This is Day 1 of the 21-Day Positivity Challenge held in March 2012, where we work on being positive for 21 days. The challenge is now over but you can do the tasks in your own time. Visit the overview page for all the challenge tasks.
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Hello everyone, and welcome to Day 1 of the 21-Day Positivity Challenge (21DPC)!! :D *dance*
We have over *300* official participants now!! To all of you who have duly signed up and helped spread the word to your social networks (or even via blogging about it), thank you. The challenge can only be a success through our collective efforts. The more people sign on to 21DPC, the better it will be for everyone, because hey – that means even more positive energy to go around. :D There is never a limit to how much positive energy there can be – abundance has no lmits.
For those of you whose friends / family read your message and decided to join in on 21DPC too, that’s fabulous. PE Challenges are always particularly fun when you get to do it with someone you know! You can keep each other accountable and learn more about each other in the process.
If you are doing it by yourself, not to fret. We have over 300 official participants here with us for 21DPC, and we’re definitely going to get more people joining us over the next few days before I close the sign ups. In the course of these 21 days, all of us will be doing 21DPC together as one, reflecting on the daily questions, sharing our answers in the comments section of the daily posts, and engaging each other in meaningful discussions.
This is a challenge to be done together as a community, as a group, as one Personal Excellence family, which is really the reason why PE is even here. So do not be afraid to share your answers openly and be fully honest with yourself here. There is no judgment here; anyone who tries to do that will be promptly barred from the site. The .co in the PE domain represents community, not individuality- always remember that whenever you come here to the site.
Important: Sign Up First Before Reading Any Further
If you’re new to 21-Day Positivity Challenge, or you have not signed up yet (your name should be in the official participants list), please read the announcement post and sign up first before going any further: 21-Day Positivity Challenge. All details on the challenge, what to expect, and how to sign up can be found at the post.
If you have already duly completed the 3 sign up steps, your name will be added in the next 36 hours. ♥ Thank you!
Update March 5: Sign ups are now closed now – thanks everyone for your amazing response! For those who didn’t get to sign up – you are more than welcome to participate and join us in the daily threads!
What To Expect for the Next 21 Days
1. Positivity Question
Changing Your Life, Starting From Your Thoughts
As you have read in the announcement post, I will be assigning you a positivity question every day, for the next 21 days.
The question may be simple, like asking “What is your favorite movie?” to something deeper, like “What is 1 positive thing you can share about your least favorite person?” There are days when there will be 2-3 questions combined into 1 (for example, today’s question) – you are expected to answer all the questions, and not just answer the first one and skip the rest.
The idea is to cultivate positivity in your life, via working on the root of it all – our thoughts. Asking ourselves the right questions will help us think in the right manner. And from there, the right actions, habits, and behavior will follow suit. As the saying goes:
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” — Anonymous
Your Honesty Required
My request to you is to be as completely honest with yourself in answering the questions. Because the more honest you are, the more insights you will unveil, the more you will grow. Think of it as it you’re in a dark room alone, by yourself, and there’s no one there to listen, comment, or judge. What is the first thing that comes to mind? What would be your most truthful response to the question?
This challenge is not about sugar-coated answers and creating an illusion of happiness and positivity to everyone out there. You are probably kidding yourself if you think we’ll be jumping around in these 21 days, skipping merrily, laughing like little kids and forcing ourselves to smile every day.
Don’t feel that there’s a need for you to write something positive just because this is a positivity challenge, because that’s totally untrue. As I shared in Principle #1 of 10 Timeless Principles To Be Happy, part of being happy / positive includes airing out grievances, unhappiness, frustrations, anger, sadness, disappointment, etc inside of you – whatever they may be. These (negative) energies, when unaired, are merely *stuck* in your consciousness, with nowhere else to go.
In the end, they end up affecting you on a subconscious level, in more ways than you can imagine. The more (unhappiness) you release through your answers in 21DPC (in a constructive manner, of course), the more happiness can flow your way.
2. Positivity Task
Most of the days will have a positivity task assigned. This task is linked to the day’s question, and usually comprises of a simple action that can be done on the day itself. Do complete the task as part of your 21DPC participation.
3. Positive Thing For the Day
Last but not least, you are to identify at least 1 positive thing that you got out of the day, for every day of 21DPC. If you can identify more than 1, that’s even better! The more the better! :D
Sharing To Help Yourself and Help Others
As with every challenge, I highly recommend you share your responses in the comments section of the daily posts with the other participants, to get the most out of your 21DPC experience.
If you’re not comfortable sharing your answers under your usual name/nick on PE, then create some fake, random nick (so no one will know it’s you) and post your answers under that nick (for the remainder of 21DPC, if you want). Replace others’ names (if any) in your answers with fake nicks as well. There is always something powerful about transparently writing your thoughts out there in the open, vs. keeping it to yourself in your little book.
Besides, do not underestimate the change you can make in others’ lives just by sharing your answers here. After all, have you not benefited in the past from reading honest sharings by others, be it on Personal Excellence, or on other websites? What would the world be if no one wants to share? Think about the people out there you can effect. By helping others, you are also helping yourself.
21DPC Day 1 Question
Given that this is a positivity challenge, for Day 1 today, I want you to think about how happy you are. Not just today, but as a person.
