21DPC Day 1 – On a Scale of 1-10, How Happy Are You? And Why?

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.

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?

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:

  1. 10 Timeless Principles To Be Happy
  2. 10 Surefire Ways To Be Unhappy

…and the manifesto versions:

  1. The Happiness Manifesto
  2. The Unhappiness Manifesto

Your Tasks Today

  1. 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.
  2. 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!

456 comments
  1. Vasundhara 13 years ago

    How happy I am and why?
    I am happy because my parents have given me good health, education and taught me values of life. Secondly I have been gifted with such a good husband who is fully emerged with positivity which helps me to guide through my tough times and he is also a humorous guy which comforts me to get rid of stress time :D :)
    Reason for not giving 10/10
    I can give a rating of 6.5 to 7 out of 10 to myself as I need to still work on few characters like Accepting the person as they are, Not complaining, Not blaming others.
    Last but least I am currently looking for a job change which suits to my profession. Right now only this thing is bothering. Looking forward for worthy change in my career :)
    One Positive thing about the day
    Because of celes question I had an opportunity to think about the positive aspects in my life, because there is lot of people out there in the world without having even the basic amenities. This in turn motivated me stay positive thorough out the day and also made me to visualize how will I look if I consciously put more efforts to work on the positivity and the other characters which I have stated above which might in turn will help me to achieve the IDEAL VASUNDHARA !!! ;) :D :)

    Thank you So much Celes for the beautiful and thought provoking question on the first day of DPC itself. Looking forward for the coming POSITIVE days….. :) :)

  2. I would have to give myself a happiness score of 8/10. I have a loving family,enough food, and a warm home. One of the things I struggle with is an adult child that has returned home bringing an addiction problem with him. We will overcome this together! One positve thing today was an unexpected visit from my 5 yr old granddaughter, she is very cool!

  3. It takes two to tango!
    Same is the case with happiness and positivism.
    If our inner soul is happy we are positive.
    To rate myself on a scale of ten I would give myself 8!
    I am a big optimist.
    Rather say I live a life that is positive and happy.
    Being happy for me is not about being with happy people or in happy surroundings…
    Happiness is the state of PERSONAL mental happiness.
    I have shouted out the word “PERSONAL” because according to my observation I believe that when a person is happy in himself, the sadness and negativity around doesn’t matter…
    When a person is in a state of Personal mental happiness he rejoices and lives each and every second of his life.
    That’s the case with my life…
    I a never care what are the people around me like. I cannot change them or their thoughts and the same is with them, ie: They cannot change my thoughts or me….
    The simple way to a happy life is to be Happy now…

    Now let me answer the question you are asking me ” Why then I didn’t give myself a perfect ten.”

    The reason is that I have purposely left some place for the sadness that comes hand in hand with experiences that try to ruin your life. Sadness is something that earns me an experience, a message, a profit that edifies my soul to get in the right direction.
    The sadness that dwells into me is the a positive sign for me because it helps me to be open to other positives.

    I keep an area where I am sad so that I can learn from it.

    “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.”
    – W.M LEWIS

    • The positives of today:
      I am happy that in through this task set up by Celes.
      I am happy that enjoying this second.
      I am happy that you’re noticing my reply.
      I am happy that you are laughing right now.
      I am happy that you are happy.
      I am happy that you want to gain positivism.
      I am happy that you follow this website.
      I am happy because I am happy.
      I am happy that I am alive today.
      I am happy that I am alright now.
      I am happy that I am on the computer.
      I am happy as I am in love.
      I am happy I have many friends.
      I am happy because it is this happiness that is bringing the positivism in me.
      I am happy as I am an optimist !!!!!!!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: ;)

    • Glad to come across your post as I am gearing up to post my Day One comment. (Different time zones..but I think I am going to jump ahead at some point (like today is my Day One, March 1st, yet I feel so behind with posting on page 12! and there are already a bunch of comments for Day Two.) What an excellent, popular challenge this is already! :D

      I love your post…it sounds like we are on the same page, Viraj, when you speak about everyone having their own thoughts, and only the person who has the thoughts can alter those thoughts…and especially when I read:

      “The simple way to a happy life is to be Happy now…”!

