January Report - Happiness Project 2013

The month of January has about come to an end! I can hardly believe it. As you will recall, I decided to make a resolution for the entire year of 2013 and participate in a Happiness/Wholeness Project in hopes of living a simpler and more intentional life.

With that said, for the month of January I resolved to be more intentional about enjoying the space that I live in, I resolved to do three specific things:

• Sew something meaningful out of something old
• Arrange a kitchen shrine
• Pin-point and display something meaningful in the most used spaces in my home

I am happy to note that I accomplished all three of these goals with great joy and ease. I also accomplished another goal, which I didn't know was a goal until later in the month. First, at the beginning of the month, I started a project that boosted me into my happiness project in the first place. I was dying to sew black and white striped curtains. I had these black sheer curtains that I bought during my sophomore year of college. They were the first curtains I ever bought and they were for my first real apartment that I shared with my roommate, Jessica. These curtains ended up following us along all through college. Now, it seems silly that I would be attached to such curtains, but I really was/am. I loved those curtains, they held fond memories of my homes for the past three years and I couldn't imagine boxing the delicate beauties away. So. I cut them up, bought a sheer cream panel and made new beauts with them. They are meaningful to me and they still hang in my home. 

Second, I decided to arrange a kitchen shrine. When I was in Oregon visiting my aunt over the holidays, I noticed a simple countertop lazy susan she had. Her lazy susan was adorned with meaningful kitchen items used for cooking. It was also hand-painted, colorful and gorgeous. I wanted one, too! I just LOVED it. I searched and searched for one, but couldn't find an affordable one. Then, one day, I ran into a plain, bamboo one. I bought it (it was cheap and I had Christmas money) and I made it my own! It holds all things meaningful to me in my kitchen and it's useful. It holds some really cute vintage salt and pepper shakers I found in Oregon; a cute little bowl of sugar (for tea and other things); a mason jar of hot chocolate given to me by my aunt for Christmas, which is adorned with a piece of cloth from my great-grandmother's scrap collection; another mason jar with my favorite pasta, orzo, in it; and other random cooking commodities: garlic salt, honey and EVOO. This simple shrine brings great joy to my life, especially since I spend so much time in my kitchen.

Last of all, I pin-pointed and displayed something meaningful in both my living room and my bedroom. In the living room: a small golden owl that I got for $2 one time at Hobby Lobby during their fall clearance. He's sits on the shelf, as stylish as ever. Then, in the bedroom, I put my brooch bouquet that I made for my wedding, full of family brooches, on display by my jewelry box. It has rich meaning to me. 

Last of all, I participated in the "January Cure" by Apartment Therapy this month. One of the days, the challenge was to go buy fresh flowers. Flowers/plants generally make your home a happier place, bringing the outdoors in, which is great in a month like January. When I was at Kroger, I bought some baby's breath for $2, put it in a mason and set it on display in my living room. So reminiscent of mine and Kyle's wedding. Ahh. 

It seems silly that all these things really did make me happier. Enjoying being intentional, though, is what made me the happiest. I took notice of things that are meaningful to me in my space every single day.

For the month of February, I've decided to focus on...you guessed it: Love. I'm going to explore ways to be more intentional about showing love, kindness and hospitality to Kyle and to my friends. Two specific goals: go on a pasta adventure with Kyle; host guests. Will report back in a month with some random blogging inbetween - for now, enjoy some photos! 

Tell All

I've learned a few things about being in seminary. One of those things revolves around what I choose to admit. I guess I am in a "grown-up" place now ;). Whatever you choose to admit in the grown up world can cause some major judgement. But, it's ok, because you and I are grown ups, or at least if we try to act like it life might go on. Here are a few things that I will admit with fervor and why I choose to do so:

I LOVE Kate Middleton and Taylor Swift. I just do. I can't help it. People ask me all the time why I love Kate Middleton so much or why I love talking about Taylor Swift. People ask why I glamorize them. Here's the answer: I glamorize them because they are glamorous. Oh, quote me. They are good girls with great impact. Not flawless girls, but good ones (T Swift might date too much). But, we all have that friend. They make an impact because they are classy and down-to-earth, in good ways. Trust me, there are detailed reasons why I love them, but I won't take the time to go into those details on here because I *know* some of you are rolling your eyes. Really, though, if I could meet any two people in today's world it would be Kate Middleton and Taylor Swift...preferably in a room at the same time. So, if you have connections, hook me up.

Now, one thing I've learned NOT to admit at seminary is if you watch The Bachelor. Don't even try.

Just thought I would give you a shot of randomness in your day! Below: the three best friends that anyone could have. And, P.S. if you don't like this blog, we are never, ever, ever getting back together.

The Happiness Project 2013

What's one of the first things you think of when you think of New Years? I think of two things: 1. Partyyyy 2. Resolutions. Usually in that order. I've never really made a New Year's resolution. They seem to be the epitome of hopes that don't work out. I'm not really sure why they carry that connotation to me. Perhaps I only observe people who set the bar too high or don't take their resolutions seriously. With all that said, I decided that I wanted to make a resolution of sorts this year. I vowed two things: 1. To aim for simplicity. 2. I'd like to seek wholeness, if anything.