On a Scale of 1-10, How Happy Are You? And Why?
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Share as much as you want in your answers, from a few words to a few pages long. Be honest as you can. Answer both questions, and not just the first question.
And if you did not give yourself a 10/10 for your score, I have one additional question for you:
Why Did You Not Give Yourself a 10/10?
Again, be completely honest in your response. There is no judgment here at PE. Only positivity and love.
While we’re on the topic of happiness, be sure to check out the related articles on how to achieve happiness (or unhappiness, as per the second article) at PE:
…and the manifesto versions:
Your Tasks Today
- Reflect and answer today’s question(s). Write as few or as many words as needed to fully express your thoughts. There is no word limit.
- Identify at least one positive thing about your day. It may be something small or something big – as long as you deem it as something positive, it counts. If you have more than 1 thing to share, then by all means, go for it!
Share Your Answers!
After you are done, share your answers in the comments area!
If you’re doing this at the start of the day, you can post your answer for today’s question first, then return at the end of the day to answer the 2nd part, on identifying at least one positive thing about your day.
Check out other participants’ answers. Pick 1-2 participants’ answers and make a meaningful reply to them. Engage in the discussions. This is a group course, so let’s support each other in these 21 days!
Look forward to reading your responses!
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I would rate my current happiness at about 5/10 as my life is for my family and my work i had a very but. wife and intelegent son so take 5 to my famliy buuuuut
take 0 for my work because i work with a manager who think usually that my skills is bigger than him and not support me at all an additon he live to collect gold to save money.
one postive thing to day I work in promotion for madiacal drugs one of them become amarket leader last month .
I would say a 7.5/10 Although I’m following my dream, it has caused a lot of extra stress and financial strain on my husband and I, and we have had to sacrifice a lot. This of course, makes me think that I am on the wrong path.
A very positive thing that has happened today was that I was able understand on a deeper level, a particular professional relationship that I have, and see it/ and approach from a different perspective.
Another thought: today I received some sad news that the boyfriend of one of my best friends recently tried to commit suicide. While this in itself is not a positive thought I was so shocked that I am trying to find positivity from this 1) he is alive 2) this will hopefully be a wake-up call that enables him to make the changes necessary to move on from his depression 3) I and many others have overcome depression, it can be done. :)
It’s great that you are able to find positives from this shocking and potentially traumatic situation. And having read the rest of your post I can empathise with how work can affect our happiness/unhappiness. I am a teacher too and can understand the demands of the job.
Anyway best of luck with the challenge, and with any potential changes you make in the future to move up to 10/10!
Day 1: On a Scale of 1-10, How Happy Are You? And Why?
I would say I am a 7. I know what it feels like to be a 6,5, 4,3 and possibly even a 2. I think I know what it feels like to be an 8, but I’m not sure how often I’ve felt a 9 or 10. I would say 7 because overall I am intuitive enough to know what makes me happy and how to find happiness. I have a lovely family, a house, a job, my health and an amazing fiancé. I have great friends and there are people worse off than me who I work with every day. It is not more than 7 because I currently feel lost and a bit trapped with my current work/life situation. I know that my current job situation is not bringing me satisfaction, but stress and frustration; I want to do so many things with my time that I am angry that I am too tired at the end of the day and week to do anything. I think to get from a 7 to a 10 I need to make some big changes and find a way to get energy and motivation back into my life as I know I am capable of being 10/10 happy.
A positive thing that happened today:
I taught a year 7 class who are normally very tiring and frustrating to teach, and although the lesson was completely unplanned they were calm and learnt a lot today (it was the first time I had taught them grammar and they did it really well!)
Here’s a tale about a young and tender vine. All its life, others had watered it and guided it towards the sunlight and the other vines and flowers. The kindness showed in its delicate, verdant leaves.
But the vine did not want to grow there, it wanted to be elsewhere; however, the vine knew growing there would be near fatal as shade lay in the way. So it continued its known path, until it realized it was self-sufficient.
Stronger now, it still itched to go to the other side. But the shade had only grown deeper at this point. So it stumped its growth to distance a decision. Finally, it inched towards the shade. It felt itself growing weak and yearning to return, but knowing it had made the right decision kept it from turning back.
Eventually, the vine felt the sunlight and perked up. It wasn’t as big as his brothers and sisters, nor had as many beautiful leaves, but here the vine was happy. He got to be next to the hydrangeas, his favorite flowers.
—
My happiness is a 6 out of 10, but rising. Over the past months, I have been in a slump— constantly sleepy and tired. At first I thought I was doing too much going to work within a week of returning from a 2 month backpacking trip in Europe after graduation. Yet despite sleeping plenty and having a great job, exercise, cooking, and getting to see friends didn’t lift my spirits.
I realized I might be depressed. I needed to confront my fears of rejection as I had graduated. This fear not only petrified and drained me, but was real as I had decided to break from my “perfect” mold and had gaps where others didn’t (such as my previos self); but I knew I rather make less money to work towards my life goals.
That direction, perhaps language, is currently art and scares me. I have internalized since having thoughts the impossiblity of pursuing art as a career. So as I found myself standing on the metaphorical side of the road and cliff, I just sat there shaking. Sometimes I got up to walk in circles.
