This One Trick = More Happiness

Today I’d like to tell you about ONE LITTLE TRICK I implemented that has really made a difference in my life. About 18 months ago I started a routine and regular daily gratitude practice and this has made me so much more aware of my daily happiness. Not that I wasn’t happy before – but I wasn’t nearly as aware of it! Now that I actually take 5-10 minutes/day (its not a big sacrifice of time considering the impact it will have) to write down all the goodness in my life its so much more obvious and apparent to me.

Robert Emmons did a study where he took three groups of folks and asked them to write down one of 3 things. One group wrote down what they were grateful for, a second group wrote down what they were unhappy about and the last group wrote down just something factual about events that occurred in their life. At the end of this 10 week daily trial – the group who were logging down things they were thankful for were 25% happier than the other two groups. Twenty Five Percent!

Trust me – this is worth your time and will have such a positive impact on your life and how you view it. Try it today and make 2013 the year you commit to this practice.

Below is a link to a journal I recommend. This is one of my favorites for those of you just starting out.

http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Abundance-Daybook-Comfort-Joy/dp/0446563595/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1352740279&sr=8-3&keywrds=sara+ban+breathnach

9780446521062_p0_v1_s260x420

And if you are looking for something more – check out my website for a book I have designed. It’s a daily calendar and gratitude journal all in one. Its bright, cheery and fun to use – you’ll love it!

All the best –

Jessica

 

 

Filed Under: Keeping It Together Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment

Jessica’s Happiness Project

Last year I read Gretchen Rubin’s book titled “The Happiness Project”. I read it right around the Holidays or maybe at the beginning of the year. I loved it! I loved the concept, her style of writing and entire content in general. Each chapter is devoted to a Happiness Concept that the author describes, researches and then puts into play in her own life -sharing the results and challenging the readers to try them out as well. It gave me so many ideas as to ways (most of them small and very manageable) I could bring more Happiness to my own life. And I can honestly say that most of what I integrated into my daily life has “stuck with me” throughout 2012.

One of the books suggestions was to make a list of “Commandments” that are personal and specific to you. Things that are “musts” for you in order to create and maintain more JOY in your own life. Below, I am sharing my list with you. I framed this and displayed it in my closet all year. Reading it frequently reminded me of what was really important for my to focus on daily. I hope it will encourage you to think about your “list” as well. Now is a great time of year for this sort of reflection!

Jessica’s Life Commandments

1. Perfection is the enemy of happiness
2. Hug More
3. Kindness, integrity and humility are appropriate for all situations
4. Exercise is the fountain of youth
5. Making others happy makes me happy
6. Act the way I want to feel
7. Days may seem long but years are always short
8. Show appreciation and gratitude to someone daily
9. When you know better you do better – so keep learning
10. Enjoy the process; therein lies the happiness

Definitely her book has enhanced by personal life in 2012. I really encourage you to check it out if you have not already. It would also make a great gift. And this year – she has another book out entitled Happier at Home – I preordered a copy for myself and one as a gift. I have not read mine yet as I am saving it to read when we are traveling the week between Christmas and New Years. You can order them easily on Amazon.com or just about anywhere else!

Let me know if you read the book? Or are planning to make your list of Happiness Commandments.
Thanks!

Filed Under: Keeping It Together Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment

I am ready

Hello! I’m finally diving into the blogosphere! The pool seems pretty full but I figure I can squeeze in.

My name is Jessica Locke and I’m a Registered Dietitian, Yoga Teacher, Fitness Enthusiast, Mother, Wife, Online Shopaholic and all around “great gal” who loves to chat with like-minded beautiful people! I live in Florida with my fantastic hubby and super sweet daughter. We also have a furry child (dog) we rescued too. I must say, overall, life is pretty great for us.

I have gained so much from reading other blogs that I’m excited to hopefully give back some of that good karma. I’ll be blogging about all sort of things – food, yoga, fashion, fitness, FUN, married life (coming up on 20 years baby!), parenting (kids and dogs), travel, friendship and anything else that comes to mind.

I hope you’ll join me – I would love the fellowship! Also – check out my website for a little freebie you might enjoy!

Filed Under: Keeping It Together Leave a Comment

Does this describe you?

Are you the type of gal who always has a “to-do’ list?

Do you also love to journal and end each day feeling accomplished?

Then I have a book you will LOVE. A fun to use tool that will help you stay organized and on the path to a more vibrant life.

My book – Keeping It Together – A Girls Guide to Living Life to the Fullest will allow you to track all the aspects important to you! It covers time management, goal setting, daily food record, physical activity, gratitude and more.

The color scheme is gorgeous and the layout is designed to up lift your sprits and increase your joy!

If you want 2013 to be your best year yet then you NEED this book.

Make the investment in yourself and get more of the life you want and deserve!

Filed Under: Keeping It Together Tagged With: , , 4 Comments