August - Happiness Happens

Lilli O' Neeus

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Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.

Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. That kind of life doesn’t exist. As the Stoics of Ancient Greece observed, happiness is all about the quality of your thoughts. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Don’t limit yourself to searching for pleasure. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy. (source)

Remembering and hanging on to the things that make you happy is not ignoring the bad things. It means remembering that there are good things. One of the hardest things to do is remember that there are good things in the world. I would like to explore the different ways you can change your way of thinking to bring a bit more happiness to your life.

I will be posting a weekly tip throughout August as well as issuing challenges to help change the way you think.

And to start off the month, we have the International Birthday for Shelter Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!

August 1 is known as Dogust 1st: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs. Thousands of sweet dogs land at animal shelters until they can find forever homes. If you’ve ever visited a shelter, you know the heart-wrenching looks on their faces. But there’s always hope. Back in 2008, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, North Shore Animal League America chose August 1 (or “DOGust 1st) as the universal birthday for all shelter dogs, or as it refers to them, “mutt-i-grees.” This date inspires all of us to consider their plight. Join us this summer by sharing your love for these precious creatures. Shelters across America join North Shore Animal League on this day by making an extra effort to facilitate adoptions. (source)

Please help us celebrate the birthdays for your local shelter dogs!

And I would also like to challenge you to list 31 things that you are happy about. One for each day of the month.

My List:
I passed my tax exam! :joy:
 
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Lilli O' Neeus

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For our first weekly happiness exercise:
Reflect at the end of each day and choose just one good thing that happened. One smile you had and the reason for it.

8/1: Today I smiled because my cat with no teeth thought she didn't have wet food so she was gumming the crunchies that her brother prefers to eat.
8/2: I learned a new trick in a video game I race so that I can cut time. :joy:
8/3: I got to wear my new dress to work today and felt fabulous.
8/4: today we put a cat bed in the bathroom because the cat insists on being in there while Drake takes a bath.
8/5: Date night!
8/6: I slept late, but only to mid morning. I liked having the extra time in my day.
8/7: I won a race! :joy More importantly, I got to have good conversations with a friend
8/8: my cat topped herself for ridiculous. I laughed so hard.
 
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Polegnyn Nemeara

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8/1: I am smiling because today is the birthdate of someone near and dear to me. Their simple existence makes me happy.
8/2: Voted in the KS primary election :joy:
8/3: Overcoming the internal voice that says, "you're not going to be able to reproduce the vision in your head," and ending up with something actually pretty close.
8/4: one word: plotting :blue1:
8/5: Having a wonderful circle of support, and finally had enough spoons to slip cast some cups.
8/6: My family being flexible when a window of opportunity to go mtbing is missed.
8/7: DIRT!
8/8: Cooperative weather for the first productive clay day in a long while.
8/9: Teamwork!
8/10: Hearing from an old Design client. Such a great family and miss working with them.
8/11: Stew Crewing last night and brainstorming ways to make the next session successful and fun.
8/12: DIRT! And finding a spot that cuts out a significant amount of pavement while still offering ample warm-up time so I'm not so wiped afterward, self-reliant bike maintenance while on the trail, and that each trail ride is different depending on chosen line and mood. Have I ever mentioned how much I love mountain biking? :look:
8/13: **continues happy dance about finding misplaced stamps here**
8/14: Finally let go of some cross-stitch floss that's been in the basement for years. Looking forward to a friend enjoying it more by putting it to good use.
8/15: Seeing two deer on the way to the trail this morning. A lot more "lava" on said trail as well. Yay, gym gains! :joy:
8/16: My son is not allergic to horses!! :horsey:
8/17: defining boundaries
8/18: nummy lunch-time iced coffee treat
8/19: remembering to do two small yet important things
8/20: Saturday morning coffee after sleeping in
8/21: A fun, nonsensical brain teaser conversation with my daughter :giggle
8/22: crepuscular rays and finding random affirmations left in chalk :pleased-1:
8/23: Me --> :suck:<-- Cuban coffee. Also, progress on a friend's project.
8/24: Stew Crewing and group singing "Happy Birthday" over Discord
8/25: All teh coffee
8/26: Daytrip with Mr. Nem :pleased-1:
8/27: A bit more air...? :yes:
8/28: Coffee and taking it easy
8/29: Takin' care of 'bidness
8/30: Modern otc meds
8/31: My son up and dressed without any prodding :eek2:

Will edit as the month progresses.
 