Fortunately, I had been exploring these fears and like a flower, or an onion, I slowly emerged. An energy slowly filled me. This time, the energy has soaked deep and when I feel it again, it will be due to oversaturation. Previously, my energy was like a flash flood in a desert, deeply quenching but ephemeral. This time, the sand has become soil, and I will have my own wells; I can nourish not only myself but others along the way.
I am ready. I need to backtrack some to find another path where I will jump, but it’s not so bad. I’ll survive this one. I believe now that greatness comes from perseverance despite adversity. Bit by bit, I’ll get to my hydrangeas.
No more regrets.
—
My favorite positive thing today was something I realized while waiting in the car for my dad at the bank. Everyday, I want to make someone smile, or at least happier.
So while not truly selfless, today my dad said he was tired and didn’t want to cook and I drove back to Costco and we grabbed food togo. Still, I think it made him happier, having less work. In time, it’ll take more, and that means I’ll have to try harder— but by then, my gratitude muscles will be stronger!
Hi Irvin. I was reading through the comments trying to find one I could reply to, and then your story caught my eye. Thanks for sharing the story about the vine, and I think you write beautifully. I can see why you want to pursue a career in art. I believe you will find your right path, and your hydrangeas ;) And I for one certainly believe in no regrets. Whatever things that happened in the past, good or bad, they have led you to where you are now.
Over the 21 days you will certainly be working your gratitude muscles. A while ago (almost a year ago now) I started a gratitude diary where you write down at least 5 things from the day that you were grateful for. And as you keep doing it, the more you notice what you feel grateful for! It’s amazing.
Anyway, good luck for the challenge! Jo x
I would rate it a 7/10. I’m feeling a bit unhealthy now, which is contributing to my unhappiness.
A positive thing that happened today is that we purchased a travel trailer so I’m excited about creating many happy and lasting memories with my family.
:love:
I would say I’m a 5/10… I’m in a financial rut, I don’t enjoy my job, and I want to help my family out financially, but I can’t. I feel stuck, and I don’t know what to do… Other than that, I’m healthy, I have a great family, what more can I ask for but a purposeful career?
= (
I guess the positives today were that I got complimented on my hair and outfit = )
Isn’t getting new hair cuts so fun? :)
Maybe you can’t help out your family financially yet, but I’m sure they’d love any help you would give them— even just spending time with them and everyone having a great time! (: Hope you have another good day!
Thanks Irvin,
That’s another one of my depressors. I’m out here, moved to LA, to try and “make it” and cannot spend those happy hours with my family… = (
But yes, when I do it’s great = )
Hi Mel. I totally know what you mean about not enjoying your job and feeling stuck in a rut. Sometimes you’re on autopilot and sometimes you stop and think – what am I doing wasting my time doing something I don’t want to do? Funny, I also get comments for my hair/outfit and that shows that you still respect yourself and your appearance and just because there are areas of your life you want to improve it doesn’t mean you can’t look great each day. I say well done for taking pride in your appearance! I think change will happen for you at some point if you are conscious of the need for it to happen and that you are the person who can make or stop that change! Scary thought I know, but ultimately a positive one! I tell myself – will I be in this exact same situation in 1 year, 2 year, 5 years, 10 years? I know I won’t be, and I think about what steps I am going to take to make that change. I’m going to go part time next year to give myself some time and space to work out how I want to spend my time and earn my money. Jobs take up so much of our lives I don’t believe in them not being the stuff of dreams!! I’m a teacher and right now up at 22:30 with nothing planned for a full day tomorrow. It makes me devastated and feel like a failure, but this isn’t quite right for me, what I’m doing – and perhaps it’s the same for you? It’s not quite right and there are some things you need to change? Baby steps will get you there! Have a good day Mel xx :dance:
I would have to rate myself at a 7 out of 10 today on the happiness scale. When I think about it, I should be a 10 out of 10 though because I have nothing holding me back. So, I then must ask myself WHY I am not a ten out of ten on the scale???? This may require somw thought!!! :rolleyes:
1. On a scale of 1 to 10, I consider myself an 8/10 for happiness because it does take work for me to stay happy. I was diagnosed with depression a few years back. There is not necessarily a cause for depression, so it is difficult to say WHY I am not happy at times. Upon diagnoses, I was given a prescription for depression meds, which I took dutifully each day for over a year. During that time, I began seeking and instituting positivity exercises. So, I may not know why I am not happy at times, but I am always learning ways to combat the depression.
2. Today was such an easy day at work… all three hours of it! The tasks were simple, and I was able to joke around a bit with a friend I hadn’t seen in a few days. Today was a good day.
Hey Shannon, that’s awesome! You were diagnosed with depression, but look at where you’re now! (: You are an inspiration and I wish you strength on your journey.
I would probably give myself about an 8.5 or 9, and this has been improving pretty much daily since last year when traumatic life events left me very depressed. I’m happy because I have been taking positive steps to ensure that I am. Joining a meditation class has made me more focused and better able to concentrate with my research work, which makes me feel accomplished and happy at the end of the day – and better able to relax without that nagging feeling of guilt that I should be working harder! (One of the problems with being a researcher – hours you pick for yourself.) I have also been thinking a lot about the philosophy that only I can make myself happy – other people, situations etc might have a fleeting effect on my mood, but true, deep, lasting happiness comes from within, so I’ve been learning to cultivate that. To do this, I’ve been doing lots of journalling, introspection and working on my life handbook. I’ve also started a far more committed exercise routine, which has allowed me to shed the few pounds I gained last year and I feel a lot more confident in myself. I also sleep a lot better.