I've been positively impacted by Gretchen Rubin, most notably known for her two works "The Happiness Project" and "Happier at Home." After reading these two books, I've spent time thinking a lot about happiness. Rubin notes in her works that most people live life forward-looking. People are always looking to the future because that's when they think they will be happier. 

The problem with this is the present. Most people don't live fancy, extravagant lives. The daily grind is more normal than an annual family vacation and that's a fact. Learning to be happy, whole and intentional in the present is what a "happiness project" is all about. And that's where these things collide. My resolution for this year: do a happiness project and write about it. 

For simplicity's sake (since that's one of my goals), I decided to come up with individual monthly themes and goals to bind this project together -- ways that I can be intentional in my everyday life to be more "whole." In fact, I'd almost rather call this my "wholeness project." So, for the month of January I've decided that my theme will be "Space," focusing on how I can be more whole, happy and appreciative of the place that I live and the possessions that I have. Three specific goals are: to sew something meaningful out of something old, arrange a kitchen shrine, pin-point and display something meaningful in the most used spaces in my home. 

I shall report back via blogging towards the end of the month to explain how my goals went with (most likely) a bit of random blogging in-between. Here's to 2013. Here's to my Wholeness Project and the art of appreciating everyday life. 

Extinguished

The event that took place in Newtown, CT last Friday has sparked a number of responses. The media is messy. That fact has caused me to think with integrity about my own response. During our drive home on Saturday I had 12 fresh hours to truly think about my response, trying to decide if this is my place to blog or not. After seeing a couple of things on Facebook, I soon decided that it needed to be.

Like I said, the media has been really messy. A couple of different things being passed around on Facebook need to be extinguished and quickly. On Friday, shortly after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, I saw a picture going around on Facebook that concluded that God couldn't be present at Sandy Hook on Friday because we have pushed Him out of our schools. I've seen another political post being passed around with this same message. People of God, this lie must be extinguished. 

To say that God was not present on Friday is to deny God's sovereignty. It's to deny God's kindness. This is not the God I believe we serve. I know that my own heart has been grieved by the events that took place on Friday. If we are image bearers of God himself, can you imagine how much more God must be grieved? A million times over, indeed. Do yourself a favor and don't believe that God wasn't present on Friday. I think he must have been present beyond what we can fathom and imagine. 

As you process through this event yourself I pray that you would do so with integrity. May you believe that God is so kind, grieved by the event that took place on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary. May you believe in his sovereignty and his ability to make all things good. I only pray that my tiny voice might be heard among louder voices spreading, what I believe to be, falsities about God's character. I hope, at least, this falsity for you might be extinguished. 

Eyes Open

One of the things we practice daily here at Asbury is the Eucharist. A daily Eucharist service takes place every day of the week in Fletcher Chapel. Then, on Wednesdays, the Eucharist takes place during the chapel service. Ever since I was little I can remember being fascinated by the Eucharist. I grew up in the Catholic Church so, in worship jargon, the Eucharist was always the climax of the service. It was so beautiful. I always loved the liturgy and the act of going and being served communion.

Communion is still one of my favorite sacraments today. I especially love communion on Sunday mornings. It's so awesome to think about how many other people in the world are celebrating communion. It's such a representative feast of joy in the church and it really ties the ecumenical church-at-large together in a powerful and spiritual way.

My absolute favorite part of communion, though, is watching others receive it and be blessed. I have never been one to kneel at the altar after communion -- not because I don't want to, and definitely not because I am not thankful. I just can't wait to get back to watch others take communion. It's the embodiment of joy and sacrifice. It often brings me to tears watching others accept the love and grace of Christ. It makes me so  thankful. As each person takes communion I whisper in my mind, "Thank you, Jesus." Accepting communion is such a true form of worship -- I love watching grace unfold in the community's midst. That's why I keep my eyes open.

Life as an INFJ

If you're a Myers-Briggs person, you will understand this post. I won't take this opportunity to explain Myers-Briggs,  I will just tell you that if you haven't taken the MB personality test, you must. It's so accurate that it's scary. Lately, I've been reverting back to my Myers-Briggs in attempt to better understand myself. We often think that we understand how we work, when in fact, we really don't. Moving to a new place, making new friends and building a new life has caused me to really think about the ways that I can best benefit myself and those around me. Here is what I think and understand about being an INFJ and hopefully this will help you understand me, too. It's just fascinating. Maybe in my next post, I will feature Mr. J who is almost the complete opposite of me -- an ESFP.

