Yesterday I learned a great deal in my positive psychology class. I love implementing what I learn. I've already seen an improvement in my outlook. **These concepts, coupled with faith and prayer have really changed my life. I am happy, and I love it. Here's what I learned:
Happiness.
A mere 10% of total happiness is due to circumstances.
A whopping 50% is from our genes.
What's left, 40%, is what we can change.
Even that 50% is not set in stone. We all have a "happiness" set point that we revert to even when things are going great or when things are seemingly bad. Most people blame their unhappiness on the things that are going on around them. Studies have shown that only 10% of our happiness comes from our current situation! That's not a lot.
So.... we really have no excuse.
Here's a story about a guy that won the lottery. He won 135 million dollars. He gave money to his grand-daughter every week starting when she was 16 years old, and bought her 4 cars. She became a crack-addict, ran away from home, and died. The man (Jack) was in a monogamous relationship with his wife for several years and after he won the lottery, they got divorced. When asked if he wished he'd never won the lottery, he said YES.
People think that even a little money will solve their problems, but it's never enough. If it's not money, it's something else that costs money. We live in a world that values destinations and not journeys. Problem is, no one ever really "arrives."
We all know that money does not equal long-term happiness. I think we've heard that a billion times. So what does equal happiness? YOU decide, and YOU can change it.
**If you think this is about you, it is. It's for everyone, including me. If you feel it's directed at you, I won't deny it. It is. We're all on this journey together. Think positively. "Don't worry, be happy."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
anywhere is
By Enya
I walk the maze of moments
but everywhere I turn to begins a new beginning
but never finds a finish.
I walk to the horizon
and there I find another,
it all seems so surprising
and then I find that I know:
Chorus:
You go there you're gone forever,
I go there I'll lose my way.
If we stay here we're not together
Anywhere is....
The moon upon the ocean
is swept around in motion,
but without ever knowing
the reason for its flowing,
in motion on the ocean.
The moon still keeps on moving.
The waves still keep on waving,
and I still keep on going.
I wonder if the stars sign
the life that is to be mine.
And would they let their light shine
enough for me to follow?
I look up to the heavens
but night has clouded over.
No spark of constellation,
no Vela no Orion.
The shells upon the warm sands
have taken from their own lands
the echo of their story
but all I hear are low sounds.
As pillow words are weaving,
and willow waves are leaving.
But should I be believing
that I am only dreaming?
To leave the thread of all time
and let it make a dark line
in hopes that I can still find
the way back to the moment.
I took the turn and turned to
begin a new beginning.
Still looking for the answer
I cannot find the finish.
It's either this or that way.
It's one way or the other.
It should be one direction.
It could be on reflection.
The turn I have just taken,
The turn that I was making.
I might be just beginning,
I might be near the end.
I walk the maze of moments
but everywhere I turn to begins a new beginning
but never finds a finish.
I walk to the horizon
and there I find another,
it all seems so surprising
and then I find that I know:
Chorus:
You go there you're gone forever,
I go there I'll lose my way.
If we stay here we're not together
Anywhere is....
The moon upon the ocean
is swept around in motion,
but without ever knowing
the reason for its flowing,
in motion on the ocean.
The moon still keeps on moving.
The waves still keep on waving,
and I still keep on going.
I wonder if the stars sign
the life that is to be mine.
And would they let their light shine
enough for me to follow?
I look up to the heavens
but night has clouded over.
No spark of constellation,
no Vela no Orion.
The shells upon the warm sands
have taken from their own lands
the echo of their story
but all I hear are low sounds.
As pillow words are weaving,
and willow waves are leaving.
But should I be believing
that I am only dreaming?
To leave the thread of all time
and let it make a dark line
in hopes that I can still find
the way back to the moment.
I took the turn and turned to
begin a new beginning.
Still looking for the answer
I cannot find the finish.
It's either this or that way.
It's one way or the other.
It should be one direction.
It could be on reflection.
The turn I have just taken,
The turn that I was making.
I might be just beginning,
I might be near the end.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
what's in a name?
