The end of my Happiness Project

Last December, I read a book called “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I thought it was a book about the things she loved doing. Not so. It was about her setting up monthly resolutions for herself. As each month passed, it was her desire to continue with the previous month’s resolution for the remainder of the year.

I decided that I wanted to do the same for 2015. 

My number one goal was to start a blog. I was finally ready to commit to writing on a weekly basis. Eighty-two blog posts later, I’m still writing.

 One of my January resolutions was to spend more time in prayer. No longer do I just pray when I need something. I now find myself praying whenever I can and just giving God thanks for the small things in life.

Another resolution I had made was to avoid candy for the entire year (click here to read more about my "Candy Addiction"). That didn’t last very long. I have improved though. I no longer head to Bulk Barn every day for a candy fix. Once my Princess arrives, I plan on trying again.

It has always been my dream to start a Book Club. Unfortunately the Ladies and I only got together twice this year. I hope we can start again in the near future.

Attending Boxing Boot Camp was another resolution I made. I’m definitely looking forward to attending again next Spring.

On the list of things that I didn’t accomplish was learning how to sew and knit, finishing “Friends”, learning how to play chess, finishing my novel and signing up for belly dancing classes.

After twelve months of doing this project, I’m extremely proud of myself for sticking with it. 

Am I happier for doing this? Absolutely! Even though I didn’t accomplish everything on my list, I still found myself doing things that I wouldn’t have normally done if I had just created a bucket list. 

I do plan on continuing with this project next year but on a smaller scale. 

My main resolution for 2016 will be enjoying life with my Princess.

What are some of your 2015 accomplishments?

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When you get a chance, please visit my friend Tyrone’s blog. His posts are insightful and very thought provoking. See his blog here.

Thanks for reading and keep smiling :) 

All this Clutter!

Last month, one of my girlfriends jokingly said that I’m a hoarder. I was offended by her comment but the more I thought about it, the more I started to believe it.

 I admit that I have a bad habit of purchasing items that I already have at home. I always open the new item before finishing the other.  I couldn’t help but wonder if I had a mild case of hoarding.

Earlier this month, I headed to the washroom to clean out my cupboards. Most of the items  you see below have been sitting in my cupboards for at least five years. I refused to throw them out – especially my Bath & Body Works products. I had convinced myself that I would finish the body washes and lotions at some point. Now, they’re all dried up and useless.

Next stop was the kitchen. Here’s all of the half empty baking containers and packages that have been sitting in my cupboards and fridge.

 I’m embarrassed folks.

While doing my research on hoarding, I came across the “How Serious Is Your Clutter Problem? Quiz”.  Based on the number of questions I answered “yes” to, I only have a cluttering problem. I’m not a hoarder!

I shared this info with two individuals and their response was “there’s really no difference between the two”. WRONG! There is.

Hoarders have an obsession with collecting stuff and experience anxiety when having to part with them.

 Clutterers allow things to pile up but are able to discard them without suffering from anxiety.

Hoarders don’t realize they have a problem and need professional help.

Clutterers recognize they have a problem and are able to help themselves.

My resolution for the next 21 days is to clear these half empty bottles and containers before purchasing new ones. I can and will get this cluttering problem under control!

Do you know of anyone that suffers from hoarding or has a cluttering problem?

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 Thanks for reading and keep smiling :)