This was a beautiful start to my week, and left me pondering: how can I reduce my own suffering this week? (I immediately heard: “soften”). Also, I can’t wait to try that chicken Durango!
“You are who you are.” Isn’t that the truth? It’s akin to “Wherever you go, there you are.” Love that. And those fried summer squash are calling my name! Yum
During the pandemic, I took an online semester course on happiness, and the thing that stuck with me is the role of anticipation. Live in the moment, but always keep something out there on the horizon you’re excited about. Plan trips well in advance and then get excited about them, don’t dwell on them, but allow them space to bubble up and get you jazzed. Two books on the topic (I have a collection lol) are The Happiness Project and The Geography of Bliss.
Being intentional as often as possible or is the key for me - that and saying no.
I love this Lori! And, I can totally see the influence that anticipation has in my own experience. I have not yet read either of those books (although I've heard Gretchen Rubin talk about The Happiness Project), but have added them to my list.
If you have never read the Essay "The Station" by Robert Hastings it is well worth a few moments of your time. I have this essay attached to the calendar above my desk. It has been with me for the past 20 years or so.
I just looked it up and it's wonderful, Nikki! "The true joy of life is the trip." - my favorite line from the piece. It's something that our nomadic life is teaching me. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve also been chest deep in musings about happiness lately. Thank you for sharing your pov to help me clarify some of it. For sure, anxiety for me knocks any possibility of happiness on its booty
Anxiety is a beast. So my question is, and I honestly don't know the answer to this, can you live a happy live with anxiety? Like, is it possible for a happy life to be foundational even when difficult stuff is piled on top?
I have had this happiness conversation with my high adrenaline, always on the go 17y/o son. When you live your life from one moment of adrenaline to the next, the times of slowness tend to being you down. It's important to take dopamine breaks where you aren't spiking dopamine, but finding ways to raise it slowly for a longer 'high.' I try to remind him that finding happiness in the moment is essential to living a contended life .
Happiness as a by-product of peace. I like that a lot. I have No Striving written at the top of my daily to do list. I’ve considered getting it as a tattoo. I need the constant reminder.
You are a wise woman. 😊 I am a very high energy person, but realized years ago there was a reason I so admired my son and his zen presence…I wanted THAT. As Rebecca says in this post, you are who you are, but dedicated moments to just BE are essential. I treasure those. And your son will figure that out. 😊
Such good conversations for a 17 year old to hear! I think what you're saying is key to feeling content... which is perhaps more stable than happiness? I don't know. Regardless, knowing that the highs are fleeting so we can enjoy them while they last but know they will recede and that's ok is such an important lesson. I didn't learn it at 17, that's for sure!
Yes, I do think this is true. Happiness is a difficult word to pin down to one definition. There are many shades and variations, all of them coming and going through our life.
Thank you so much! The best thing I ever did was take the artificial lighting course from Joanie Simon of The Bite Shot. You'll find it, and all of her courses at thebiteshot.com. She's an excellent teacher. Learning to use artificial lighting meant I am always in control of the light, regardless or weather or time of day.
This is such a bright and lively post this week. Your recipe photos are amazing! And the boat?! I 100% support a ship like that :)
This was a beautiful start to my week, and left me pondering: how can I reduce my own suffering this week? (I immediately heard: “soften”). Also, I can’t wait to try that chicken Durango!
“You are who you are.” Isn’t that the truth? It’s akin to “Wherever you go, there you are.” Love that. And those fried summer squash are calling my name! Yum
This is something Steve and the girls and I say a lot, usually with humor, but also as a way of acknowledging that we are doing our best.
During the pandemic, I took an online semester course on happiness, and the thing that stuck with me is the role of anticipation. Live in the moment, but always keep something out there on the horizon you’re excited about. Plan trips well in advance and then get excited about them, don’t dwell on them, but allow them space to bubble up and get you jazzed. Two books on the topic (I have a collection lol) are The Happiness Project and The Geography of Bliss.
Being intentional as often as possible or is the key for me - that and saying no.
I read the Geography of Bliss with my book club! It’s great (and hilarious)!
I love this Lori! And, I can totally see the influence that anticipation has in my own experience. I have not yet read either of those books (although I've heard Gretchen Rubin talk about The Happiness Project), but have added them to my list.
If you have never read the Essay "The Station" by Robert Hastings it is well worth a few moments of your time. I have this essay attached to the calendar above my desk. It has been with me for the past 20 years or so.
I just looked it up and it's wonderful, Nikki! "The true joy of life is the trip." - my favorite line from the piece. It's something that our nomadic life is teaching me. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve also been chest deep in musings about happiness lately. Thank you for sharing your pov to help me clarify some of it. For sure, anxiety for me knocks any possibility of happiness on its booty
Anxiety is a beast. So my question is, and I honestly don't know the answer to this, can you live a happy live with anxiety? Like, is it possible for a happy life to be foundational even when difficult stuff is piled on top?
For me, it’s not. I have to find a way to remove the anxiety or if it’s small stuff, not let it be anxiety. You?
When I figure it out I'll let you know, my friend.
❤️
What a lovely and rich post!
Thank you Liza!
I have had this happiness conversation with my high adrenaline, always on the go 17y/o son. When you live your life from one moment of adrenaline to the next, the times of slowness tend to being you down. It's important to take dopamine breaks where you aren't spiking dopamine, but finding ways to raise it slowly for a longer 'high.' I try to remind him that finding happiness in the moment is essential to living a contended life .
For me, happiness is a by-product of being at peace.
That’s how I notice it. No striving; just noticing.
It’s never permanent, like everything else that passes through, but it is welcome.
Happiness as a by-product of peace. I like that a lot. I have No Striving written at the top of my daily to do list. I’ve considered getting it as a tattoo. I need the constant reminder.
You are a wise woman. 😊 I am a very high energy person, but realized years ago there was a reason I so admired my son and his zen presence…I wanted THAT. As Rebecca says in this post, you are who you are, but dedicated moments to just BE are essential. I treasure those. And your son will figure that out. 😊
Such good conversations for a 17 year old to hear! I think what you're saying is key to feeling content... which is perhaps more stable than happiness? I don't know. Regardless, knowing that the highs are fleeting so we can enjoy them while they last but know they will recede and that's ok is such an important lesson. I didn't learn it at 17, that's for sure!
There are different types of happiness in life:
the happiness from being content with what you have and making the best of it with joy every day…
the happiness from knowing what you want, trying to get no matter what it takes and getting it all while enjoying the journey with joy every day…
The happiness from making every moment a special one…
The happiness from the excitement of novelty and a playful life…
And looking back at it all with unconditional gratitude…🩶
Yes, I do think this is true. Happiness is a difficult word to pin down to one definition. There are many shades and variations, all of them coming and going through our life.
Your food photography is great! Do you have any tips please? Or any specific settings? Thanks!
Thank you so much! The best thing I ever did was take the artificial lighting course from Joanie Simon of The Bite Shot. You'll find it, and all of her courses at thebiteshot.com. She's an excellent teacher. Learning to use artificial lighting meant I am always in control of the light, regardless or weather or time of day.
Thanks so much! I’ll look into it!