Relationship-wise, I have a group of friends who mean a lot to me, and a partner who is pretty much everything I’ve been looking for in a life partner. I have loving and supportive parents who I’m really grateful to – they’re real role models.
I have everything I need, and enough money to save up and buy the things that I want. These things are useful things, like new exercise clothes – I don’t find happiness in objects very much which I think is useful :)
I’m also happy because my future looks positive. My PhD will hopefully lead to a job in academia or language research, which is my goal – with plenty of publications and conferences along the way :) I’m moving in with my boyfriend in July and I can’t wait to find a place of our own to make it ours. I’ve also learned how to resolve the issues in my past which were causing me unhappiness.
The reason I didn’t give myself a 10 was because I do sometimes have the tendency to dwell upon unhappy things. Meditation has helped hugely with that, though. I can sometimes be a bit melodramatic, and can see the worst in situations. It’s something I definitely want to work on.
Identify at least one positive thing about your day:
I got lots of work done today and I’m happy with how it’s going :)
I had a meeting in the afternoon that was cancelled at short notice without my knowledge, but the people at reception that I spoke to were so friendly and helpful that it was almost worth the wasted time.
A meditation session that left me feeling centred and relaxed – and lovely friendly discussion with the other people in the group.
:dance:
Hey, Squiggle, that sounds really great! I totally agree with the philosophy that happiness can only come from within. I really applaud you on doing meditation, as from the little (so far) experience that I had, it is quite hard to start, but it soo much helps to focus.
Good luck with your research, language is a very fascinating field for me, and maybe I should read your publications some time!
:D
My relationship with God/Spirit. 10
My sons. 10
My best childhood lifelong girlfriend. 10
My best teenage acquaintance now best friend. 10
My rescued cat. 10
Positive changes , healing and growth inside and outside of me. 10
Finances. 3 but improving
House environment 3 but moving on within a year or less
Relationship with ex. Letting go and moving on….great move!
Future relationship. 10
Enjoying life 10
Being thankful 10
La vita e’ Bella. Life is beautiful
:) I’ve recently dealt with a bad breakup and am looking forward to the future in my new relationship (and our new house :)) too. Despite how painful it was at times, being able to look back and see the healing that took place is actually very heartening, isn’t it?
I totally agree, Squiggle!
Blessings mahalo namaste’
It is just past midnight where I am and I couldn’t wait any longer to start this positivity challenge!
I would rate my happiness at 7/10 at the moment, because even though I can find pleasure in the simple things, and I have a roof above my head in one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, a steady income that lets me maintain a nice lifestyle, a good bunch of friends who are all wonderful people, it is peaceful in the near proximity to my habitat, and my parents are both fine, I feel that I am not using my potential to the full, that I haven’t found my true purpose yet, and that I do not bring too much to the world. I am a little bit stuck at my current job, and I am not developing in any way, just getting more dumb, disengaged and less creative. I am conteplating a major change, when I can get away, clear my head, and then really pursue something worthy. Also, I feel that I need someone to share my life with, a real partner with whom I could think of building a family. Right now I am not in a relationship for quite a while, and I am afraif of getting used to it.
I am really hopeful though that the new self-awareness level that I got to after 30DLBL will help me raise my happiness level to 10/10 real soon!
Since 1st of March has only started for me, I will share a positive thing from the evening before, which ended just now – I went to see a live hockey game for the first time in my life! I really liked it, I could feel the energy of the crowd, and our team won, too! Plus I got a free T-shirt :)
Another positive thing is that I just got two messages – and two of my friends signed up to this challenge after my post about it! And thanks to them I am now even more committed! (I have to admit I had trouble sticking to 30DLBL all the time)
Hip-Hip-Hooray! :dance:
What you said about not feeling like you’re living to your full potential really resonated with me. I’ve been feeling a bit like that myself, and I’m hoping that this challenge will put me on the right track. Best of luck to you!
Hello people ! Here we go with the Positivity Challenge then !
One positive thing I did today is go to school on my bike. It’s 25km to bike to my university, and I hadn’t done it for almost a year. You have no idea how much sitting down makes me want to die… and how proud I am !
I would rate my happiness to 5.
I failed my first university semester, things are really bad with my parents (and I haven’t even told them my grades yet..), I have no money left, I took on lots of weight (again..) and I seem not to be able to stick to my resolutions no matter how hard I try.
On the other hand, this weekend I’m going to do something I really love (a conference for a videogame I’m working for), I finally found great friends in my university, I’ve started doing sports again, and I’m having lots of fun most of the time when I’m not home. I also started taking swimming lessons and swim 2-4km every Tuesday now – it’s tiring but I feel really glad doing it, plus, I’ve made a friend there too.
So for now, I’d say 5. But I know it can get better rather easily !
Good for you for getting back into regular exercise! I found that when I started exercising regularly, loads of other aspects of my life that had been bugging me fell into place – I concentrated better at work, slept better, and just generally felt happier.
