach things in life and then if it impacts the outcome. If anything, it will be fun to try something new.

[TxZen]

Today, I cleaned out the loft. All that is left is a the couch. In the closet, winter blanket, suitcases, yoga mat, kettle balls and towel.

Let go of 1 small carry on bag, extra blanket.

Office- let go of 2 pillows, 3 picture frames, some random desk items and photo album.

Master Bedroom- 1 picture frame, 1 small bag of clothing. Listed bedroom suite on HOA swap page.

Kitchen- let go of large glass baking dish, 2 bowls, 1 utensil holder, 1 jar, 1 small tray, some storage ware.

You heard me right LET GO!!! I didn't save it for later..but I let it go!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

[JaneV2.0]

I wish you the best of luck; it sounds like you have a grand plan!

I've done some sorting and piling to discard, myself. Process is slow, but thorough.

[TxZen]

It's been 1 week of meditation and I am feeling good. I think it helps me center myself. I am using it when I feel anxious or have a problem to overcome. Yep, I was in a parking lot because I received a phone call that I had to make a quick decision about. I meditated in my Jeep for about 5 minutes (I set the time on my phone). :) When I was done, I didn't quite have the answer but I was much calmer and clearer. So go get your meditation on. :)

[ctg492]

How are you doing at this? You are correct I have been reading every happiness plan on the net as I am trying so very hard to make 2015 the year I regained my sparkle. I think I am in the early stages, but will be a long time yet.

[TxZen]

Ctg492- doing quite well!!! It is eye opening when you make small changes they lead to bigger changes. I am learning to be more with the flow than rigid but still focused.

One are I really pushed has been removing a lot of stuff. I took ANOTHER load to donation and was shocked that I had 5 bags and 4 boxes to donate. I think I am at my happy minimum, with a few small spots to look at.

It's funny because I feel so different from where I started. It's cliché but I really don't recognize that woman from a few months back.

Clothing has been interesting-I keep wearing the same comfy stuff and am really enjoying myself. I feel more pulled together and still me.

I have let go of several acquaintances. I think people come into your life like the tide and there are those who stay behind and those you need to let go of. I can say I am infinitely happier now.

Have not bought anything other than curtains and a new frying pan. :)

Money- small progress- did not spend too much in January- had a few hiccups because we all got really sick and take out was calling my name. :) I look at it as we are in less debt this month than last month, whatever amount. :)

[ctg492]

Wonderful stay on course!