10 Rules for Happiness

Happiness and Gratitude – Even In the Valleys

The Happiness Project inspired my Rules for Happiness.  These rules are 10 priorities with a posture of gratitude and contentment by living simply. My values set the foundation for these ten rules.

Follow Christ

My faith journey and my journey to simplify are deeply intertwined but I didn’t realize how much until I wrote My Story.  Without question, God had a plan for me.

Be Generous

Remember the TV show ER? (Yes, I’m dating myself.) Anthony Edward’s character Dr. Greene was dying of cancer. In his final hours, he implored his daughter to “Be Generous”. I am most content when I am generous with my time, talents, possessions, money and words.

Gratitude

I’m grateful for what I have because it’s Simply Enough. A name that so accurately describes this life I get to lead. I appreciate the peaks and the valleys. Because in the valleys, my blessings abound, even when happiness does not. Gratitude shows me the silver lining and explains how my story came to be.

Self-Care

Health, Diet, and Exercise are no longer relegated to the back-burner. We get one chance at this life and we have one body in which to live it. So yes, I’m taking care of me first. I put on my oxygen mask first. I’m a better mom because of it.

Lighten Up & Be a Kid with my Kid

Admittedly, I always need to work on this one. As a mom, I am laser-focused on raising a polite, well-rounded son and can lose sight of how amazing he already is. This rule reminds me to see the good in all that he does and believe in him. Furthermore, it reminds me to think the best of him and give him the benefit of the doubt.  If I don’t, who will?

Be Present

Are you easily distracted by screens and smartphones?  Set boundaries. Designated parking spaces hold my computer, iPad, and iPhone. My phone serves as an alarm clock but not next to the bed because sleep outranks scrolling.

Enjoy the Ride

I cherish the people in my life and our collective experiences. The ordinary and the extraordinary.  The highs and the lows. Because it shapes who we are and deepens our relationships. I hope my friends and family keep me honest and enjoy the ride with me.

Make an Impact

I aspire to make an impact locally and globally – But where to begin? With so much need, it can feel like boiling the ocean. So, I started small. While solving world hunger is daunting, sponsoring one child is not. One step at a time.

Experiences Not Stuff

Experiences, not stuff. People, not things. Less is more. I’m comfortable with a level of imperfection in my life.  Toys should be on the floor. Friends are welcome into my house even if it is messy. But with less stuff, I’m ready anytime. People matter most and the rest will take care of itself.

Don’t Procrastinate

Take care of 5-minute tasks immediately. It clears my mind and shortens my to-do list. But this rule applies to more than action items.  Don’t wait to visit people you love or host a dinner party. Keep margin in your schedule. Don’t wait for the perfect time because now is perfect.

What rules inspire you? What habits create contentment?