      I truly resonate with that. What good is WAITING to be happy?! The p-u-r-s-u-i-t of happiness? What about being happy now, right? I would have been better off had I truly realized that a long time ago…but it took what it took to get to where I am today, which I have come to realize is the best day… today, TODAY, this moment is the best moment on the best day! It’s always about the best moment, the best day, NOW, TODAY!
      (I’ve had some great, fond moments in my life, but it’ll stop there-unless i just live in the past :(, if I am not in THIS moment, fully alive, ready to create anew!)

      Which lead ]s me to your very interesting statement/insight:

      “Sadness is something that earns me an experience, a message, a profit that edifies my soul to get in the right direction.”

      Wow, Viraj, that is a wow moment for me! That is really transforming. Take sadness and listen to the message that the feeling of sadness has brought. It could be new and important information to consider. Not bad, just sad. Not bad, just frustration, etc. Everything just is what it is, isn’t it? Then what/how we think about it, what we do about “whatever” is what makes us “us.”

      Thank you for being hre and for sharing your wise and insightful thoughts! :D

      • Viraj Patel 13 years ago

        Hey I wouldn’t say thanks but my little way of appreciating is by making friends…
        If you are so much attracted to my thoughts we can be good friends would you mind dropping a mail at selfrealization95@yahoo.com :dance: so that I can communicate with you further…
        And hey have more to talk with you just drop in a mail :dance: !!!

  4. On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you? And why?

    This is my first time participating in this so we’ll see how it goes. On the happiness scale, I am probably a 7/10. Why?? I am healthy. My family is healthy. I have great friends. I am in medical school, which is what I have always wanted to do. I am able to do the things that I love to do, go to the gym, play tennis, go diving etc and I am blessed with people to do them with.

    Why did you not give yourself a 10?

    Why not give myself a 10? Well, in order to proceed into my clinical rotations, I must pass a comprehensive examination. I have already taken it 2x and missed passing by 1 point both times. I try to stay positive. I try to think that being so close each time means that I should definitely pass the third time. We are only given 3 chances to pass the exam so the exam in May will be my last opportunity. Hopefully, all will go well. I just take comfort in that I know many people who also needed to take the exam and pass it on their 3rd attempt as well. Most of them passed on their 3rd attempt. Also, currently single, it’ll be nice to have someone in my life. But, I know that I have to pass my exam first.

    Identify at least one positive thing about your day.

    People keep on hitting my car while its parked so it is currently in the shop for a few days for repairs. A friend of mine texted me today to see if I needed to go anywhere and that she can take me. It made me smile. It felt nice to know someone’s thinking of you. Also, I’ve been spending about 10-12 hours studying per day. I therefore give myself a 1 1/2-hour break in the afternoon in which I play tennis. My backhand is definitely getting better.

  5. I’d say a 2 out of 10. Work sucks, I feel like I suck sometimes, I have clinical depression and suicidal thoughts. I hope this helps because I know I’m just trapped in my past.

    • Celes
      Celes 13 years ago

      Hi Scott, there is a second part to the daily tasks.

      “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!”

      What is at least one positive thing about your day today?

    • But Scott, this is THE PRESENT…the.”NOW,” which is where we are RIGHT NOW. You have that “right now,” right here, right now, in the present moment.

      I heard, “Why do you think NOW is called “The Present.”?..
      .Because it’s a GIFT
      .
      I am finding more and more that being in the present, staying in the moment, helps me get into action and solution for whatever is going on in my world, and dealing with just that.

    • When I was much younger, I almost wanted to do something drastic to myself. I felt unloved.

      Please reach out. You are not alone.

      :heart:

  6. Dilip Kumar 13 years ago

    Would rate the day 4/10. :(

    The life isn’t happening the way I dreamed about it. But then hey! that’s what they say about life. You come across many challenges… many obstacles. This is what which makes you feel more lively…. more adventurous. Isn’t it?