Is there someone you can talk to at university about maybe re-sitting the classes you failed last semester? Failing a semester is completely not the end of the world, especially if it’s your first – university life can take a lot of getting used to and the first few months often teaches you more about what you shouldn’t do than what you should ;)
I have to say that I wish I could say the same of the bike! I live in a really large city and the traffic is chaotic, so I am quite scared to go biking anywhere! Get doing it, just being able to change things will make you feel better.
I am just starting my forth semester at university and, despite having passed all my classes, I am not content enough about my grades. So I decided to analyse why my grades aren’t that good and realised that I study the wrong way! I focus on the wrong things, I don’t take notes, I start studying too close to a test. It made me change a lot the way I do things, but I don’t know if it will be enough because classes didn’t start.
About sticking to the resolution, have you ever thought you maybe at setting goals that are impossible to reach? Sometimes doing a small thing everyday is better than a doing nothing,
I had a good laugh with a childhood friend and we vowed to get closer again.
I actually acknowledged that I :heart: myself without feeling a tiny bit of guilt about it! Now is that something to dance about?!
Yes it is! And it is always uplifting to reconnect with old friends. Good for you.
Thinking that I’m 8.5 out of 10 in positivity … perhaps even a 9, which reminds me of the song by Trooper “3 Dressed Up As A 9” … great song!
So why did I not rate myself as a 10? Guess I’m fairly realistic, and know that I have my ups and downs. Today, I could be a 10, as all seems pretty darn good in my world, in spite of the snow and minus 15 degree Celcius weather. I’m still trying to talk myself into going cross-country skiing after work, but I’m not sure that I’ll win that battle. Brrr….
Today’s positive experience: Parsley tea is delicious! I read about it recently, and decided to try drinking it at work. Bought a gorgeous (used) bright red teapot … the color is so inspiring!
Cheers to all … D
What great posts! :clap:
The most positive thing that I have done today is definiely signing up for this challenge! I’m really looking forward to the 20 days ahead!
Well, I would give myself a 9/10.
I´m very happy with my life right now. I have great friends, an amazing family and I´m doing what I want to do in life. I feel free to make my own decisions and I feel in charge of my life.
The reason I didn´t give myself a 10/10 is because there are many things in my life I want to get better at. I know I need time to change habits, create new ones, and I know so far I´ve been working as hard as I can to achieve my goals so I feel happy about that. Giving myself a 9 in hapiness means that I can still be happier, I can still grow and that gives me hope for the future.
The positive thing about today is that I went with a friend to donate blood. We had a good time, got a ticket to eat a free lunch at our university´s cafeteria and our blood will be helping someone who needs it. :heart:
Well done for donating blood! :clap: This is a really commendable thing, and in my experience, it is also very rewarding. The main thing is of course this good feeling that you have, thinking that part of you directly will be helping save someone’s life, I don’t know of many pleasures that give you a bigger high than that. But there is also a physical effect that I have noticed – your body starts producing more blood and it sort of refreshes itself, gets cleaner, and thus you get more oxygen and have more energy to do more good things :) I used to donate every 3 months, but lately I havent been doing much of it. Oh well, another thing to start again during this positive month! In any case, I hope you feel those wonderful effects of being a donor and your happiness gets even higher!
Thanks for your comment Bazik! This was my first time donating blood, but I will definetely do it again :) It was a great experience and I met some really nice people while I was there too. :heart:
i would say 6/10…because im blessed in so many ways but at the same time i worry alot..1 positive thing today was having an okay day,being alive
I totally sympathize with you. I worry a lot too, I get that from my mum. I’m just glad I don’t go all red in the face when I get nervous ^^
What helped me quite a bit was the book “How to stop Worrying and Start Living” and “Feel the Fear and do it Anyway” was also great. Maybe they might help you too? Especially asking yourself “What’s the absolute worst thing that can happen to me in this case?” often helps ease my mind a little.
I would rate my happiness at 6/10.. the reason being i am still searching for what my life is about.. I am self critical silently and very quick to encourage other people… i dont know why i cant do that to myself.. i have a great family, husband, grandkds, friends etc… I am searching for my passion in life as far a carreer.. I am 49 i hope one day i can make a difference in other peoples life.. I feel sometime i am idling along and just going withe the motions… i also feel like i am spread thin and at the end of the day i cant say i have completed something on my “to do” list… i am highly energetic , quick to help people, and very intuned or sensitive to what others may go through.. I pray alot … i know i have alot to offer.. i am just trying to figure out what it is that i want to conquer… 49 and having the “what do i want to be when i grow up” thing going on.. Today what i did positive, was start reading a book on how i can help someone who is grieving.. i have several friends that have lost a loved one recently and i dont want to be the person who says “well let me know if there is anything i can do to help”… or I am so sorry.. i want to read and understand and actually help… i dont like to see people hurting so today i have started reading that to give me some great ideas to help!Looking very forward to learning more about myself .. I just love your challenges!
Dawn
Oh, I could really relate to your post! It’s funny, at some point I was thinking that 28 is a bit too late to decide “what I want to do in life”, but the more I think about it, the more I understand that first of all, there are always different periods in our lives, and we evolve, and for every evolutionary step we need to redefine ourselves, to continue to live life to the full with passion and purpose. It is soo easy to fall in a trap of a routine, where you continue with the momentum that you got many years before that when your values and experiences were completely different, and as far as I can see not too many people ever wake up from it, they just carry on until their energy completely dissipates. We should always challenge ourselves, and keep ourselves busy and alive. There are so many things to learn, and it is so great that what you are taking up is aimed at helping people go through a hard period with your empathy. This is truly inspirational. :clap: I am also going to try and be more understanding and perhaps even study psycology to be an actual therapist.