Oh my goodness, in my math class, the other students in my class have the WIERDEST names!!! Here are just a FEW!
*Pear
*Thyme (or Time)
*Kierla
*Ephraim (not uncommon for around here, but still a different name)
*Mandolin
*Phyllis (a YOUNG person!)
*Cherard (not Gerard, cher-ard)
I was holding back the laughter when we did intros on the first day. I wrote some of the names down and I forgot to blog about it till now. Crazy, right?
*Pear
*Thyme (or Time)
*Kierla
*Ephraim (not uncommon for around here, but still a different name)
*Mandolin
*Phyllis (a YOUNG person!)
*Cherard (not Gerard, cher-ard)
I was holding back the laughter when we did intros on the first day. I wrote some of the names down and I forgot to blog about it till now. Crazy, right?
Monday, January 26, 2009
I don't want to grow up
I am a child. Perhaps not as literally, but metaphorically, I am, in every way.
*Travis and I have such a child-like love for each other. It is pure, it is simple. We forgive and forget easily. We are silly together and have fun names for each other. (Sorry for the word use Rachel, but I am using it in the context of a child).
*Sometimes I throw a tantrum, but I take a time out for myself. Usually I'm good after 23 minutes. (A minute for every year of my age).
*I like to play house. I enjoy putting on my little apron and doing the dishes.
*I also like to play teacher. Funny thing is, I actually AM a teacher now. I'm still pretending. :)
*I light up like a Christmas Tree at about almost everything. I get extremely excited for the smallest things.
*I cry over a pickle, or spilled milk.
*I get separation anxiety when Travis and I go our different ways for work.
*I am ecstatic when Travis comes home from work, and I always want him to pick me up and give me a hug.
*I have the faith of a child. I know things will work out, even when times get tough. I follow the spirit even when I don't know the outcome.
*I pray about everything. If I can't find something, I pray. My prayers are also very simple.
*My responsibilities are few. At least that's what I think. My friends think I'm crazy.
*I like to play with my friends.
Most everyone says that I need to grow up. In fact, I used to have a problem with my age. People never took me seriously and many negative comments were made towards me that I didn't have enough world experience.
Does having world experience somehow make me an "adult?" I think not. I have truly lived my life and experienced wonderful things before marriage and now during. I'm still a child.
Does paying bills and getting a job and being responsible make me an adult? Perhaps, but it only brings stress. Why stress, why worry? I'm still not done with school and I have no regrets. I have enjoyed my life while taking a few classes at a time. I didn't rush through school in 4 years because I wanted to love my life, and I do. President Hinckley said, "In all living, have much laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." I have a very simple child-like life, and I am happy. I don't need to grow up, and I won't.
*Travis and I have such a child-like love for each other. It is pure, it is simple. We forgive and forget easily. We are silly together and have fun names for each other. (Sorry for the word use Rachel, but I am using it in the context of a child).
*Sometimes I throw a tantrum, but I take a time out for myself. Usually I'm good after 23 minutes. (A minute for every year of my age).
*I like to play house. I enjoy putting on my little apron and doing the dishes.
*I also like to play teacher. Funny thing is, I actually AM a teacher now. I'm still pretending. :)
*I light up like a Christmas Tree at about almost everything. I get extremely excited for the smallest things.
*I cry over a pickle, or spilled milk.
*I get separation anxiety when Travis and I go our different ways for work.
*I am ecstatic when Travis comes home from work, and I always want him to pick me up and give me a hug.
*I have the faith of a child. I know things will work out, even when times get tough. I follow the spirit even when I don't know the outcome.
*I pray about everything. If I can't find something, I pray. My prayers are also very simple.
*My responsibilities are few. At least that's what I think. My friends think I'm crazy.
*I like to play with my friends.
Most everyone says that I need to grow up. In fact, I used to have a problem with my age. People never took me seriously and many negative comments were made towards me that I didn't have enough world experience.
Does having world experience somehow make me an "adult?" I think not. I have truly lived my life and experienced wonderful things before marriage and now during. I'm still a child.