    -Trying to become Non-Veg ( which I guess is not going to happen)
    -Not doing well in Examz. ( I am not even trying hard, don’t know why :rolleyes: )
    -Trying to move on from my one sided love. (I have waited enough, now that’s enuf :angry: )

  7. On a scale of 1 – 10, I am about a 7 or 8 in happiness.

    There are many positive things in my life — loving husband, work I enjoy, friends and family. There are also negatives, such as health problems.

    When I focus on the negatives, it is easy to become unhappy. Instead I usually choose to be proactive about them, to do what I can to live a good life in spite of them.

    What brings me down is not the big stuff that represents hardship, it’s the small things, like someone being rude. I’d like to be less sensitive to things like that!

    Today had a lot of positives in it: good food, time with people I enjoy being with, a massage, sunshine and mild temperatures, the beginning of a project, time at the bookstore…

  8. Shing Huei 13 years ago

    On a scale of 1 – 10, I will give myself an 8 as to how happy I currently am.
    I am happy because I have too many things to be grateful for, my health, my supportive family and friends, my ability and freedom to do anything I like at any time I wish. I am blessed and no doubt loved. I am still breathing, still seeing, still exploring, what is there to not be content about?

    I do not give myself a 10 because I feel there are still uncertainties in life that sometimes when I think about I feel scared and worried. There are things and mistakes that I am still in the progress to amend. Other than that, I am pretty contented with my present life.

    As for one positive thing for the day, I am glad that I got to take a short nap in between classes and felt invigorated throughout the day, I made myself chicken rice with cheese and allowed myself to have some time to read and think. Simple stuffs, but I guess I am easily contented like that.

  9. I give myself a 6/10. I didn’t give myself a 10 because I’m going through some changes and some resistant to changes that I need to make that have made me question who I am and what my purpose is in life. I’m on the road towards personal development and fullfillment and that is why I have chosen to do this challenge. One thing that is positive about today is that I’m really starting to believe in the law of attraction. I went to bed last night thinking about something that would be helpful in my life and today it appeared in my life. Crazy but so positive. :))

    • Law of Attraction helped me a lot in how I view things and how to handle them. Very good for you! :clap:

  10. Firstly, I wish to congratulate everyone on stepping up, being honest and wanting to apart of this wonderful Positivity challenge. Thank you, Celes!

    Q: On a Scale of 1-10, How Happy Are You? And Why?
    I believe I am 5/10 happy or satisfied with life. I am only saying this because I am having an OK day. I am pacing myself and looking after my own interests. You can say I am having an OFF DAY. We all have them and today so happens to be mine. However, I am about an 7-8 on the scale and content with life but there is alot I am also unhappy about.

    Today, with the passive income I earnt today, I decided to take on my responsibility and replace my car tyres which needed to be replaced – $1150 for three new tyres and my Z4 is cheering and so is my stereo lol. :dance:

    And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin

    All the Best,
    Ezza :hug:

  11. iqbal shah 13 years ago

    I THINK i WILL GIVE MYSELF 6/10..
    BUT THAT WILL INCREASE IN COMING DAYS,,AFTER JOINING YOUR POSITIVE 21 DPC

    IT IS TONIC ..

    I am glad to have my family supportive as usual,,
    IQBAL

  12. I would have to say a 7 out of 10. Reason is because on most days I wake up knowing it will be a great day.

    Why I didn’t give myself a 10 is because of how I handle some sucky situations. Today for example. I was having a great day with my kids. The house was clean and we were going through toys deciding what we wanted to keep and donate. These are toys that have actually been stowed away in an extra closet. Turns out some of the wooden toys had mold on them. I wasn’t sure what all had mold. I started moving things around in the closet and got the familiar headache you can get from mold.

    That great mood quickly turned into super annoyed. What I am hoping to get from this is not only a more positive out look then I already have but to handle bad situations in a positive way. Positive in this particular situatuion is we have an ozone generator so mold is something we can easily handle since it can kill off the mold. Including mold we can’t see. I would rather focus my energy on finding a positive solution rather then immediately focusing on the negative.