Happiness for me is probably at about 8/9 out of 10.
Why? Because I’ve experienced depression and have managed to work my way out of it, because I’ve had a very testing childhood and young adult life, and am finally in a period of peace, health with a bright future ahead of me. Because I’ve managed to overcome so many of my demons, physical (ie.family) and mental (ie. fears holding me back) and feel really in touch with myself – I’ve learnt how to just ‘be me’, as imperfect and annoying that can be. Acceptance has been key to my increased happiness…
How to get to 10/10? I don’t really believe that 10/10 is achievable day to day… there are up and exciting moments, and there are trying, difficult moments… but they all pass. My judgement of my happiness is how I feel on a day to day basis, my inner peace and I’d say that 8/9 out of 10 is probably the best place I’ve ever been and where I will ever want to be!
I’m in a happy place right now!
It’s funny that we have to write positives as this is something I do almost every day in my private journal so here goes: – I got offered an internship and although I’m not sure if it’s really for me, I feel glad to be offered the opportunity because it’s given me more confidence in myself!
– It was so sunny and beautiful in England today…. the warmth put a smile on my face and lots of people around me….
– I had a super long sleep – 10 hours set me up for a good day!
– I’m glad to start this challenge, I love exploring myself and my emotions and I really love reading the posts and articles on this website.
:heart:
What an inspiring post :) It’s so nice to hear you’ve come so far through dark times and are looking into the future with such optimism :) (The future always feels like such a scary place to me, though also very exciting of course…)
I’ve recently read “The Gifts of Imperfection”… that’s something I hope to someday be able to do too, as you have done, just accept myself the way I am and stop improving myself, treat myself with more kindness…
It’s so nice to hear from people who’ve reached that happy place of self-acceptance and love…
I agree… Your post is inspiring. So wonderful to read that you have overcome small bumps in your life. This was great!
7. I give myself 7.
Why not 10?
Well, I didn’t give myself 10/10 because I have a constant underlying sense of dissatisfaction with my life. Not gigantic, but big enough to be a pain and make me feel not 100% happy.
On the other hand however I think it’s also the driving force behind of a lot of what I do, I’m constantly seeking what I want and trying to get there, but I still haven’t found my path yet. I’m still young though, I have time. But often I worry that there’s so much I want to do and too little time to do it. I also often feel I’m not where I’m supposed to be.
I’m currently not doing enough excercise, which bites because I’m usually a sports fanatic, and I feel stressed when I can’t excercise, but recently due to project work and a bad knee I’m doing too little.
I’m also quite scared/worried/fearful of what’s going to happen after school. There’s big decisions up ahead and they’re a bit frightening. I am however going to sign up for a course to become a Feldenkrais teacher, which I think is more in line with what I actually want to do. I need to earn money somehow, but because of this extra course I don’t know if I’ll be able to get a good decently paying job because I’ll be on this course about 40 days a year and my first employers are probably not going to be thrilled to hear “oh by the way, I need 40 days off in my first year to do something completely unrelated to this job”.
Because of this I have money worries, because I’m already in debt and will need more money to pay for the course. However I’m determined never to let lack of money get in the way of doing what I want. Ever.
On a big plus side though I’m in an absolutely fantastic relationship with the most gorgeous man on earth and we’re very happy together. We must be absolutely revolting. ;)
I’m also pretty emotionally stable at the moment, I have good friends, a cool family, a place to live, good food, running hot water and electricity. I’m young and healthy and I’m slowly but stubbornly working towards creating the life of my dreams. The next step will be figuring out my dream job and getting or creating it.
I’m working on improving one of the central themes to my life, my creativity, which has been severely blocked recently, and it seems to be working. I’m using Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” for this, and though a lot of things in that book rub me the wrong way (I’m not much for religion) it’s been a big help. In March I’m going to be almost completely removing my biggest procrastination device (reading) from my life, in the hopes that I’ll instead turn to creativity, especially drawing, to fill the void. I read too much instead of focusing on the areas of life really important to me. I love reading and consider it a valuable past-time, but I over-use it to procrastinate on other things.
I’ve seriously revamped my room recently, chucking out loads of books, magazines and tons of old paper, a lot of it stuff I liked but KNEW I would never read again whatsoever. So the parting hurt in some ways, but I feel a lot more free now. I’ve also cleared the top of my desk and decorated it nicely and put an inspiring quote up that I made a little card of.
Each moment of our life we either invoke or destroy our dreams. ~ Stuart Wilde
I’ve also put up art by myself and others.
Doing this has made me feel my “personal space” is actually mine, and didn’t just happen by accident, and I can’t believe how much happier this has made me feel.
I’ve also stopped warring hysterically with my finals project, though I still procrastinate way too much.
So yeah, I’m pretty happy, but not quite there yet :)
I’m doing this challenge (and keeping my own gratitude journal) because I feel so ungrateful. My life’s pretty good and still some part of me refuses to be satisfied, and that worries me. I just want to be thankful for what I’ve got once in a while and feel like I’m good enough the way I am and life is just la-di-da and great.
