We all want to be happy.

It seems “happy” is the vague utopia all citizens of earth strive for but never seem to achieve.

Well, I’m not here to relay a magic formula to achieve “happy” — that’s another post — but here’s a small list that I’ve come up with that helps my days become a little “happier.”

1. Make your bed. Yep, do it. The state of your bed is the state of your head, and how much cleaner and uncluttered is your bedroom and your mind when your bed looks pretty!

2. Watch the sunrise. It’s ever-changing, never duplicated, and always beautiful. What better way to begin the day than with earthy beauty?

3. Create an inspiring play list. Music influences us body, soul, and spirit. Find the titles that inspire you and listen!

4. Eat breakfast. Don’t skip it, eat it! Your brain functions so much better when it doesn’t have to compete with an empty stomach, not to mention your emotions will thank you for the nourishment!

5. Be nice. Who is the first person you have contact with in the morning? Make the conscious choice right off the bat to be sweet, sincere, loving…not grumpy. It’s a choice you can make!

6. Breathe. Days get hectic, it’s inevitable, right? The unexpected happens, and our otherwise manageable (or so we thought) day becomes grossly out of proportion with our level of sanity. Cause yourself to breathe.

7. Laugh out loud. Take a break to watch a 30 second YouTube clip or call up a friend who makes you laugh. The release of endorphins will be worth it!

8. Take in your surroundings. Whether at the office or out for a stroll, take it in! Look for the little things that are just waiting to bring a little splash of sunshine into your world.

9. Refresh your make-up. {Guys, splash some water on your face and grab an Altoid} Maybe a dab of lip gloss after lunch, a midday eyeliner touch-up, or an afternoon spritz of perfume from the trial size in your purse. There’s something about “touching up” something that revitalizes your mind and perks up your mood.

10. SMILE. It’s easy. Make the effort to smile at those you make eye contact with. You never know if that might not be just what their day needed, and it will improve your mood without your even knowing. It’s a simple choice…choose to smile!

Our days are too short to waste and not enjoy. Simple tweaks in our routine can make all the difference between surviving and thriving in our everyday!

How are you choosing to thrive today?

Photo Credit:  Charles Henry

Think about what might have helped you in that situation. A smile? Laughter? Recognition from someone that they have ‘been there’? In some circumstances, when you may be really concerned about the escalation of that parent’s behavior, and maybe even concerned for the safety of that child, what would you do? One recommendation may be to offer a distraction to take that parent out of the heated situation. Kindly interrupt and ask for directions. Compliment them on their clothing, hairstyle, whatever…. ask if they have seen a product. You get the idea. Something completely unrelated to the event, but because you are creating that interruption, it is giving both child and parent time to cool down.

On the other hand, if you are witnessing a violent act against a child, you have the responsibility to alert authorities. Children count on ‘the village’, and if the village fails them when warning signs are there, what is left? Unfortunately we live in a world where there is stress beyond measure. Many of us are feeling the pressures of our finances. For others it might be health issues, or lack of insurance, or a loved one who is deployed. We all have our triggers. I just ask that you, as a concerned citizen, take the responsibility to be the eyes and ears for our children. It really does take a village.

www.preventchildabuse.org
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Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.

Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.

Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.

Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another’s children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.

Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.

Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families, like parent support groups or day care centers.