ToT: Then and Now

I finally got around to reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  Fascinating stuff, I think.  One interesting idea Gretchen encountered on her quest to become happier was that we are happiest doing the same things we did for fun when we were children, say age 10. In theory, as adults we are either too busy to worry about being happy or we're focused on what we think should make us happy, while as kids, we just lived it. I'll buy that, and it got me thinking . . .                                                                             

When I was 10, I played outside. A lot. I talked on the phone. A LOT. I was playing music and singing my heart out, just for fun, obsessively recording songs off of the radio, and making up back porch performances for whoever (or no one). I read a lot. I wrote in this strange little green diary with a yellow pig on the front. I was just starting to experiment on my own in the kitchen, coming up with delicacies such as layered hot dog melts, deluxe tuna salad (complete with practical jokes about the secret ingredients), and hot sauce sandwiches. Truth. I spent a good amount of time with friends, being ridiculous and laughing my head off and dreaming about the future.

I did plenty of other pre-adolescent angsty things too, but I'm focusing on the fun.

Now, I could really stand to get outside more often. As an adult, outside time had become yard work, hanging out the laundry, gardening (which can be fun), or exercise. But there is so much more to do outside! Really, who can't benefit from a good dose of fresh air and vitamin D? Little Peanut loves his outside time, and mama does too. Having him around is a good motivator to spend more time on leisurely walks, dining al fresco, or lounging on a blanket.   We're looking forward to hikes, camping, and the few years where I can  impress him with my weak athletic skills. For now, this will be the Summer of Outside. (We have taken to celebrating nostalgia over the summer. Last year was the Summer of Popsicles, before that the Summer of Sun Tea, and before that the Summer of Lemonade. It works for us.) Check back in August to see if my happiness quotient rises with my vitamin D.

The phone? Too much of my work happens on the phone. But the friends on the other end are the important part. You already know time with friends is at a premium, but it definitely is an important part of lifting my spirits.

And then there's music. I can take anything I love and turn it into work. (There's that perfectionism again!) This year I took a few months off from my singing gig, the longest I've taken off since . . . well . . . ever. And what do you know, I've found myself belting out silly pop songs in the car and running melismas in the shower. I'm ready to get back to work, with a little extra love in my heart for my art of choice. I don't spend half the time I used to listening to music or staying up on the latest new artists, and hubs and I are well overdue to hit some live shows. Since Peanut loves music as well, it's been fun rediscovering it through his eyes (or ears, I guess).                                                                                                                                                                                        

What else . . . I read for enjoyment more now than I ever have as an adult, so yay for that. And I guess this blog is somewhat like the green diary . . . though the green diary never deleted anything, including the wittier and more engaging version of this post I wrote last night, but I digress . . . Cooking is among the most therapeutic things I do, and I am glad to say my tastes have elevated.

That leaves laughing my head off. Why is it so much harder for adults to lose themselves in ridiculousness than it is for kids? Social skills and professionalism take over, perhaps. While Peanut is pretty freakin' hilarious, truth be told, I find there are days I have to remind myself to really let go and laugh. Ben and I promised on our wedding day to "share laughter each day we are together." That is much more challenging than it should be, especially for someone as ridiculous at heart as I am. But no more! Out with decorum, in with the sillies, I say! 

So watch out, people. You may just find me wandering around outside, singing my head off, and laughing like a fool. But that's OK, I'd be happier for it.

Check out Nancy, Michelle, Danielle, and Charlotte to hear about their happiness, then and now. And welcome Tish and Leah to Together on Tuesday, too!