Does paying bills and getting a job and being responsible make me an adult? Perhaps, but it only brings stress. Why stress, why worry? I'm still not done with school and I have no regrets. I have enjoyed my life while taking a few classes at a time. I didn't rush through school in 4 years because I wanted to love my life, and I do. President Hinckley said, "In all living, have much laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." I have a very simple child-like life, and I am happy. I don't need to grow up, and I won't.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
pickle
I woke up yesterday morning a half hour before I usually do, to take my time getting ready, eat breakfast and not be rushed. I got into my car (pre-warmed, nice and toasty) and tryed to back out of my driveway. Because of how our neighbors park, it makes for an interesting task, especially when Travis' car is parked behind me. I tried about 14 times to back out, and after getting frustrated, I honked my horn and called for Travis to come out and help me. (Now I was gonna be late, and that was my whole point of waking up early!)
I was too impatient to wait for him and tried again. (BAD IDEA). I got too close to the little brick wall near our house and crunch. Oh crap! (I actually said something else). :( I knocked over the bricks and scratched up the front right side of my car pretty bad. I was instant waterworks and literally threw a tantrum better/worse than a 2-year old. I felt so stupid! If I could have just waited literally 30 seconds, Travis would have been outside. In fact, he was walking to the door to come outside right as I hit the bricks... so 5 seconds! Just goes to show how completely impatient I am. I just wanted to do it myself and get to school!
Well, it was hard to have a good day after that, first thing in the morning. I tried to be positive, and actually, i interpret a class in which they discuss positivity and the effects it can have. The teacher asked, "Sometimes things seem negative, but can really have a positive impact." I was thinking, "Psshhh, yeah right, nothing positive can come of this!" Well, so far, nothing has, especially if I keep thinking that way. I tried to keep my head up, though.
During the week, I hardly have time to eat lunch. Most days, I don't eat lunch unless there is a student cancellation. Yesterday there wasn't, BUT, one class got out early, and I had 10 minutes to buy and eat something. I hate eating at school, but I had to do it, otherwise I'd pass out! I hesitantly bought a pre-made sandwich. I took my first bite and... HEAVEN! I knew the taste as soon as I bit into it. A PICKLE. No one puts pickles in sandwiches, do they? I always do, because I am obsessed with pickles. I eat them straight from the jar, and every single day. It was such a blessing. I felt like crying, I was so happy. Seriously, a pre-paid sandwich with a pickle? I have never eaten a pre-assembled sandwich with one in it, but I was sooo grateful! And they were huge, plentiful slices. I ate the entire sandwich, enjoying each picklicious bite. The remainder of the day was great. My morning was rough, but not after that sandwich.
That is how a pickle changed my entire day.
I was too impatient to wait for him and tried again. (BAD IDEA). I got too close to the little brick wall near our house and crunch. Oh crap! (I actually said something else). :( I knocked over the bricks and scratched up the front right side of my car pretty bad. I was instant waterworks and literally threw a tantrum better/worse than a 2-year old. I felt so stupid! If I could have just waited literally 30 seconds, Travis would have been outside. In fact, he was walking to the door to come outside right as I hit the bricks... so 5 seconds! Just goes to show how completely impatient I am. I just wanted to do it myself and get to school!
Well, it was hard to have a good day after that, first thing in the morning. I tried to be positive, and actually, i interpret a class in which they discuss positivity and the effects it can have. The teacher asked, "Sometimes things seem negative, but can really have a positive impact." I was thinking, "Psshhh, yeah right, nothing positive can come of this!" Well, so far, nothing has, especially if I keep thinking that way. I tried to keep my head up, though.
