I read a wonderful blog post by the Other Laura last night. She interweaved some personal reflection with a project that she was finishing up and that gave me some thoughts of my own.
Laura defines fun as “in the moment and feeds the need in the now before it withers”.
She defines happiness as “a quest that requires vigilance and can become myopic – in some respects it is frustratingly elusive and not easily sustained”.
I see the two terms as intertwined. Can one have fun without happiness?
I see happiness in terms of the state of my well-being…my contentment. I don’t think it has to be an elusive quest. In fact, I think it is intertwined with gratitude as well. The more fun and gratitude that I have, the more I am happy.
2023 was my most fun year in a very long time. Previous years were tough for me. Some of that toughness was not of my doing. But, in retrospect, some of it indeed was. If I had practiced a gratitude attitude, I am now sure that some things would’ve been easier to deal with.
Pity parties of one are so easy.
Some of what made 2023 so fun was that I had more gratitude (The first complete year without any water issues! Yes, I can honestly say that I am grateful to clean the toilet!). I had more time to visit with family…so precious and so grateful! I had an epic road trip…so much fun! I explored more genealogy (fun for me to learn that I am a descendant of Governor William Bradford and Susanna North Martin as well as learning other family stories). I baked more (and gained pounds)…I love to bake! I have so much to be thankful for…more than I can list here!
I suggest to declutter as much stress as you can! 2023 was less stressful for me and that definitely brings on a state of well-being…happiness.
I believe decluttering relieves stress! My pantry/laundry room/closets/attic spaces have been cleaned and decluttered and I feel great about that! No photos to show, so you will just have to trust me. The Hubster and I have spent the end of 2023 taking care of stuff. Starting fresh in 2024! We don’t live in a sterile environment, not by any means, but we know what we have and where it is (most of the time).
I have joined Karen’s 2024 Declutter Challenge (clicking on the photo below, or in the side bar, will take you there).
I did this challenge last year as well. Karen takes the process in baby steps and makes it fun!
Another way that I am decluttering is by joining the Chookshed Stitchers 2024 Challenge.
I am using this challenge as fun motivation to clear out “stuff” from my sewing studio as well as from my mind, leading to contentment.
Number 6 was chosen, so I’ll be working on the Santa door draft kit. Looks like I will have this one finished before Christmas!
A very fun and happy 2024 to you all!
LC's Cottage 