  13. dr Anusuya 13 years ago

    I give myself 7/10.remaining 3 pending because,there
    is much to improve on my career side.I know that should not be a hinderance to
    my happiness.but till i feel,i will be much more happier if i work in a place of my choice.

    • Maybe you just need to focus on the best parts of your job and enjoy, working can’t be a punishment. Don’t you think? :p

  14. I cannot think of any reason to be unhappy about. I would say the scale is quite high (a 9) but it may fluctuate one or two points on some days. On some days, it may even be a 10! :mrgreen: Happiness is not about laughing and rolling on your stomach, laughing out loud the whole day and grinning from ear to ear, etc.

    For me, it’s more of a feeling of being sufficient and being enough. Not only materially or physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. Whenever I feel my confidence slipping, I let my heart whisper to my brain, ” I am good enough. There’s nothing lacking. I can do it.”

    On some days when things don’t go according to plan, I may feel sad. But just for a short while. I have adopted the attitude of not to worry, of letting it flow. Even if I worry, it will happen or has happened so, worrying does not make any difference and will not help. Of course, I will try to find ways to overcome the challenge, to change it if I can or to accept it as it is. In circumstances where I cannot change it, this is when my faith plays a big part. I know this is His bigger and better plan for me and I humbly accept His decision. Of course, this has not always been so in my younger days. But time and experience has taught me some of these valuable life lessons and I am guided by them.

    Something positive about today: :dance:
    * The sun is shining bright today.
    * Arrived work on time even though I was running late.
    * The students are polite and greeted me with smiles and “good mornings.”

    • Loads of positives!!!
      Impressed!!! ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) :)

      • Thanks! But I did go through a lot of dark period before this.

        Reading books/blogs or articles by Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Byron Katie, Celes – all help to give us ideas on happiness. As they all say, it’s inside us all the time – but you have to figure it out what that means!

        I want to share a great quote here by Esther Abraham-Hicks

        “Your life is right now.
        It’s not later.
        It’s not in that time of retirement.
        It’s not when the lover gets here.
        It’s not when you’ve moved into the new house.
        It’s not when you get the better job.
        Your life is right now.
        It will always be right now.
        You might as well decide to start enjoying your life right now,
        because it’s not ever going to get better than right now,
        until it gets better right now.”

        Namaste!

        • namaste!!!
          I will surely go through these blogs and understand them ( hopefully).
          Thanks!!!
          :) :) :) :) :)

        • Thank you for all your words of sharing, Asni, enjoyed your posts. I LOVE the heart whispers to the brain, “I am good enough. There is nothing lacking. I can do it.” It is helpful for me to remind myself that I have everything I need, Within. And if there is an outer need, I can find a way to meet that need, or there is help available to meet that need. :angel: :D

          Yes, I recall thinking that when I lost weight, or when I graduated, or when I it was vacation time, or when someone ELSE would change (oooh, learned about that one! :rolleyes: ), when “whatever” I would THEN be happy! :rolleyes:

          It all was grist for the mill, and I am the sum total of all that experience and it has all brought me to realizing the wisdom of “Know Thyself” and “To thine own self be true”! :D

          What a beautiful thing to live fully right here, right now!
          Dorothy got it right when she discoverd that her heart’s desire was in her own backyard. :D :heart:
          Seems to me that what I often seek is the obvious thing that is right there in front of me! :rolleyes:

          Where will they never find it, someone said?….
          Right in their own heart!
          :D :heart: :heart: :heart: :D

    • I like the way you think and your positivity. If you can help other people to be happy you’ll have a 10.

      All the best!

      • Yes, thank you, I love that! As long as I live, I can do that.

    • You are a great and positive being Asni! I feel lifted by your words already! Thank you!! :D

  15. I give a 7. love my personal life and what i have become! finally in my love the skin that i am in!!! love my personal life is the bomb! however my work life needs work! i need to find what it is that i shoudl be doing… maybe not on a full time basis even working on somthing in my home time that could generate extra income from doing somthing i love!

    Today i appreciate that i woke up to the birds and rain! gorgeous!!!