I - Introverted

• Yes, I'm introverted. I gain my energy back when I am alone, doing my own thing. This, of course, doesn't mean I am anti-social. I actually thrive in certain social situations. 
• The implications for being an introvert are: I am shy when I get in a big group, but I really thrive when I have the opportunity to chat with someone 1-on-1 or if I am in a smaller group (3-4). 
• This pesky "I" is honestly my biggest struggle when I am new places. I'm awkward in some groups. People think I am a mute. I swear, I am not ;). It takes me a while to be un-awkward until I get to know people. 
• I try to not let my "I" define me. But I am committed to watching extroverts be extroverted. Why? It helps me be more extroverted, but it doesn't make me want to be an extrovert. Catch my drift?

N - Intuition

• This is how I gather information. I understand things much better when I can relate it back to something that I already know. 
• The implications for me when it comes to intuition are: I will compare things with things. I compare people with other people. This is sometimes bad and sometimes good. 
• I actually like this about myself. However, it's not always educationally awesome. Some things require a much more concrete grasp and to be honest, I want things to be a bit more abstract. 

F - Feeler

• This is how I gather information. The F is interesting to me because it makes me see that I am not as logical as I think I am. It's really important to me that people don't get hurt. Inwardly, I would rather take the blame for something than see someone else inconvenienced. 
• The implications for being a feeler are: I have great empathy. I am able to relate to others well. The downside is, sometimes I let people take advantage of me. I don't stand up for myself because I don't want people to think less of me. 
• I can't complain too much about being an "F." Honestly, it surprises me more than anything. I often think I am more logical than I really am. 

J - Judger

• This is how I make decisions. This is where Miss Organization arises in me. I would much rather make a to-do list and cross things off of it rather than just doing things on my own time.
• This is good and bad. I've really had to make myself balance this out. I've had to distinguish between work and play and leave room for both in a healthy manner. 
• Perceivers particularly stress me out when it comes to getting things finished. This is where my husband can sometimes drive me crazy.
• I am embarrassed to admit, but I am a very strong J. I am probably the most proud of being a J because I can't stand Ps. I can't imagine NOT being a J. :) 

That's me in a Myers-Briggs nutshell! If you haven't discussed your MB with me yet, please do. It's completely fascinating. I can't wait to feature Mr. J. I have a lot to say about his MB. That's all the personality fun for now.

When You Think Happiness...

For one of my classes here at the seminary, we had to write a "Rule of Life" for one of our assignments. A rule of life is just basic outline that helps you grow spiritually, academically, personally etc. I put mine together and realized how much I truly appreciate simplicity. There are few key things that get me through my week and contribute to my overall happiness. I think it's a good idea to reflect on these things. I decided to blog about a few things that make me genuinely happy. These are in no particular order. Hopefully this will encourage you to make a small rule for yourself, or at least think about and appreciate the day-to-day simple things that make you happy.




1. Kyle and I choose to make the bed everyday and I love it. I'm a little obsessive when it comes to this. There is something about making the bed, and knowing that it's made, that kick-starts my day.

2. Showing kindness to people. Kindness, everyday. Choose to be kind.

3. Choosing to live out the life I dream to live. I enjoy beautiful things -- date nights, tea parties, dressing up, decorating, garden parties. Sometimes my friends make fun of me for this type of stuff, but I decided I am just going to live and do what I always dreamed of living and doing. Why not have a tea party with your girly friends? Why not dress up and have a fancy dinner for fun? Why not?

4. Praying for people in the world -- especially those who provide my food for me. I am intentional about praying for these people everyday. I also pray that God would provide for them and show Kyle and I ways that we can intentionally provide for them.

5. Being generous. Kyle and I are in no way "making bank." But, God provides generously for us. He gives us just what we need each month. I've been amazed at God's provision. Having to depend on God, for literally every penny, gives me great joy. In turn, we've given more now than we ever have -- more time, more meals, more money. As Anne Frank would say, "No one becomes poor by giving." We've gained great joy by giving.

6. Journaling. I try to record something positive from the day and keep track of the ways that God is providing for us. It's amazing to go back and see God's hand in motion in miraculous ways.

7. Book Club. I got invited into this group upon coming to seminary. I've never been a part of a more beautiful, diverse group of women. So many gifts, so many laughs. Honestly, the group is rare. I've never been a part of anything like it.

8. My husband, in general. Oh, it is love. Time with the hubs is the best. He loves me so well and goes out of his way to make everyday a special day. Older people often marvel when we act gaga around each other, then roll their eyes and say "Oh, newlyweds." Honestly, though, every married couple should remember their newlywed days and strive to keep qualities of them. I am no counselor, but I think we would have a lot more merry marriages if people remembered being newlyweds.

9. Successful people. I love studying successful people and discovering the way they made it. I recently watched an interview with Taylor Swift (oh, quit judging.) She's a jewel. Go listen to "Tim Mcgraw" and that's what started it all for her. The point is, it was so in her element. Maybe that's what we need to do to be successful, just stay in our element. Perhaps we spend too much time impressing people.

10. Singing. Hey, I sing every morning in front of my mirror while getting ready. I even dance a little, too. Honestly, though, they say singing helps reduce depression, anxiety and gives you fresh air and your lungs.