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Arella Mathara

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1/8: Today I learned someone I know is pregnant after 15 years of trying
2/8: A book I've been looking forward to was released and consumed
3/8: Hairdresser!
4/8: Finished a jigsaw puzzle
5/8: Lots of good things today - new bed and bedroom, barbeque with family and finished four books
6/8: My partner finished up the new bedroom :pleased-1:
7/8: Finished a jigsaw puzzle :look:
8/8: Goofing around and having fun
9/8: Visit from my best friend 🤎
10/8: Halloumi burger, one of my favourites for dinner!
11/8: Good session with the physiotherapist
12/8: Partner home early
13/8: Great dinner; barbequed halloumi
14/8: Visit from family, doggie bday and waffles
15/8: My broken reading glasses got fixed
16/8: My dogs
17/8: Had a fun chat with a friend
18/8: Managed to do some TV.Net stuff I've been behind on
19/8: Finished a jigsaw puzzle and three books
20/8: This day is always hard but I still managed to have a good and productive day regardless
21/8: Finished a good book
22/8: I got to be helpful to someone who always helps me
23/8: A bureaucratic issue was finally resolved after a year and a half. This will lighten a significant financial burden for me
24/8: Got tickets to see RedHanded live!
25/8: Nice dinner with my partner
26/8: Keep finding new places my partner has put one of my framed puzzles
27/8: Honestly a stressful day. Managed okay :pleased-1:
28/8: Had a conversation that removed some serious stress
29/8: Travelled to our cabin and good food
30/8: Finished a long book I didn't enjoy. I'm free! :laugh: :look:
31/8: Had a good day in good company at our cabin

Love this idea! :pleased-1:
 
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Jocasta Braithe

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This is a silly one but I've had a hard day: I smiled because an athlete I like got an extended contract today.

8/1: Athlete I like got a new contract
8/2: New med seems to be helping my back pain!
8/3: Got a free smoothie at lunch time! Mmmm green smoothie!
8/4: Our awesome family doctor was able to painlessly remove the worst splinter I've ever seen from Rhys's thumb and he is happy and feeling brave about it. Now we're taking him to a celebratory pancake lunch!
 
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Alexr al'Petros

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8/1: I smiled at a snarky humorous text I received from a dear friend.
8/2: Persie's (one of my doggies) tail wag.
8/3: Freckles (another doggo) curling up and laying on my feet to share my morning coffee
8/4: An unexpected free evening to read
8/5: Camping under the stars (no tent)
8/6: Watching a young man and lady learn to drive for the first time (woot, woot, Scouting)
8/7: A day to relax and spend time with Persie
8/8: Chatting in Discord with a TVN friend
8/9: The sunrise with a cup of coffee
8/10: Training at the dojo
8/11: Watching a student teach (as they get ready for their licensure)
8/12: Dojo mat cleaning (all working together)
8/13: Hosting a Marine's dinner party
8/14: TVN JM Watch Party - Rocky Horror Picture Show
8/15: Saw my ortho surgeon; arm healing done.
8/16: Two good solid hours of training
8/17: Being there for and with Persie as she crossed the Rainbow bridge
8/18: Enjoying a reflective day
8/19: Morning meditation with TVN members
8/20: Mtn Bike ride with my bride
8/21: Doggo walk / hike along the river
8/22: Unexpected teacher candidate visiting the dojo = extra training
8/23: Enjoyed a bowl of pho for lunch
8/24: Reading and learning from my new D&D book
8/25: A student bringing fresh garden veggies to share
8/26: Starting the morning with a "Halley's Comet" (treat coffee)
8/27: Motorcycling with Combat Veterans
8/28: A quiet day of porch reading
8/29: Hung a new sign over the dojo
8/30: Night of good rigorous training
8/31: Traveling and listening to stories by my Father-in-law

Will add as the month progresses.
 