  16. Velvet Crumbs 13 years ago

    I would rate myself a 7/10

    I love my personal life! Great Home life with my wonderful partner of almost 12 years. Great Family. the reason why I say a 7 is i am not happy with my work life! Mainly because i dont feel i am doing somthing that makes be happy and excites me!

    Today i am happy me leg is feeling better and that i get to listen to the rain and birds in the morning when i wake up!

  17. I’m going to go with an 8 (and if we can add half points, make it an 8.5)!

    My life, though not all put together, is falling into a really good place. I have a healthy, happy 7 yr old son, who reminds me everyday of all the great things that surround me.

    Recently divorced, I believe I am coming along very well. It was an utter disaster towards the end, I’m talking Jerry Springer stuff. I would just look around me and say “when did I move into the twilight zone?” But all considering, I am doing my best to forgive and move on.

    I have a great job that I love, a crazy but good family (I mean, who doesn’t have a crazy family these days), and honestly do not “need” anything. I am blessed to make it day by day, and though there are things that I would like to have, I do not do without the things I need.

    I guess the main reason I have not achieved that 10 out of 10, falls squarely on my own shoulders. I find that I constantly question myself: am I being the best mother that I can be, what can I do better. On the other hand, I don’t waste time worrying about these things, but I do notice they pop up a lot. You are your own worst critic, and I am definitely mine.

    At the end of the day though, I go to bed thinking I’ve done my best. I just want to live a happy peaceful life, in the midst of a very chaotic world. And I know I can do it. I can do it for my son and myself, and will be a better person for those around me, and who knows, maybe even a better influence!!

    The best part of my day was the excitement I had for starting the 21 Day Challenge!

    Love Hugs & Green M&M’s
    KrisK

    • Hi KrisK, I can relate with what you say about questioning yourself. I also often question myself, but I think it’s a good thing, as it makes us identify issues and deal with them, and improve our lives daily – eventually getting to a point where we can score 10/10 :D

  18. ARUNKUMAR NC 13 years ago

    I would rate my happines to 7/10 because of following reasons.
    I have a caring family, good friends, good job, enthusiasm to learn & Grow, Opportunity to help others & Motivate them,
    To reach 10/10,
    I would love to have more freedom, I like to Excel in my Job, personal Life & bring happiness to my Close Friends.

  19. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say 7. 7 because although I’m pretty content with who and what I have in my life at the moment there’s still this yearning for more. I guess I’m at the ‘age’ where in addition to the academics and career I’m now thinking of engaging in a serious relationship, something I’ve never had before. I’m trying to expect nothing but be open for anything, if that makes sense.

    My one positive for today…I tried two new things today, this challenge being one of them. I’m trying to be more open to new positive experiences. ;)

  20. I’ll give it a 5 – I’m not exactly “unhappy” but I would be much happier if I had friends who shared the same interests as I do so I didn’t have to do everything I enjoy all by myself all the time! There are lots of things I love to do, I’m just soooo tired of doing everything alone! I have friends, they just don’t have much in common with me as far as interests go.

    Today…I’m still here! ;)

    • Sounds like you need to make new friends who share the same interest! Is there a way you can do that? Maybe a club or group activity?

      • I know, you’d think so :) Just more “acquaintances”…they enjoy the same activities but are merely there for the distraction from their lives factor. Honestly, I can’t even find one single person who has any interest in personal development at all, not to mention going to the beach, museum, travel, reading books that aren’t romance novels, writing, music. I can fill my life with all sorts of people when I’m not true to myself, and do everything they like to do with an occasional “okay it is your turn” which turns out to be a “Look what I’m doing for you!” event…I just live in an area that is completely inconducive to living the life I want to live. But, yes! I DO need to make new friends & I DO need to find a way I can do that :)

  21. My first instinct when asked to rate my happiness is a 5/10, but, when I stop and really think about my situation I should really say a 7 or 8/10 easily. But, I want to be able to say confidently 10/10!!!! Naturally my thoughts lean to negative hence 5/10. When I make myself really count the positives I can easily say 7 or 8/10. I’m always comparing myself to others and see them as more 10/10 than me:( I really try to consciously work on being more positive but want it to be more second nature! I really enjoyed the nice warm sunny day here which is very unusual for us. It was nice to take an hour and sit in the sun on the porch and relax a little:) I did have an upbeat day at work too and a nice evening with my family!

