How I’m choosing happiness

I’m still smiling from my discovery of this little book about Hygge.

Not so much that I’ve finished the book, because, I’m still reading it.  Nor is it that I’m a complete convert since starting to read it, but it’s more so the idea that there is a country where over 96% of the population is happy.

The Danish are genuinely HAPPY.

I’m very interested in exploring what makes them so happy?

Happiness is a choice?  Yes?  No?

If happiness is a choice, then I should be able to choose happiness, too, even if I live in a country that doesn’t rank up there on the scales as ‘happy’.  But…I do have Norwegian heritage, maybe that’s why I’m drawn to Hygge?

So here I am on a Tuesday morning, at 5:47 am, pondering how I will explore happiness as a way of life – EVERY DAY.  I pause to remember, it is about being in the moment.  I look outside and there are beautiful colors dancing in the clouds of the sunrise.

I remember I’ve waited all spring for my Irises to bloom and I haven’t taken many pictures of them yet.  So I grab my camera and step outside.  I know they’ll be gone before I know it.  I have one yellow one somewhere, but the rest of them are all burnt rust in color.

I look past the flowers and see the glorious sunrise is still there.  Ah…I love the golden hour.  It’s a great time of day to feel Hygge.

And I smile.

I ignore the big building that doesn’t add to my happiness view of the sunrise.  But I smile remembering how hard the owner has been working to complete the gigantic project.

Ah, yes, mornings are a favorite happy time for me.  I sip coffee, view my photos from the day before or the morning of, and I write a blog post.  It is a simple routine that I love doing.

That’s part of Hygge – enjoying the simplicity of life while enjoying a warm cup of coffee.

Another part of Hygge is the comfort found in socialization with a group of close friends and family.  The Danish are slow to embrace newbies, but once you break the barrier, you’re in for life.  When I read that I was reminded of how I’ve felt many times trying to break into the world of blogging.  It can be lonely at times.  But since I’m focusing on happy, instead of sad, I remember that I’ve made some progress and I’ve met some very friendly bloggers.  Their blogs I enjoy reading, the comments they share on mine, and the challenges I played along with, all bring happiness to my morning routine.  If you’re reading this, I hope you know that I’m smiling as I think of your kindness you share in our blogging community.

Today, to end my post, I’m going to answer the questions to Cee’s Share Your World Challenge – rules to this week’s challenge can be found here.

A piece of clothing from your younger childhood you still remember?  I still have it.  I only remember it as being mine because I can see I wore it in pictures.  It’s a baby outfit, I believe I was 1-year in this photo?  My mom kept the outfit and gave it to me, so I kept it and I put my kids in it when they were babies, and I took pictures of them.  Duh, that’s what moms are supposed to do, right?  And now it is back in a box ready for a new heir to wear someday.  It’s a soft baby yellow in color.

Regardless of your physical fitness, coordination or agility: If you could be an athlete what would do?   Remember this is SYW, dreaming is always allowed.  I would run and walk without assistance until the day I die.  I wouldn’t be a marathoner, or Ironman, or anything formal, but I’ll be still moving.  Maybe I’d try hiking, that would be fun.  I’m in awe when I read about Donna at Wind Kisses.  So, yeah, I’d be a hiking photographer like her.

In a car would you rather drive or be a passenger?  I love riding along as a passenger when Mr. is driving.  Just like being in his arms for a hug, I feel safe when he’s driving.  I also like the passenger role because I can be taking photos while he drives.

On the flip side, I love to be the driver when I’m transporting my kids.  There’s something magical about being alone together in the car, along with each one of them, or together on a girl’s trip.  I love to drive, throw out a question for them to answer, and listen intently to them as their thoughts unravel and fill the car with their dreams about life.

What did you appreciate or what made you smile this past week?  Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination. All of the above made me smile this past week.  Spontaneity with my husband, even the ant adventure ending in a little afternoon sex brought smiles to my face!  Yeah, I’m liking this Hygge thing…!

PS – Happy Tuesday to all – hope your week is off to a great start!  PS – I’d love to hear from you on how you find happiness!  

Post Inspiration by Cee’s Share Your World