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Laurien Achaur

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8/1: I got to start my new job and there was much interaction with cats, which I've been starved for.
8/2: The Native American dancer who usually performs right outside the candy shop was particularly incredible today and I was moved in a way a can't rightly describe.
8/3: It's D&D night with the Stew Crew!
8/4 - 8/7 are a blur because they were travel/being out-of-state days, but I got to spend them all with my boyfriend, so that was nice.
8/8: New kitties at work!
8/9 and 8/10 saw me without internet, so I was grumpy. However, on 8/10 I found out the kitty I want to adopt has a clean bill of health, so I think my boyfriend and I are actually going through with it!
8/11: Last day at the candy shop, meaning I get to be solely at the pet store now!
8/12: ...

As with others, I'll update throughout the month! :pleased-1:
 
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8/1: I had a haircut, and a meaningful and enlightening conversation with a friend 🥰

8/2: Not crying for the first day in over a month, felt really good😊

8/3: snuggle attacked by my pooch (snuggling himself on my face)

8/4
 
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Veluene al'Myr

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1/8: My dog finally learnt to walk at our side instead of pulling on his lead.
2/8: An enchanted evening of reading in bed while listening to the sound of a thunderstorm rage outside.
3/8: DnD Stew Crew night. Always the highlight of my week 💜
4/8: It was a stormy day and I got to work from home in the warm
5/8: 9pm store run for ice-cream, chocolate and chips. Because why not, I'm an adult.
6/8: Sun came out, invited future inlaws for coffee & cake while our dogs played in the paddock.
7/8: Started a new craft project & found burrata at a nearby store! 🤗
8/8: Had a lovely time in a nearby town shopping and eating good food with my fiance.
9/8: My work bestie made me laugh with all the new workplace gossip.
10/8: The book I had been waiting for finally arrived in the mail.
11/8: Super chill day in the office, spent time decorating my office space so now its pretty & a place I don't mind being.
12/8: Caught up with mum on the phone, shes finally turned a corner and is loving retired life.
13/8: Set up my little temporary greenhouse, planting seeds always makes me happy.
14/8: The plum tree is starting to blossom - first signs spring is on its way!
15/8: Was feeling anxious but my finance cheered me up and also suprised me with my fav chocolate.
 
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Seryse ni Cousland

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8/1: I'm grateful for my person, who I get to marry in exactly 9 months.
8/2: I'm happy that I get to go see my out of town bridesmaids for our combined birthday bash! We are both Leos and going to have a very extra week in Richmond.
8/15: I got a new job. I set boundaries. I'm starting an exercise regiment with a personal trainer soon! I get to be with my fiance, every day.
Will update as I can. Can't promise that it'll be every day. Thanks for sharing this unique and lovely project!
 
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Alora Sionn

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Love the mention of the Stoics!

8/1: was cheered up by one of my best friends 💪
8/2: watching the goofy foster kittens wildin all over my basement 🥰
8/3: someone remembered me at work from before I got sick, she was so glad to see me again and told me that I was always one of her favorite people because I really care about the pets and clients and that made my day that not only was I remembered after so long but that they liked me that much 🥺
8/4: today was rough, we had to euthanize two pets and the families were sobbing, but I was able to make someone feel a little better with a shoulder to cry on
8/5: funny jokes, time with family and ordering an awesome dress for Anni!
8/6: saw a rainbow
8/7: listened to good music and got stuff done
8/8: funny videos from friends
8/9: found the perfect way to organize something fun
8/10: had a good laugh with my boss
 
