Things That Make My Life Merry

I've been working on my own gratitude project lately (privately). Inspired by my Educational Psychology class and the book The Happiness Project, I wondered what simple joys I could infuse into my life in order to make it better. Since doing this 100 Days of Happiness Project (I am currently on Day 40), I have found that while I consider myself to be a generally and genuinely happy person, my mood each day has improved-and I've been encouraging people who have been in funks to try some of these methods.

They don't have to be anything big or earth-shattering. It could be something as simple as, "hey, my favorite song came on the radio." Even on days when I have not been in the best mood, a small sign or saying can help pick me up. Here are some examples:

Being goofy with members of my cohort. This is Alyssa, she teaches Health and P.E.

Finding silly signs like this in Whitford.

On Whitford's walk/bike to school day, I scored these free shoelaces. As a broke grad student, I am a big fan of free things (such as food). However, this colorful pair matches perfectly with a pair of shoes I already happen to own. In addition to this bonus, it is a good reminder that even when life seems crazy busy, it is important to carve time out of the day to run, walk, bike, or make time for the things that bring you joy.