This is just an idea I had. What if, instead of going out to eat once a week, (or twice a week, or once every few months..) you donated the amount that you would have spent? For example, if I donate instead of going out once a week, I could donate about $60 a month to a charity of my choice! (or to private good deeds.) Think about how a little can add up to a lot!

http://ticklestogiggles.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-birthday-was-awesome.html

I am so insanely happy right now. Today is my birthday and I feel so privileged to have had a wonderful birthday dinner with my loving parents and sister. This whole week has been outstanding and I can’t imagine asking for more. Wonderful whether, food, and company has defined this week, and I am also so proud of my sister for graduating from college. This is one of those times when I am so truly aware of my highly wonderful life and I have no idea how to show gratitude. I’ve thanked everyone and expressed my love, but it never quite feels like enough. My goals are to continue to make my parents and other family and friends proud, and to try to do more service for the world. I want to share my happiness and gifted life with others as much as possible. 

Again, aside from writing about it, thinking about it, and expressing it through words, I am wondering how else to express my thanks and my love of life. Perhaps the best way is to just make others happy and to give to others what my family has given me: unrequited love and support.

If anyone would like help in a hard situation or wants some sort of support, I will try to help! Otherwise, just be thankful for what you have. Treat others with love and respect and the world will know peace. 

I’ve been thinking lately about habits. I find that it seems so easy to start bad habits, and it seems so hard to break them. But, what if instead of thinking of it as breaking a bad habit, we instead thought of it as starting a new habit? 

Starting habits sounds easy to do. Breaking a habit sounds hard to do. So, instead of breaking your bad habit, why not just start a new, good one in its place? For example:

Instead of “breaking the bad habit” of eating late at night, start a new habit, where you enjoy dinner and then you’re done eating for the night. It might sound hard, but if you think of it differently, it becomes easier! 

Plus, doesn’t it feel better to feel like you have a good habit then a bad one? Stop reminding yourself about your bad habit and instead remind yourself about how good you feel in your new habit. Works for me, I hope it works for you!

Another way to start new, good habits, is to set small goals. For example, if you want to start the good habit of exercising regularly, try setting the goal of just working out twice a week. You can choose any day, any time. Just try twice a week. Then, when you get in that good habit, you can easily set a new goal that is more challenging!

Good Luck!

Often times people seem to get confused about what will make them happy. It is not material things- that happiness is fleeting. It is not the way we look, the way we look will have to change as well. What does make us actually happy are the following:

1) Good Relationships with your family and friends. (Feeling like you belong to something).

2) Knowing who you are and sticking to it.

3) Know what you enjoy doing and do it!

4) Be productive, not busy.

5) Set S.M.A.R.T goals!

6) Let yourself relax and get centered.

7) Doing nice things for others.

8) Investing in our health.

9) Rebounding from hard times quickly and healthily.