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Viktara Fen

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8/1: Starting a new campaign with my D&D table of almost 7 years and sharing a lot of laughs and fun.
8/2: Seeing the sheer goofy, brainless joy on my boycat Kane's face as he wallowed and gnawed (yes!) on the new cat tree.
8/3: A good zazen session with the rest of the Tower meditation crew this morning.
8/4: Resting on a day when rest is sorely needed.
8/5: A visit with family.
8/6: Quality time with my spouse.
8/7: The satisfaction of having the laundry completely caught up, even if only for a day!
8/8: Finally reorganizing the tea and spices in the kitchen after like two years of putting it off.
8/9: Keeping the cats cool throughout the day despite the heat when the air conditioner went out.
8/10: The sudden mid-afternoon downpour that dropped the temperature.
8/11: Appreciating the often-taken-for-granted cool of a new, functioning A/C unit.
8/12: Having enough resilience in reserve to laugh when another maintenance issue crops up.
8/13: Getting the grocery shopping done for the week early in the morning.
8/14: A nice day out with the spouse, actually laughing and relaxing.
8/15: Listening to my favorite podcast while I straighten up the apartment.
8/16: A three-year leak problem finally resolved.
8/17: Aspiring to Red!
8/18: ...
 
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Teavin Calayna

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A few days late but:
8/1: August arriving which means the year descending in my favorite parts of it!
8/2: Seeing the huge fluffy black cat in his usual tree on my way home today after not seeing him for a few days.
8/3: Feeling refreshed today after getting a proper night's sleep and having a head ache off and on the day before.
8/4: A client gave me roses as a thank you gift 💕
 
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Lilli O' Neeus

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This week's tip for being happier: curate your social media.

It's ok to snooze aunt Betsy's 65th retelling of how aunt Patsy took her doll when they were kids.

  • Turn off notifications for news sites you follow: you don't have to stop following the news, but having the notifications constantly going to your phone can leave you feeling bombarded constantly. Save it for when you feel ready.
  • Do turn on notifications for accounts that will send you a smile: something to give you a occasional smile. I recommend Thoughts of Dog on Twitter to start.
  • Schedule down time: make an appointment with yourself to do something for at least 15 minutes (not doom scrolling). Taking this time out can give you the moment you need to recharge.
  • Don't be afraid to snooze people on Facebook: this feature can help bring down anxiety by cleansing Aunt Betsy. ;)
  • Limit the number of social media sites you visit that move in real time. A place like TarValon.net moves at your pace. You have time to think about your response. In real time, you can feel pressured and stressed. This leads to a bad time.
Doing these simple things can not only relieve a lot of pressure, but with the right notifications, you can find out Why you should have a duck @shouldhaveduck .
 

Alora Sionn

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A good tip for Facebook is, if someone you like keeps sharing things from a page or group that you just really don't like, you can permanently hide the page, person or group that they share from. That way eventually you'll stop seeing those things that they keep sharing without having to snooze or hide your friend 🙌
 

Lilli O' Neeus

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A good tip for Facebook is, if someone you like keeps sharing things from a page or group that you just really don't like, you can permanently hide the page, person or group that they share from. That way eventually you'll stop seeing those things that they keep sharing without having to snooze or hide your friend 🙌
Thank you. I have pretty much stopped using Facebook, but my mother in law swears by this feature.
 

Lilli O' Neeus

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This week, I have one major thing for you to do.

This week, I want you to find something to compliment someone on each day.
Not insincere or snarky compliments. Nothing that has the phrase "for a" in the middle.
Give someone a sincere compliment.

Basically, your assignment is to make someone else smile. Be the reason that someone has an extra bounce in their step. Why? Well, because it does come back to you. Try it and you'll see what I mean.
 

Alora Sionn

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I did this today at work, I told someone they are a good friend because they are going through a whole rigamarole for their friend's cats to go to Italy with them when they move❤️

I don't get the point of snarky compliments, with me they either get one that's real or they don't get one at all lol
 

Alexr al'Petros

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What a fantastic assignment Lilli Sedai...I'll try my best!
 

Veriendha ti al'Riaha

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Most of my compliments have been going to my son this week since he's home with me all day until school starts next week. He's shown so much growth in being helpful (without us asking) and paying attention to detail, that I really just have to hand it to the kid for it!
 
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