During the week, I hardly have time to eat lunch. Most days, I don't eat lunch unless there is a student cancellation. Yesterday there wasn't, BUT, one class got out early, and I had 10 minutes to buy and eat something. I hate eating at school, but I had to do it, otherwise I'd pass out! I hesitantly bought a pre-made sandwich. I took my first bite and... HEAVEN! I knew the taste as soon as I bit into it. A PICKLE. No one puts pickles in sandwiches, do they? I always do, because I am obsessed with pickles. I eat them straight from the jar, and every single day. It was such a blessing. I felt like crying, I was so happy. Seriously, a pre-paid sandwich with a pickle? I have never eaten a pre-assembled sandwich with one in it, but I was sooo grateful! And they were huge, plentiful slices. I ate the entire sandwich, enjoying each picklicious bite. The remainder of the day was great. My morning was rough, but not after that sandwich.
That is how a pickle changed my entire day.
Monday, January 19, 2009
great minds think alike
Today I went to Target and as I was wandering the aisles, I heard an exclamation, "Oh...my... gosh," I knew who it was before even looking. It was Rachel. We didn't even plan to meet there. Not only did we bump into each other at Target, but we were there for the same purpose; to buy a yoga mat. We are all too similar, and I love it! I can't think of anyone else that I'd want to be more like. We sat and chatted over pizza and an icee. I love being in good company!
So the plan for tonight? Yoga, and afterward, the Bachelor. Hey, we're not THAT pathetic... we are doing yoga first.
So the plan for tonight? Yoga, and afterward, the Bachelor. Hey, we're not THAT pathetic... we are doing yoga first.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
who is your role model?
Try this without looking at the answers....
1. Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2. Multiply by 3 and then,
3. Add 3, and again multiply by 3
(need a calculator?)
4. You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number
5. Add the digits together
Scroll down and here is your role model with your corresponding number.......
1. Einstein
2. Mother Teresa
5. Bill Gates
6. Ghandi
7. Brad Pitt
8. Barbie
9. Kathryn Cook
10. Barrack Obama
I know.... I seem to have that effect on people! One day, you too can be like me! :)
1. Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2. Multiply by 3 and then,
3. Add 3, and again multiply by 3
(need a calculator?)
4. You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number
5. Add the digits together
Scroll down and here is your role model with your corresponding number.......
1. Einstein
2. Mother Teresa
5. Bill Gates
6. Ghandi
7. Brad Pitt
8. Barbie
9. Kathryn Cook
10. Barrack Obama
I know.... I seem to have that effect on people! One day, you too can be like me! :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
step on a crack....
.....and you'll break your mom's back!
Or if you are a complete idiot like me, you'll break your own! I had on some cute high heeled boots today and while walking outside, my heel got stuck in a crack!! Luckily I was able to catch my balance and not completely eat cement. Being married to Travis has definitely helped my balance and reflexes. I don't fall on the snow anymore and biff it. He's taught me how to catch myself and remain balanced.
Also... my car was sliding a little bit today when I turned onto another road and instead of panicking, I pulled the e-brake and a cool maneuver in order to not slide into oncoming cars. My car straightened out and I was fine! Two years ago I might have pulled over and cried. Not anymore! I guess going into parking lots and having Travis drive around like mad man... drifting, sliding, donuts...etc actually helped! I'm becoming desensitized to the scary-ness and I don't get freaked out as much. Travis still likes to do that now and then... I'm still not a huge fan of it and it sort of makes me sick. He swears it will help me in my own driving (when he teaches me what to do... not when he's showing off). To be honest, I AM glad I know what to do!
While I'm at it... I might as well just give a shout out to SUBARU POWER!!! I love having all wheel drive. Makes a world of difference! That being said... I still think there needs to be more snow plows in Utah County. There just aren't enough.
Or if you are a complete idiot like me, you'll break your own! I had on some cute high heeled boots today and while walking outside, my heel got stuck in a crack!! Luckily I was able to catch my balance and not completely eat cement. Being married to Travis has definitely helped my balance and reflexes. I don't fall on the snow anymore and biff it. He's taught me how to catch myself and remain balanced.
Also... my car was sliding a little bit today when I turned onto another road and instead of panicking, I pulled the e-brake and a cool maneuver in order to not slide into oncoming cars. My car straightened out and I was fine! Two years ago I might have pulled over and cried. Not anymore! I guess going into parking lots and having Travis drive around like mad man... drifting, sliding, donuts...etc actually helped! I'm becoming desensitized to the scary-ness and I don't get freaked out as much. Travis still likes to do that now and then... I'm still not a huge fan of it and it sort of makes me sick. He swears it will help me in my own driving (when he teaches me what to do... not when he's showing off). To be honest, I AM glad I know what to do!