    • Paula, what you wrote is just how I feel at times! My first thought was to rate my happiness with a much lower score, but once I quieted my mind and took note to everything in my life that I am thankful for, my happiness score is much higher than my original feeling. I have a tendency to lean toward negative thoughts as well, but I’m hoping this challenge will help my mind to naturally gravitate toward positive thoughts.

      Best of luck to you in your journey!

  22. Happiness 6/10.

    The more I think about this question the lower the rating I give myself. Why is this?

    I have been married 25 years and have two daughters aged 18 and 21. Both girls are university students, have boyfriends and have busy lives. My wife started a new job last year and has recently been doing a lot of travel.

    I have a full time job and although the work is satisfactory, I am in a rut and would love to do something different using my skills and experience. The downside of job change is the prejudice against older people – I am 54 and employers want young dynamic people, not slightly grey-haired men who are not far from retirement. However I do have control over my job and the ability to redefine the work. It is just a matter of attitude and initiative! Also where I work fits in well with my out-of-hours activities and I can leave the office at a reasonbale time.

    I have quite a lot of discretionary time available since my girls are not at school and can drive a car. I started piano lessons 18 months ago and I enjoy learning a variety of pieces and get a lot of pleasure from making music. I enjoy watching movies although my tastes in movies are quite different to my wife’s so I often watch the film while she is working away at her laptop in the evening. Often I watche movies as means of escape.

    I don’t do work at home but my wife spends many hours on the weekend and evenings working on her laptop. I try and ensure we do activities together like watch a movie or go out to dinner, but we our family always has quality time at dinner with lots of conversation and sharing about the day.

    I have seen a few marriages fall apart once the children finish studies and leave home, and I certainly don’t want that to happen to me.

    I have many younger friends mainly through Toastmasters and I enjoy their company and the optimism of youth. I enjoy mentoring young people with communication and leadership skills and care a lot about these people. Having younger friends keeps me thinking “young”.

    I often feel down because I want to live for a long time and enjoy the abundance of oppportunities in life. My younger brother died nearly 5 years ago of cancer and I often think about him and the family he left behind. I get very emotional watching films that involve loss or death. My father died at age 45 and I am grateful that I have my life and that my wife hasnt lost a husband and my daughters havent lost a father.

    I enjoy humour and a good laugh and I am always trying to add good cheer to the workplace, family and social life. Sometimes I think this humour is a front to an underlying melancholy. A few years ago I wondered if I was actually suffering from depression. I did some research but I don’t think I am depressed – it is more a matter of attitude.

    I have 6 weeks of accumulated holiday leave and I should take time off and enjoy a family holiday or at least time away with my wife. I am just going to have to wait a few months to do that because of her work commitments, but maybe I could use some of this leave to do something by myself or with one or both daughters.

    I am surprised that I wrote so much and by the words that flew out from my fingers. Thanks for listening.

    • Forgot to answer: “sharing at least one positive thing you observed/gotten/did/learned from the
      day”

      I went for a lunchtime walk of 35 minutes and was enjoying the warmth, sunshine and gentle breeze as well as being grateful for good health, and a strong body capable of walking.

      • “BEING GRATEFUL FOR GOOD HEALTH, AND A STRONG BODY CAPABLE OF WALKING.”
        Karl, these words REALLY jumped out to me. My thought is YES, what a great good blessing it is to have your good health and a strong body capable of walking, enjoying Mother Nature, or wherever those happy feet carry you and your grateful self! :D

        I am in a process of taking off weight (and having already taken off ALOT of debilitating weight these past few years) which will only help when I get knee replacement surgery which will then lead to my walking strong and tall, after leaning on a cane for almost eight years. (Very sobering to write that it’s been that long.) I am highly motivated to keep doing what it takes to get to the point of taking that SOOO highly anticipated walk, etc.

