I am going to create a happiness blog. I got this idea from charlene this evening at Dave and Busters. She talked about this happiness book where a woman talks about her quest to find happiness. 

Each day I am gong to focus on 5 key factors that define happiness for me. 

Specifically

1. Being content (Appreciation and Gratitude)
2. Being present. (Living and loving the moment)
3. Being the Man I always wanted to be (Character)
4. Having a positive effect on those around me (Leadership)
5. Improving myself (Continual Growth)

Being Content

Today I sat in front of the mirror, stretching after a workout, and had this weird conversation with myself. Lately I have not been myself. I asked myself what I wanted. What are we all living for? What are we all chasing? I thought about it and I figured out it was not being a federal executive, making lots of money, and it was owning things like a awesome cool bike. These things are nice but they do not provide anything that lasts. People chase these things because of what they think it will give them.

They think having these things will provide them happiness. Happiness is the thing that we are all chasing. It what I want. It is what you want. This is what everybody wants. However, as most people would tell you, these things may make you happy when you first get them but ultimately that OMG this brand new thing is awesome feeling fades.

What is happiness? After thinking about it for a while I figured it out. Happiness is appreciating and being grateful for what you have. It is being content and in ways satisfied with what you have and who you are. This is what happiness is. In ways its the absence of desire and an appreciation for the now.

I took a look at my life and as crazy as it is sometimes I am extremely blessed to have the life I possess now. I have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and crazily blessed to be given the opportunities I have today. i am truly grateful. I am very blessed. I am content and therefore extremely happy.  

Being Present

Being Present is not dwelling on the past nor stressing to much on the future but rather loving and focusing on the now. We can’t control the past and the future is out of our control. The time we are most powerful is right now. The only thing that matters is the now. Today I think I get an A for his. After really stressing about the past today I just soaked up every second of my day. I lived in the present. It was a beautiful thing. I spent time with good people and enjoyed their company tremendously. 

Character

Today i could of been better. One of the mantras I try to have is “Mike, today be the man you always wanted to be.” Honestly, at work I have not been “present” in ways. I have been dwelling a lot and not living in the moment. I could be better at listening and following through. I could be more detailed with my work. I nee dto work at being more organized so I dont’ put myself in a position where I am not able to follow through like I would like to. “there can never be a separation of what I say and what I do, keep you word follow through.” I need to become more organized and present. 

Having a Positive Effect on Those around Me

Today when I talked to Carlos and Char I expressed how inspiring they were to me in ways. Coming from immigrant families they both got a college education. I just wanted them to know that I find them inspring. Hopefully they see what I see and are proud of the people they have become because I am proud that they are my friends. 

Improving Myself

Today I biked 12 miles and ran 6. I feel great. The Marathon is going to to be a piece of cake ;) 

The big project I wanna do is get organized and practice being content and present :)

I will keep you posted.

I wanna try to do this daily. In the very least I will do this weekly.

I am happy :) I am content :) I am grateful :) I am growing as a person :)