#100happydays

100 days ago I challenged myself to find something to appreciate in each and every day.  It did not have to be a 'big' something, simply something that made me smile that day, something that brought me personal joy.  I admit some days were harder than others.  Some days I really had to reach deep down and say "Oh in that one second today I was happy..."

I realized I know what makes me happy and simply need to do more of it!  The top five things that make me happy? -

Loving the mothers in my family!

Good times with Paul Scott and Afua

• Being with my family and friends:  I am blessed to have my family nearby so I visit them every weekend when I am home.  I have found that I prefer unwinding during a weekend with my family preferable over getting dressed up and being 'turnt up'.  Besides, not being in the streets on Saturday nights means I am at church on Sunday morning haha While I am able to sometimes stream services from my home church (depending on connectivity while on travel), there is nothing like being in the presence of, worshiping and learning with my Grace church family.  And of course, dinner, drinks and catch up with my friends is always a good time. 

  

  Keli and Dawn coming to VA to celebrate July 4th

• Getting two hour massages:  Who does not love a good massage?  And a two hour massage is even better!  Before and after long flights I take the time out for a nice 2-hour medium pressure massage.  I am a member of Massage Envy, paying $59 each month.  The $59 membership = 1 hour massage per month.  This means I pay an additional $59 on the day of my visit for the extra hour and it is worth it!  And when I am on travel I definitely take advantage of massage prices abroad (ranging between $20 - $50 for 1 hour).  Massages are not only great for relaxing but as my therapist advised they are good for overall health:  reducing or eliminating pain, improving joint mobility, improving circulation (important after long international flights), improving immune system function (important in blocking illness while traveling), reducing depression and anxiety (happy days) and reducing tension within muscles. 

  

  Massage time!

• Dancing:  If you know me then you know dancing makes me happy.  There is nothing that makes me feel happier than being on the dance floor and then leaving it in the wee hours of the morning. 
  

Fun in Cote d'Ivoire

• Experiencing culture outside of my own:  During the last 100 days I have traveled to 7 different countries (South Africa, Zambia, Dominican Republic, Cote d'Ivoire, Burundi, Holland and DRC) three of them new to me (Zambia, Burundi and DRC)!  What a blessing it has been to learn something new in each country, meet new people, see old friends in addition to enjoying food, music and experiences I would not otherwise experience in the United States.  These travels not only contributed to my professional but also to my personal growth.  My advice to everyone reading this - save your money, plan the time, obtain a passport if you do not have one and travel!  The way you view people, cultures, politics, etc. will never be the same.  Your mind will slowly begin to open and there is no way you would be willing to have it closed again. 

  

  Beach club in Burundi

  
  

  

  A day long trek in Utrecht, Holland

Smiles from Zambia

• Improving my physical health:  Good health = happiness.  This is a journey which started December 26, 2012 and is on-going.  During these 100 days I found myself looking for alternative ways to decrease stress (exercise instead of glasses of wine), making sure I sleep at least 6 hours a night (if jet lag is not an issue), trying different physical activities (hikes, barre classes and longer bouts of cardio) as well as cooking more often when I am home.  These small changes have allowed me to see changes in a positive way with pounds and inches lost.  If my nutritionist has his way I have 20 - 25 more pounds to lose (he keeps moving the goal post hmm).  I am not looking to weigh or look the same as I did when I was 18 but I am looking to be happier in how I FEEL physically.  Looking better in my clothes is also a bonus! 
  

Today I completed the challenge and I learned that I OWN my happiness.  I need to do something, see someone, say something each and every day that brings me inner joy, makes ME smile.  I also learned to take care of myself spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.  This sometimes meant saying "no" to others, having to sometimes skip an event, a meeting at work or a trip to make time for what was important to me.  Find my "me time", not over extend myself at the cost of my health and happiness, take the time to think about what makes me happy.  True friends understood and work will always be there. If you have not taken on this challenge, I suggest you do.  Hopefully, this blog entry and some of the photos will be an inspiration.  A very special, happy thank you to each and every person that brought a smile to my face during these #100happydays. 

Some of many smiles captured during my #100happydays challenge