        So enjoy those walks, Karl, as fully aware as you ARE, and think of me with my strong body capable of walking, OK? ;)

    • Karl, I’m glad I came across your post this morning, as I gear up to enter Day One here at 21DPC! (I feel behind, though, with all these comments already! :rolleyes: )t You got me to thinking about how what I put my attention to grows. What I believe expands. What do I REALLY want to grow and expand? What do YOU really, really want to grow and expand? That is what is helping me to sort out some things this morning, so thank you for that!

      Keep the faith, Karl, and that great sense of humor of yours alive and well, and that will only make your health and well-being all the more in tip-top shape! Plan that family holiday time with your wife/daughters/yourself and RELISH and SAVOR every moment of the beautiful life you have created! Feel “UP” for all your accomplishments and realize that it IS alot about attitude and initiative, like you have said. And taking action on the good thoughts that come from within you, from within your Mind and Spirit. Go there to refresh and be inspired. :D

      P.S. I know just what you mean about being “surprised that (you) wrote so much and by the words that flew out from (your) fingers”….happens to me all the time….just finished 21DFC, and I was amazed at what jumped out!

  23. I guess I would rate myself 9/10. I’m not 10/10 because there are things about myself I want to change and I believe I’d be too complacent if I were a 10/10. Why am I happy? Well, I have a good attitude and I’m grateful for all that I have. I have a 14 year old son who is doing well in school. A husband who is doing well. There is love and compassion in our household. I have a job that I don’t have to bring home with me. I am making improvements in the things I want to change in myself. So all in all, life is good.

    As for the positive thing today, I got a good performance review at work and a (slight) raise. Oh, and my foot which is constantly in pain, is bothering me less today. Perhaps it is getting better. ;)

  24. CourtneyLR 13 years ago

    I would rate my happiness as 8/10. Within the past year, I have experienced a lot of change. I have quit my job, moved three times, and ended a long-term relationship. I believe I made some errors in judgment that have resulted in some instability for me today. I’m still in the process of working through this and trying to extract meaning from what has transpired. I’m also looking for work, which makes me nervous. I find it difficult to be without a job not only financially (living on savings and investments currently) but because I have less to occupy my time and I don’t feel like I am contributing anything to my community. However, I am healthy, my family is healthy, I’m pursuing my hobbies and taking advantage of opportunities for personal growth- including signing up for 21DPC!

    I did not give myself 10/10 because I recognize all of the good things going on in my life, but I feel that I would be happier if I was working.

    One positive thing about today: I tried a new recipe and it was a hit…even with my three year old!

  25. 7/10 happiness rating because I have my life, health, strength, mind, family and friends. Most of all I always have love to give and I receive love. Daily requirements in my life often hinder my ability to see beyond today. I am learning to take the time to do what makes me happy and enjoy life to the fullest. It helps to remember that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing, at exactly the right time. Learning to become content in whatever the situation (Phil. 4:11-12) and not be anxious about anything (Phil. 4:5-7)

    • Learning to become content in whatever the situation (Phil. 4:11-12) and not be anxious about anything (Phil. 4:5-7)

      Loved that part! Had to write that down and remember to reflect on it!

      Tks!
      Love Hugs & Green M&M’s
      KrisK

  26. 07/10

    I have friends, family, study at a good university, have a nice support system but I don’t think I fit anywhere. There’s always something that makes me think “stupid girl”. And my self esteem isn’t very high.

    Today I had a really nice lunch with my grandma, aunt, dad and cousins. We are not as close as we were when I was younger and, because of my parents divorce, my relationship with them all suffered.

    • Joana,
      I encourage you to stop trying to fit in anywhere because God created you uniquely you. There is no one like you and no one can beat you at being you but you. You are not competing against anyone else except yourself. There is something that you were especially created to do that no one else can do. Look in the mirror daily and repeat that to yourself, along with any other positive confessions until you believe it. Enjoy your college years because they go by fast. Pursue what makes you happiest!
      :hug:

      • Hey Lisa,
        Thank you for you reply! It made me feel great knowing that someone took some time to read what I wrote.
        Technicly I know all that, but sometimes is really hard leting go the negative thoughts. I am so used to have myself think something bad about me, having those strange looks from others that the feeling of nver fitting in never really goes away. And, of course, that’s mainly why I decided to do the 21DPC.