While I'm at it... I might as well just give a shout out to SUBARU POWER!!! I love having all wheel drive. Makes a world of difference! That being said... I still think there needs to be more snow plows in Utah County. There just aren't enough.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I've just had an apostraphe!
(Epiphany... Smee)
Today I wore many different hats of responsibilities and roles. At 9:00am I was a student. From 10:00-4:15 (with no breaks) I was a sign language interpreter. From 5:00-5:50, I was an interpreter educator. I did all of that with a smile, despite the challenges the day presented to me. With each role, I gave 110%. I was a great student, asking appropriate questions. I was an awesome interpreter, giving my clients the best language accommodations. I was a wonderful witty teacher, setting the map for the semester.
Basically, I rock.
At church, my Sunday School teacher was talking about our goals, dreams, aspirations and skills. We were talking about how sometimes people can smash them unintentionally (or intentionally) just to make themselves feel better. Some people have a real problem with others talking about their achievements and success stories. Some people call it bragging or selfishness, or trying to make others jealous. How many of you are sick of playing small so as to not hurt other people's feelings? I know I am. My Sunday School teacher looked me directly in the eyes and said,
"It ain't bragging if you can DO IT."
Enough said.
Monday, January 5, 2009
the luck keeps comin!
Last night we heard that a friend of Travis' family was moving and they needed to get rid of a bunch of stuff. Well, as some of you know, we have been in desperate need for a new mattress ever since... well, ever since we got married. (This mattress has been passed down over like I swear 15 years.) We've been wanting to purchase one, but never really got around to it. We should have put it at the top of our list though, because when we don't sleep well, we get a little grumpy!
In short, we got a new mattress (complete with box and frame)... and Travis brought home a BUNCH of tools that he has been needing/wanting. Again, can I say lucky?? These opportunities are just falling into our laps! It's nice because all of our hard work and diligence really pays off! It's tough when you do the same thing day in and day out... nose to the grindstone, not seeing an end in sight. Fortunately we kept our heads up high and remained positive. Now we are seeing the blessings pour in.... we really don't even know what to do with ourselves. We are super grateful and we recognize the Lord's hand in all of it. We realize that it could be taken away at any moment, so we are just living it up while we can! Kharma baby... what goes around comes around! Ya just have to be patient! :)
In short, we got a new mattress (complete with box and frame)... and Travis brought home a BUNCH of tools that he has been needing/wanting. Again, can I say lucky?? These opportunities are just falling into our laps! It's nice because all of our hard work and diligence really pays off! It's tough when you do the same thing day in and day out... nose to the grindstone, not seeing an end in sight. Fortunately we kept our heads up high and remained positive. Now we are seeing the blessings pour in.... we really don't even know what to do with ourselves. We are super grateful and we recognize the Lord's hand in all of it. We realize that it could be taken away at any moment, so we are just living it up while we can! Kharma baby... what goes around comes around! Ya just have to be patient! :)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
cheap or lucky?
Last night Travis and I were invited to a friend's house for dinner. This couple is so cute and they are such nice, hospitable people. This was Travis' friend from the mission and they have kept in touch really well and are actually pretty good friends. For dinner they made us some SUPER authentic Chinese food and after eating it, I was really excited to go to Hong Kong! They even made us an awesome Chinese dessert.
Well at the dinner table, I told the husband that I really liked his jeans (he had on an awesome pair of Ed Hardy jeans). I commented that once I pass my NIC I was going to save up and purchase a pair of True Religion jeans. The wife said, "Oh, you like True Religions?" I replied, "Oh yeah, I think they're really cute jeans and I don't know much about expensive jeans but if I was to have a pair of any brand, it'd be those." She was like... "After dinner, I have something to show you."
