Happy Saturday Sistas,

Because our society has taught us an “I want this and I want that” mentality, our level of happiness can easily be destroyed. If you’ve been on this planet for very long, you have learned that the “getting” of these things is only a temporary thrill. So, why do we put ourselves through this happiness-depleting and joy-sucking misery of want, want, want. Is it because our friends have the latest handbag or because that commercial told us our lives would be better with that product or we are simply trying to fill a void in our life with “things”? Last year, I recommended a great documentary to help us put this in perspective called Happy on Netflix. It’s a great idea to watch this a few times a year. Just sayin’. 

A large aspect to my blog & webseries is helping/teaching women how to increase their joy by removing old ways of thinking that prevent them from living their most vibrant life. Hello, SOS! Wikipedia’s definition of SOS is “an international code signal of extreme distress or an urgent appeal for help”.

If you are in a state of “SOS” regarding your level of happiness, try these things NOW:

[Photo by Cinderatta]

I. OPEN YOUR HEART: I don’t think we realize how much we guard our heart or close it off because of past pains. You may have forgiven that person who hurt you, but you are still walking around with a closed heart. It could also be described as ‘living with walls up’. I did this for SO many years and I was miserable. Many of us starting living a guarded life as a young child. That was me and I can remember people saying, “you are such a pretty girl, you should smile more”. As I grew into a young woman, I just learned to wear a mask to appear happy. I could be whatever  you needed me to be. It took years to heal, but I am grateful to say — I live life much more open hearted now. If this is you, remove the armor around your heart by letting God’s love in. As His love floods your heart it will melt any armor, chains or walls. Then you are FREE to let love flow in and out of you. Talk about raising your level of happiness. Holla!  

II. HANG OUT WITH SOMEONE WHO “GETS YOU”: Do you notice how crap you feel after hanging out with certain friends? You cant quite put your finger on it, but you leave their presence with a sense of unhappiness or unfulfillment. It’s that friend or family member who asks how you’re doing with that shallow and robotic vibe about them. When you answer, they have this glazed over look in their eyes.  They don’t “get” you, your lifestyle, mission or project. Go ahead and punch me in the gut why don’t you? Lord help me, I limit my time with these types of people now. If you are surrounded by dream crushers, seek out that friend or family member who embraces YOU just as you are with all your crazy passions and quirks. 

My sister just arrived to Texas and we will have our first family vacay in over 25 years next weekend. I am bursting with joy and happiness as I look forward to having quality time with her. She and I have had our years of squabbling, as most sisters do, but at the end of the day — we “get” each other. We both strut to the beat of our own drum, are pretty quirky and totally untraditional. I don’t have to guard my heart or wear a mask in her presence. WooHoo! 

III. SING AT THE TOP OF YOUR LUNGS IN THE CAR: Have a “Thelma & Louise” moment minus the driving off the cliff scene! It is a scientific fact that singing loudly releases endorphins, our “feel good” chemicals. Singing on a regular basis could actually lengthen your life. One of my favorite things to do is drive fast down the freeway by myself with a great song (like anything by Miranda Lambert) cranked up and singing like a crazy lady — I don’t care how out of tune I am!

Feeling low today? Go jump in the car with your iPod or your fave CD and take a cruise by yourself or pick up your bestie who likes to be a crazy lady with you. I promise, you will feel happier sista! My longtime friend and soul sister, LeeAnne Locken, have been doing this for nearly 30 years. You should hear us sing Stone Temple Pilots…or maybe not. Hahaha! We’ve had many “Thelma & Louise” moments over the years. If you need daily inspiration, make sure to subscribe to her blog, Inspiration by LeeAnne Locken.

Join me in wishing LeeAnne a very happy & blessed birthday today! I’m grateful for the many years acting like crazy ladies together. She gets me! 

[LeeAnne & I at this years Mad Hatter’s Luncheon]

What’s your go-to happy activity?

Open your heart, go grab a friend who you can be a crazy lady with and ya’ll sing Miranda Lambert at the top of your lungs. Just writing that out made me happier:-) 

Love, Tiff