  27. Helo everyone,

    i would rate my happiness as 6.5/10.
    And that is because i am positive, mostly optimistic, smart and not always good person, i am beautiful and intelligent. I am one of the fortunate ones to have much possibilities in life. I am content with my love life but i think it can be better, also i wish i can make advantage of my potentials more.

    I did n’ t give myself 10 because i feel that i haven’t reach that lvl yet but i am certainly planing to. To be at 10 i will have to improve all major aspects of my life starting from my relationship with my mother and my partner, than my carrier changes i will also remove all blocks that keep me from writing a book that i want. I will get at 10 when i face more of my fears and leave some comfort zones and go into adventure of life. Am am not at 10 yet but i know that i am getting closer with every positive thought, word or action in right direction.

    And as for the positive thing of the day i had a great day and i think that most of it was positive, i have seen a friend which study abroad and i haven;t see her for six months, i went with my partner for couples counseling for the first time and i think it was great we had fun with it and afterwards we had a great walk, lunch and great intimate time at home. So positive day altogether! :dance:

  28. On a scale of 1 – 10, How Happy are you? and Why?

    Given that this is question asks how happy I am as a person, and not just how happy I am today… my immediate thought was 6/10… and I’m pleased with that because I’ve come a long way along the happiness scale than I was this time last year, that’s for sure! I try to focus on positives and turn negative thoughts around but I don’t always succeed, and some days I just feel really depressed. Like this morning, I didn’t want to go to work, and (I live abroad), I woke up feeling like all I wanted to do was get on a plane and go home! I’m working on the things that make me unhappy but I know there is room for improvement in terms of my general happiness.

    Why I did not give myself 10/10: because there are some things in my life I’m not happy about, and although I have attempted to make myself feel more positive about them (for example by writing lists of the good things about them) they still get me down from time to time… and to be honest I gave myself the score 6/10 because that’s what I instinctively thought my score was!

    One positive thing that happened to me today: I laughed a lot, and my day at work felt satisfying (much better than yesterday!) Oh, and I started doing the positivity challenge :D

  29. Today I would give myself a 7 on the scale of happy. There have been several things that keep it from being a full 10. My personal life has fallen apart over the past few months, and I at times feel unnecessary and forgotten professionally. Still with everything going on I have optimism. This morning I woke up to the surprise of my income tax refund in my account, which will allow me to finally replace several things lost with my wife leaving including a bed. I can pay some bills, fill my gas tank, and not worry about my next meal for the week. Honestly better than most days, but not as happy as I should be.

    :D

    • Derrick,
      Transition can be very difficult but you are gaining strength each day through everything you overcome. Change is how we grow and become (think butterfly). You will get through this. Take it a day at a time. Be encouraged.

  30. Todays positive experience:
    Today I met with friends for a drink. We shared stories had a few good laughs.

    How happy am I? I’m not doing bad, but it could be better. Therefore my rating would be a 6 out of 10. So why not a 10?

    Just a few days ago I received some bad news that’s work related. Which sucks, but isn’t the end of the world. I do have a backup plan (job) where I should be abe to make the income I need. For the time being I also saved up some money so I have no direct reason to worry about my finances. Still, kinda uncertain times.

    But with that I now do have time to pursue other passions like writing and making music. For example, I’ve had this idea for writing a book for two years now, brainstormed and wrote a few chapters… but then I got lost in the amount of ideas that kept coming into my head. Perhaps now I have the time and energy to pursue this bucket list item; write and publish a book. At the same time I’m looking forward to what promises to be a wonderful summer.

    Which makes me a unhappy is that my back has been hurting for 2 weeks now. It’s just not feeling right.

    On the social aspect I’m not in a relationship and am fine with that, but at the same time perhaps it would make me a happier person if I would.

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