The holidays have come and gone. The calendar reads February 21st, which means spring is less than a month away yet t he thermometer outside reads 27 degrees. Blooming flowers and green grass seem so far away! My body forgot what it feels like to be warm without needing a million layers of clothing. My skin is dry and cracked. My children desperately need to run and play.
It is the dead of winter.
During this time, it is so easy to want to fall into the “woe is me” mindset. The cold weather and short winter days can make anyone feel Yet, I refuse to let the winter blahs win. Happiness is what you make of it. Happiness is not just a feeling but a way of living. It’s about putting your two feet on the floor in the morning (even if they are frozen!) and greeting the day with a smile. So, I ask you…
Happiness for me is…
feeling my children’s small arms around my neck.
being greeted with a kiss from my husband when he arrives at the door from work.
feeling my toes in the sand on a warm summer day.
warm flannel sheets on a cold winter night.
the purring of my kitty, snuggled up next to me.
the clicking of my needles as I knit a tiny hat for my unborn child.
a bare kitchen counter begging to be covered with flour and sugar.
giggles from my boys as I tickle their bellies.
a hot cup of tea.
the silence in the morning, with both the boys snuggled up in our bed.
precious moments for myself.
You see happiness for me isn’t about being on top of my game 100% of the time. So what if my house has toys scattered everywhere and dust bunnies have collected under the furniture. My happiness is seeing my children grow, laugh and learn. My happiness is nurturing my soul with hobbies that I love. My happiness is watching my family expand.
I challenge you to think about your own happiness. What does it look like? Is it where you want it to be? If not, make some changes and find your happiness. It sure is a long life to live if your not happy.
This post was inspired by the November/December issue of the Natural Child World Magazine, The Happiness Issue. Natural Child World is a modern magazine dedicated to providing parents with a platform to learn, exchange and reflect over alternative choices and alternative ways to raise their children.
I had the opportunity to review two past issues of the magazine and fell in love with it! The photography is stunning, the articles interesting and the pregnancy and baby/childhood products they feature are to die for.
Just in the two issues I received the topics included:
* interviews with dads who are inventing baby gear based on their needs
* wellness articles on food allergies in children
* advanced, safe and sustainable stroller reviews
* baby shower ideas
* natural fashion collections
* how to find non-toxic and safe toys
* how disney creates happiness for the next generation
* editor’s picks of books for a happier you
Giveaway
Natural Child World in generously giving away a 1 year subscription to their magazine to one lucky reader of Simply Stavish. This is a Rafflecopter giveaway and open to US and Canadian residents. The winner will be notified by e-mail. Please respond to the e-mail within 24 hours or another winner will be chosen.
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