Good things that happened to me today:
My sister cooked good food.
I made progress on my project.
I’ve installed some plugins on my blog.
I had a nice hot shower.
I did not pig myself on chocolate even though part of me wanted to :)
Tea.
Wow. Big post.
I too, understand how confusing it is to be at the end of your studies, worried about money and what you want to do with your life. But I recently watched a Steve Jobs video where he urged graduates to not stop seeking for what they loved… never settle. He made me see that we are all great at something and we just need to be ‘stubborn’ like you to find it.
It’s good to reflect on all the wonderful things we have in our life too, it sounds like you have a lot going for you and will have a great future!
Good luck!
Aw, I think possibly I’ve read that speech somewhere… it’s really inspiring. Thanks for reminding me, I’ll have to dig that one out again.
Yeah, I guess these are fears many people go through at the big crossroads in life, but it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes.
Thank you so much for your kind comment and encouragement :)
3,4/10 or no scoring at ol cz m a pessimist,start of day was not good as hav to join duty,in ill state,beside that,nothng unusual happened,tried to b happy n ignorant to issues whch created trouble for me in past,,as ma exmz are near and no preparation for it so m alot tensed,plus the field i am in is none of ma choice dat keep me away from any progress,plus m coward person who dont want to excel in life..a bit happy cz covrd a lil sbjct of mi9,offrd prayrz,etc…gvn time to mom…bt still sumthng misng in life…
Hey faiza, would appreciate if you can share your responses in proper English (fully spelled words, not chat speak or short hands) because there are other participants who will be reading your response as well and it’s frankly quite hard to read nor understand what you’re trying to say. Thanks.
I’d rate my happiness as a 7/10…
I’ve loving kids, i have so much to learn from (books, podcasts, meditation content…), i have a life, a life to live, a life to love, cherish and endear…i have Celes, PE and all fellow PErs whose mere presence is enough to bring positivity and smiles to one’s face…..
Though without ranting on much on why, i know that i’ve a remainder of 3/10, knowing that itself is happiness for me as I know and am proud that i know that i have to gain something in life….the ambition of how that sounds makes me happy…the promise of how 21DPC would help me to my ambition makes me happy….
So therefore Joy, not sorrow.
Laughter, not tears.
Live, not fear
Life, not death………..
Love, happiness and positivity to y’all
ASLO
ASLO! I found you! Hi!!! :hug:
Gosh, I looked through all the pages (I thought!), and it was just now when I decided to go thru one more time (before i made a shout out to you in hopes you’d see me), and there you were, right here! :dance: :D
I just soon ago made my Day One post nine pages away…on page 12!!..gosh! This is a lot of participants here, and a LOT of enthusiasm! :dance: :D
I am so glad that you are here, ASLO!!! :dance: :hug: :heart: :D
And wanted to tell you I am too!! :D I am glad to be here! :heart:
Hey Bette, its so easy to get lost here right? though its all in a good way as on the way you end up discovering little gems of posts put up by the 21DPCers……in a way its like finishing high school (21DFC) then now graduating into university (21DPC)….anyways it’s heartwarming that you were here looking out for me….i too was looking out for you and it felt like am out in a packed crowd at a Brazilian Carnival (learning life a new way is a sort of carnival for the soul right?), and you are nowhere to be seen, i feel that was it mean’t to last till here only? NO then in the din, a voice resounds intimating that this is much, much more and there you are….right in front of me!!!
:heart:
BTW, too much imagery/metaphorism perhaps????
I would give myself a 7 or 8. I have a great husband, and kids and l am surrounded with people I love. I do not have any health problems. I am passionate about my work, although it does sometimes get stressful, specially when dealing with people. In my daily life, I am basically a positive and happy person. I do sometimes get discouraged and have negative feelings, but quickly bounce back. I did not give myself a higher score as I sometimes feel there are some elements missing to be happy overall. For example, I spend too much time at work, and often feel stretched. I do not do enough things for myself or do things I love, e.g. as a hobby. I also feel guilty if I allocate time for myself rather than doing things for my family and for my mother who lives on her own. I also procrastinate about some aspects , e.g fitness.
My lifestyle has greatly improved since I have done the 30DLBL. Daily meditation has helped a lot. Thinking about and writing down all the things I am grateful for in my life also makes me happy :dance:
My positive point for today is having a session of a monthly discussion group with my work colleagues. It’s great to be able to discuss freely on non-work related subjects that we choose. Today we discussed Innovation :D
Hi Ish, it’s great to see you here! Nice to hear that the meditation has helped you a lot too. That’s something I’ve still been neglecting.
I would say 7/10.
I am a happy person by nature, I love to look at life with a new eye everyday, to enjoy the little things. I have caring parents, true friends and a lovely husband. I am in good health.
Not 10, because in my head it’s crazy, I have many ideas, worries, projects but I don’ t know where to start, what to do.
I have a job I don’t like much. I have dreams I don’t realize because I am afraid.
