Tag: hunt the good stuff

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Coffee and Contemplation: Hunt for Happiness Week

Hunt for Happiness Week is the third week of January. It was founded in 2001 by The Society of Happy People. The society often has events, but the purpose of the week is to get people to look at what things make them happy. This might include activities or people you enjoy being around. This might seem like a strange idea, but have you actually thought about what makes you happy? Happiness is an attitude or mindset you create for yourself. It doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it everyday. For some, this is an easy task. For most of us, it can be difficult. 

There are a few things I’ve been doing for the past few years to help with my happiness. I don’t identify with any one religion, but I do like the practices of Buddhism. I don’t mean this as a religion but only as spiritual practice. One practice is being kind whenever possible; it’s always possible. Another thing I’ve done is keeping a ‘hunt the good stuff’ journal. Everyday before bed, I write down at least three good things that happened to me that day and why they were important to me. I’ve done this everyday for almost 18 months. The point is, think about what makes you happy or unhappy. Then try to do the things that make you happy and don’t do the things that make you unhappy. Easier said than done. Enjoy Hunt for Happiness Week.

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Final Thoughts in 2019

I won’t have a New Year’s Resolution this coming year. I won’t because I’m already doing things to better myself. The last couple years haven’t been easy for me. Much of that was my own fault. Many things had to happen in order for me to notice. I felt I had hit rock bottom in early October 2019. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that low. Had I lost my job on top of everything else that happened, I’m not sure what I would have done. I almost lost everything in my life. My whole world went topsy-turvy.

Long story short, I was too negative for too long. It had built up over these last two years. I didn’t notice until it was too late. I lost motivation. I lost confidence in myself. I lost friendships. Since early October, I’ve been changing how I look at and talk to myself. It’s working. But I still have a long journey ahead. I filed for bankruptcy. My court date is in January. I had a couple student loans in default. I’ve gotten one out of default and the other is on its way out of default. Bankruptcy doesn’t affect student loans.

I’m being nicer to those close to me. Some chose not to be a part of my life because of the negativity. I hope the Universe brings them back into my life during the new year. I’m also being nicer to myself. I thought I was doing enough before to combat the negativity. But I feel short of the mark. I had to increase my efforts tenfold to see a difference. I’ve spent a lot of time alone. I can’t afford to go out to most things. Some things are too far for bus rides or I can’t afford the money for bus fare. I’m keeping an eye out for things to do so I can meet new people.

I relied on those close to me too much. I’m sure this is why they pushed me away. I’m doing more to keep myself occupied when I don’t have money for other activities. I’ve been using my camera more. I enjoy taking pictures. I’m reading and writing more. I’m doing as much as I can with what I have. Every night before bed, I write down three good things that happened to me that day and why they were important to me. This is the biggest thing that’s helped. I’ve done this every day for almost three months.

My journey has only begun. I have so far to go and no idea how long it will take. But I keep moving forward. I’m hunting for the good in things. I’m staying positive. I’m not allowing my thoughts to consume me. I’m getting by. I’m surviving. I’m not making a New Year’s Resolution because I’ve already made a resolution for life. And since I’ve already started, I have no fear of giving up. I’ve done this too long now to quit. While you all start something new and eventually stop, I’ll continue what I started. I’ll continue because I like myself. I love myself. And I deserve good things.