Soooo... Tara & i decided that we needed to begin our own Happiness Project.   Because really, can you really be happy enough?

Though, as i began formulating my happiness project goals, i'm realizing these are life betterment goals -- not necessarily happiness goals.  For example, my first set of goals is around losing weight.  Yes, i would be happier -- i think -- if i weighed 15 pounds less.  My confidence would go up, i would feel better, my clothes would fit better, etc, etc.  However, i really love to eat!  It makes me happy to dip that tasty seasoned chip in the fresh tomato salsa and give it a big crunch!  Chip #2, #3, #4...#25 taste just as good!  The question is, does losing weight make me happier than eating my weight in chips & salsa.  We shall see, i suppose.  

And as i'm writing down these goals to develop into a more fabulous me (hard to imagine, i know), i'm thinking what i really want to do is make some goals about being an uber gamer or giving myself permission to read all day or going to a decadent spa.  i mean, that's FUN (fun with a capital F!) -- nerdy (relaxing too!), but FUN!

“Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that, but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.” -William Butler Yeats

Alas, i'm grudgingly agreeing with Mr. Yeats.  i find it's true at work, and i'm sure applies to personal endeavors.

So, how's it going so far you ask?  Today is week 1 in month 1.  And yeah, while i've not been gorging (minus the 5 oreos consumed today), i've neither been diligently tracking food, working out or even being more active.   i think i'm gonna need more accountability -- maybe some incentive.  /sigh

I love this time of year - do overs, a fresh start.  And while i set my own set of resolutions that i'm eager and hopeful to get started on, i quickly forget about them in the hustle and bustle.  So, as the venerable They advise:  if you write down your goals, put your resolutions out there, share them with Friends, you are more likely to achieve them.  So, Friends, my resolutions for 2011:

Love to hear what yours are and how you plan to keep them alive and well.  I'm making a shadow box-type reminder to set on my bathroom vanity (fab idea, Tara!).  It's going to take daily reminders to keep my eyes on the proverbial ball.  Good luck with your own set of goals!

Cheers!