Monday report

There is an article in the NY Times this morning about Stephanie of Nie Nie Dialogues and the amazing response by the blogosphere to the accident in which she and her husband, Christian, were badly injured.

I love that this is happening. As the article says, Stephanie touched so many people because she tried to express a sense of joy and happiness on her blog.

I have been doing some digging lately, trying to find what makes me really happy. Hint: it isn't what you see on commercials. Rarely does my new carpet cleaner make me dance around in giddy circles.

Here's my list of some of the top happiness-generators:

• Giving. So much fun


• Expressing creativity through words, photos, dance


• Helping family and friends


• Hanging out with people I like, even if we are just sitting on the front steps yakking


• Being in control of my reactions, so I am not at the mercy of other people's emotions


• Being able to take care of myself financially, emotionally, physically


• Taking a stand when I need to


• Noticing beauty everywhere


• Being reliable and working hard to fulfill my commitments

For instance, as far as giving goes, I have been handing out "Wag More. Bark Less" magnets and stickers. I bought ten of each and gave them to random people, some of whom I already knew and others who were strangers (for instance, Max's parents got a sticker). It made them smile and made me feel like I had spread a little ray of sunshine.

Those are a few of my favorite ways to be happy. What are some of yours?