FertilehealthyAiming for success, not perfection…

I am so grateful that Elena, from Eat Healthy, Be Happy, has awarded me the Happiness 101 Blog Award. I really had to think about what happiness means to me and what makes me happy – always a worthy subject to dwell on. Thank you, Elena! You are a true blessing to me!

As always, there are instructions:

1. Copy the image and display it on your blog.

2. List 10 things that make you happy.

3. Try to do at least one of them today.

4. Pass on the award to 10 bloggers who brighten your day.

10 Things that make me happy:

1. My husband. I am still in awe that this wonderful man came into my life. I adore him!

2. Every moment spent with my two best friends. I’m convinced that Lizana and I are soul mates from a lifetime before this one – she just “gets” me in a way that nobody else does. I think I’m the most authentic “me” when I’m with her. Plus, she makes me laugh! Charlotte taught me about love and friendship when I was lost and shattered and after nine years we are still growing together and learning from one another.

3. My cats, Lavis and Pepper. Our love is mutually unconditional.

4. Music. I have a wide taste in music, but my heart belongs to Bruce Springsteen. He may be 60, but he’s still the Boss to me!

5. Wide open spaces. One of my greatest pleasures is getting out of the city and barreling down the highway into the country, often with #4 blasting from the stereo. My soul takes flight and I can finally breathe again.

6. This blog.  It provides me with a sounding board and a creative outlet.  I love it!

7. The knowledge that this is the last time I will ever be this fat and this tired/lethargic.

8. Books. I love reading and I always have a book at hand.

9. The growing awareness that the system has to change. We need a new paradigm for living in all spheres of life: economics, agriculture, nutrition, charity, health, education, politics, spirituality, the environment, ethics, compassion, energy consumption, peace, respect, etc. More and more people are prepared to stand up for what is right. This fills me with hope for the future of humanity.

10. Being present and conscious in my life. I have power only in the present and every moment I get to choose whether I will be filled with despair or with bliss. This is huge!

And the award goes to… 10 people who make me very happy.

1. Chris from A Deliberate Life – This lady has true grit and amazing insight.

2. Vickie from Baby Steps V – I could sit at her feet all day and learn about life and balance.

3. Evita from Evolving Beings and Evolving Wellness – Someone called her “the new Louise L. Hay” the other day. I couldn’t agree more.

4. Shannon from The Fabulous Fattie – She’s got moxie and she makes me laugh.

5. Kat from Fit Mind Body Spirit – She inspires me every day and I would love to know her in real life.

6. Diane from Fit to the Finish – She’s been there, done it (years ago) and cares enough to help us get there too.

7. Chubby Chick from Journeying to Lose 200 Pounds – She never gives up.

8. Steve from LogMyLoss – He really walks the talk. And boy, can he talk!

9. Carla from MizfitOnline – She’s just awe-inspiring! She even changed the way I talk… among many other things.

10. Karen at Why Weight – We are often so similar it’s uncanny (except of course that she’s a much better writer).