We all need a little spark of a reminder sometimes. A little confetti in the air. A little whipped cream on top. A little something-something. Here are ten small and simple ways to be happy in any given day. When all else fails- champagne for breakfast and doughnuts for dessert.
1 • Do a chore that you’ve been putting off and immediately TREAT YOURSELF. Maybe a door needs replacing or a floor needs deep cleaning or all the laundry needs putting away. If this is the case, your house is exactly like my house and let’s take care of business and treat ourselves to watermelon and margaritas and chocolate bars. (amen amen amen)
2 • Give yourself a pep talk. It could start as simple as this and then evolve into watching some of the best clips from The Office, here… before you remind yourself that you’re great and everything is going to be damn fine because you’re going to make it so.
3 • Exercise until you’re out of breath and exhausted. This might take you seven minutes or thirty seven- but get to the third or fourth time your mind is trying to talk yourself out of doing what you’re doing before you stop because these bodies are stronger than our brains would have us think.
4 • Don’t hold on too tight anything. See: mistakes, victories, loves, not-loves, insecurities, surety. Go easy and keep it loose. Yoga helps. Yoga breathing helps, if you’re not down with the triangle poses and down dogs.
5 • Have a sandwich for dinner. Making a good sandwich for yourself is a meditation and a belly-satisfaction. You might consider this: The Best BLT Sandwich.
6 • Use a new soap in the shower. It’s incredible how a new fragrance can liven the mind.
7 • I dream it / I work hard/ I grind till I own it. Don’t forget your inherent slaying in just doing your dang thing everyday, OK!?
8 • Write down why you’re grateful for a few folks in your life- call and tell them what you think without any expectations. It feels good to make people feel good and very often we don’t say the things we mean to say to one another. Our girl Tracy taught us how to make a gratitude journal just last week.
9 • Remember that Sheryl Crow had it super right when she said ‘everyday is a winding road‘ and that was even before she met Lance Armstrong so really she must know a lot.
10 • Try banana bread. The smell alone will help, plus you made something from scratch, plus you’re not wasting old, well-intentioned bananas.
You’re a precious gem and thank goodness we’re in this together.
Enjoy this day, ok?
xo Joy
Paula
For your consideration, 11: Roll down the windows in your car. Put on your favorite song, regardless of how embarrassed you may be admitting that it’s your favorite song. Turn the volume up, and sing along very loudly and animatedly. Bonus: someone driving by will see you and be amused by your vivacious spirit and maybe feel a little happier themselves.
joythebaker
That is STRONG!
Sam
Amen , I needed this reminder.?
Carolyn Walters
Perfectly said….I had to give myself a pep talk today on the way to work…everything will be damn fine. Reminded myself I have been thru things some could not imagine and that has made me who I am. Always believe in yourself even on those dark days
Clare Dyczkowski
I can’t tell you how much I needed this list today. Thanks for brightening my day ??
Allie
Seriously, ditto
Amber Deveny
PAULA! Yes. Now you gotta tell me your song… mine is “She is Beautiful” by Andrew WK. I always end up laughing until I shriek like a little girl again.
Christine Kennedy
Mine is Wasted by Carrie Underwood!
Christy
While stuck in traffic on a hot Phoenix morning, I made a semi-trucker’s day by jammin’ out to my favorite INXS song! He was smiling & laughing, then gave me the air horn honk & a big thumbs up!
Jennifer
Yes! This is one of my very favorite acts to do, and to witness. Instant happiness to drive up in someone belting their heart out! :-)
Jenn
LOVE!
jolisa
love yah Joy…seriously!
Debbie
Love you Joy!
Chrissy
All of this- yes. I just bought new shampoo and it made my week and as for treat yo’self? Ice cream, every night. Have a happy day!
Jess
Yes Joy, yes to all of this! Thank you for sharing, this is exactly what I needed :)
Megan
This is the stuff I live by. Run until you cannot anymore. Love on those close to you, especially in today’s climate. Baking/cooking is so much therapy for the heart and soul, and even better when shared with others. It’s the only way to survive in this world we have created.
MB
Thank you, I needed these suggestions.
Erin
Thank you, Joy. I needed this today.
Taste of France
Re #1: check out the Savvy Psychologist podcast about “9 reasons you can’t focus.” Great advice.
Re #3: absolutely!
Re #11, for Seana: I also hate bananas, but carrots, zucchini or beets work great in these kinds of breads. They really make them nice and moist, and add some vitamins to boot.
Alexis deZayas
Loving this! Going to do my chore (aka unpack my suitcase) and treat myself to something sweet!
Amanda M
Thanks. This is small, but I needed to read something lovely and sweet today.
Seana Turner
Love the list. Might pick strawberry bread instead of banana bread since I don’t like bananas:) I particularly like the idea of finally tackling a chore you’ve been procrastinating. It really feels so good to finally get it done!
Jane
Thank you Joy
Meg
Love this – we could all do with a reminder to be grateful and to enjoy every day!
Meg x
https://www.nomeanfeast.co.uk
Suzanne Bryere
Fabulous. As always!!
Elisabeth
A lovely list! I was just thinking I might make banana bread today! And I made from-scratch pancakes with precious (I live abroad) maple syrup for breakfast- yum! Today is a day for “me” before the school year starts in again and I’m busy all the time (yay for teaching!).
joythebaker
Thank you for what you do! You deserve much maple syrup.
Adrienne
Your humanity and your timing (in my world, and I think beyond, too): 100% on point. :)