As for a positive thing today: I walked to work this morning calling my mum and grandma, I felt happy to talk with them about my daily life (abroad)
I would give myself a 6 out of 10. I find that some of the time I allow other people’s actions to affect the way I feel. I don’t know why I do this. Logically I know that nobody “owes me” any particular behaviour. They are free to choose the way they behave and what they do or say has no relation to me just as my behaviour is decided by me and me alone. I am also a bit stressed about my financial situation – I don’t have any large debts (positive), but I also don’t have a steady job, although I am getting casual work on a fairly regular basis.
Positive things that have happened today – well it is 6:25am so the day is just beginning, but already I am listening to music that I love and I am smiling in anticipation of going to the beach with my daughter and her class from school. It is the 1st day of Autumn which is a great season – I love the leaves changing and falling from the trees.
On a scale of 1 to 10 my happiness level is 6.
Mosly I have all the things to make one happy – a warm, loving home, chances to develop, freedom, family, friends; but I don’t have that one special person in my life with whom I could build a loving realtionship. I know that there is no guarantee that will make me completly happy but I just want it so much. What I really want the most is to fall in love :love: thats it.
And i do not really believe that 10/10 happiness exists. Well maybe for a little while but then you have to fall in some problem. Isnt it so?
Positive today – I did running and I felt that I got stronger with every step and I build up my endurance. Thats what Im proud about today. ;)
My happiness on a scale from 1 to 10 would be overall a 7/10. I did not give myself a 10/10 because there are many things that I need to accomplish for myself to feel I am doing my best to take care of myself and my children.
I am blessed and happy because I do have my children in my life. I also have a few other close people in my life that I am very thankful for.
The things that I need to work on that would bring me more happiness would be to finally get my fines paid off so I can have my driver’s license back. Not having a license has been hard and caused me to become frustrated. I am glad I am making some progress towards this goal however.
I am working on many things that have caused me not to be as happy as I once considered myself.
However, even doing these challenges, especially the last fitness challenge, has helped me focus more on myself and gain a sense that I can accomplish things.
I know money doesn’t buy happiness but money has been an issue and enough to live comfortably would bring some less stress into my life. This is also changing though through work at organizing bills and daily expenses. My goal would be to give myself a 9/10. I’m not sure if a 10/10 is realistic since there are times when nobody can be completely happy.
A positive thing about today: My dryer had went bad and clothes were piling up. Yesterday evening, my children’s grandfather helped get a new dryer and I am getting the clothes done and put away.
I actually have two positive things about today: My 6 year old is going to the dentist to have a cavity filled. This is positive because when I was growing up, my grandparents could not afford to take me to a dentist. So I am very grateful to be able to get my two daughters the dental care they need because that is very important.
Everyone have a wonderful day!! :heart:
I would rate my happiness, on a scale of 1 – 10, as a 6.
I have been going through a stink of depression and it’s been affecting my personal life, my relationship as well as my time with my child. At times I feel I have to FORCE myself to enjoy the activities I am doing with everyone. I have good days. And being a mother will help with the good days. And i have bad days. The bad days in its own are enough to feel a whopping 1.
I am taking this challenge in hopes of changing that number, or at least adding a 1 in front of it.
I can totally relate because I have suffered from depression and anxiety since I was in high school and I am now 35. My children are a joy in my life but I understand completely what you mean about depression affecting your time with your loved ones. Sometimes it helps to force yourself enjoy the activities because after awhile they don’t seem so forced. I hope this challenge helps you or at least helps that someone understands. Having a child can bring about a happiness. I like the idea to write down one positive thing about each day. Good luck to you. :hug:
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I would love to see a turn around in my attitude.
Thank you again!
I utterly relate to this, too. During the period I spent feeling very depressed, I just didn’t want to be around anyone – I felt so numb and could barely feel anything positive for them. Heidi’s right – even if it feels like you’re forcing yourself to do something, it IS worth the effort. People do care for you – and we’re all right behind you for the challenge, too :)
You know what, actually saying to yourself that you are ready to make positive changes is a huge, huge first step, and you’ve just taken it, so huge congratulations! I know how difficult it can be, and how tempting it can be just to wallow in self-pity and believe everything’s ruined forever. Lots of respect from me, and all the best for this month. May it create lasting happiness for you :) :hug:
Keep going Desiree – take steps to do “something” every hour or so. Sitting around will only make your depression fester. There are people who really care about you and love having you around. Nobody is perfect but if we keep trying we will always make it to the point of being the best we can be :)
I look forward to reading about how much your happiness improves throughout the month :)
Thank you! Thank you… These words are so wonderful! It’s so nice to know people care. It’s nice to be reminded. :dance:
8 I’m happy when I hear the birds sing in the morning.I creat my own happiness,it’s takes work and effort.
I’m thankful and grateful every day.
Miranda, this is so short and so wise at the same time! :angel:
Thank you Stacey :) .
Have a beautiful day.
This is beautiful and the simple things in life that we overlook sometimes can bring so much happiness. Thank you for sharing.
Netta,
Love your reply,thanks.
Be happy and playful today :dance:
Miranda,
Being able to enjoy the little things Life offers is definitely a positive attitude to have…….I believe happiness lies in these tiny moments we create.
Marie,
Thank you for your reply.When I wake up in the morning and I hear a blackbird sing,I smile from ear to ear.But sometimes I feel also blue and gloomy,but Im human and not a robot so that normal.
I wish you a lovely and happy day. ;)
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