We ate dinner and I didn't even really think about it. We got up from the table and she took me into her room and opened her closet cabinet. In it were 30 pairs of ONLY True Religion jeans. Was this Heaven or Hell??? Was she just showing them to me so I could admire them, or what? I stared and drooled at them all. She handed me five pairs of jeans and said... what size are you?? Like a 26? Well, here are some 27's. See if they fit, and you. can. have. them. all. The words rang through my ears, separately and clear, yet it didn't register in my brain.... and then... reaction time. (HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!) "What? What? What? No, I can't take these... honestly, I really can't. I would feel awful!" She insisted several times. In the end, I came home with 3 pairs of True Religion Jeans, all a different style/wash/cut. (sounds more like hair than jeans, huh??) I was shocked that they all fit me so well!!!!! Now... let me just tell you that I barely even know this girl. This was probably my 3rd time meeting her. I had NO idea she had so many jeans and it wasn't like I came up to her and said, "ohhhh... I wish I had a pair of True Religions... do you have any??" No. I did no begging, I did no asking. She handed them to me and said they were mine. She didn't even bat an eyelash! She was soooo wonderful about it. She said that because they don't fit her, there's really no point in keeping them around.
Later she gave me like 7 L.A.M.B. shirts that didn't fit her anymore. Again, I resisted and she insisted. She is the sweetest, most kind, caring, generous person I know... and the best part is, she doens't even know it. About my jeans... It doesn't feel real yet. I wore them around today and I went to the mall with her sister and friends. I felt like the biggest baddest girl ever. I've never walked with more confidence! I even kinda felt guilty! I'm sure people look at me with my True Religions and think, "Ohhh... she's rich, spending money on jeans.... she's probably a brat and all materialistic." To that I say.... "Nope. I'm not rich. JUST LUCKY!!!!!!!!!"
Well at the dinner table, I told the husband that I really liked his jeans (he had on an awesome pair of Ed Hardy jeans). I commented that once I pass my NIC I was going to save up and purchase a pair of True Religion jeans. The wife said, "Oh, you like True Religions?" I replied, "Oh yeah, I think they're really cute jeans and I don't know much about expensive jeans but if I was to have a pair of any brand, it'd be those." She was like... "After dinner, I have something to show you."
We ate dinner and I didn't even really think about it. We got up from the table and she took me into her room and opened her closet cabinet. In it were 30 pairs of ONLY True Religion jeans. Was this Heaven or Hell??? Was she just showing them to me so I could admire them, or what? I stared and drooled at them all. She handed me five pairs of jeans and said... what size are you?? Like a 26? Well, here are some 27's. See if they fit, and you. can. have. them. all. The words rang through my ears, separately and clear, yet it didn't register in my brain.... and then... reaction time. (HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!) "What? What? What? No, I can't take these... honestly, I really can't. I would feel awful!" She insisted several times. In the end, I came home with 3 pairs of True Religion Jeans, all a different style/wash/cut. (sounds more like hair than jeans, huh??) I was shocked that they all fit me so well!!!!! Now... let me just tell you that I barely even know this girl. This was probably my 3rd time meeting her. I had NO idea she had so many jeans and it wasn't like I came up to her and said, "ohhhh... I wish I had a pair of True Religions... do you have any??" No. I did no begging, I did no asking. She handed them to me and said they were mine. She didn't even bat an eyelash! She was soooo wonderful about it. She said that because they don't fit her, there's really no point in keeping them around.
Later she gave me like 7 L.A.M.B. shirts that didn't fit her anymore. Again, I resisted and she insisted. She is the sweetest, most kind, caring, generous person I know... and the best part is, she doens't even know it. About my jeans... It doesn't feel real yet. I wore them around today and I went to the mall with her sister and friends. I felt like the biggest baddest girl ever. I've never walked with more confidence! I even kinda felt guilty! I'm sure people look at me with my True Religions and think, "Ohhh... she's rich, spending money on jeans.... she's probably a brat and all materialistic." To that I say.... "Nope. I'm not rich. JUST LUCKY!!!!!!!!!"
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