happiness

I do enjoy quotes. You know, those little quips of encouragement on the sides of your coffee mugs or Starbucks cups or daily rip calendars. And while I don’t generally browse the self-help aisle of the bookstore, I do find myself smiling when I see inspirational quotes and sayings. Even…sigh…the cheesy ones.

When I started this project a year ago, I was excited….I get enthusiastic about sinking my teeth into any big topic, learning and writing as I go. But happiness? What could I write about that three times a week? And what do I know about happiness?

Every once in awhile at The Happiness Plan, we address the issue of gratitude as it relates to happiness. If you need a refresher, happiness experts and research preach that practising regular acts of gratitude or thankfulness for things and people in your life can increase your level of happiness.

I'm spending a little time dwelling on my loveliest moments of 2011, so the whole thing doesn't just pass by in a messy blur. In part one, I talked about the wonderful rustic farm I visited with my family in the south of France. And for the remaining installments, I'm looking back at my other favourite travel moments of the year. This time, it's schvitzing in Istanbul.

Did you start your Gratitude Adjustment in 2012? I did and I have to say, at first I was a bit stumped. I sat down and thought about everything I was grateful for—my family, my home, my health, my job and so forth. Check, check, check and check. Now what?