Saturday 15 November 2014

The Art of Happiness (part 2)

I was lucky enough to go to the Bloggers Brunch, hosted by Kids Business, and by good fortune, it was on the theme of the Art of Happiness...I was very excited about tracking down a few of the bloggers who I regularly visit on the web, and put some faces to the names (3 dimensional faces, at least).

The formal part of the event, the talks were on the Art of Happiness. They opened with the question: when did you last have a belly laugh? Followed up with another question: are we too busy to be happy?

It's worth thinking about that. Young children laugh about 400 times a day. Adults, if they're lucky, a couple of times a day. That is sad and something to lament. It is also something we can do something about, if we put our mind to it.

OMO had a game, where you had to dig in the dirt for 'worms'. I was reluctant to do it, even the prize, a voucher, wasn't really alluring enough to interest me in participating. I eventually agreed to do it, only to look like a good sport. Unexpectedly, it altered my mood. A simple 60 second game. The pressure of the clock ticking down releases adrenaline, in a good way. The silliness of it all made me giggle. I admit, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

As adults, we are automatically accustomed to saying no. At the start of 2013, I decided I would make that the Year of Yes. It's funny how quickly we fall back into that habit of saying no, and shutting ourselves off from fun and frivolity.

So with the New Year Resolutions pending, I am making 2015 the year of yes again, and seeking out mirth.

Next time you say no to something, pause and reconsider. You never know what it might bring. Next time you take your kids out to do something fun, don't just sit and supervise, join in. They have the secret to happiness, apparently, so surely it makes sense to do as they do?

Linking with #ThankfulThursday cos I'm thankful of this little reminder & Things I Know because I know I say No automatically too often.

15 comments:

  1. What an inspiring post!
    I have recently been thinking on the smiles thing. I don't feel like I do it half as much as I once did.
    A year of Yes sounds like it could become my motto for next year.
    I thought about attending this event in Sydney...maybe next year. (Didn't even manage to get to the Melb one!)

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  2. I will say Yes to a bloggers bowling night ;-)

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  3. This is so true. We are too busy being sensible all the time. We need to be frivolous more often. Isn't it amazing that such a simple activity unlocked the giggle in you! Sounds like a fab day! :-) Min x

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  4. You dug for worms in your pretty dress!? I'm impressed!

    So many of us are thinking that saying 'no' more is the answer, but you are right - saying 'yes' to the things that matter is the way to find true joy. Kick that comfort zone to the curb, Lydia! x

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    1. I'm a klutz - digging in dirt will not make me any more dirtier than my normal spill-prone life....which means I just don't spend much on clothes so if I trash them, it's no big deal...

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  5. What a great summary of a great day. I wish I'd dug for worms now x

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    1. I saw you (your dimples are a give-away) but you were in conversation so I thought I'd introduce myself later but then I couldn't find you. Sorry I didn't say hello!

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  6. Yes - we all need to say yes more often or at the very least have excellent reasons for saying no !!!
    Good for you digging for worms - I'm not sure I could have done it - like you the prize would have to be very alluring to entice me to get my hands dirty !!!!
    Have a great week and take care !
    Me xox

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  7. Love this, and yes I had a little meme I made up last week, saying yes to kids when usually saying no. Joining in can be fun but I'm not very good at it, must try harder! I wish I had got to meet you! One day...

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    1. Were you there? I didn't see you! Bummer! I hope to eventually make it to pro blogger (or maybe just drinks on the GC)

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  8. It is such a drag to have to say 'no' all of the time. Sometimes it is just the automatic response. I am forever checking myself after I've said no, and realise how crabby I am being, when really the answer should be yes.
    The kids are the ones providing me usually with the laughs.

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  9. I hate hearing myself say no so often. I am taking some of your advice and going to try and say yes more :) Sounds like you had a great day.

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  10. Brilliant! We say no to our children a lot, and I often question why and reanswer. Often the no is just habitual. There is no reason for it.

    I seek out comedies to watch on television. At the end of the day, when I finally sit down, I like to laugh. I want to laugh as it lightens my spirits. I have also found that my husband and I will chat to each other during a comedy, whereas a drama we tend to sit in silence, glued to the screen. I like being able to chat and connect with my husband too at the end of the day. So comedies it is.

    Thanks for linking up to #thankfulthursday. I love having you here! xS

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  11. It was lovely to finally meet you Lydia! Good on you for having a go at digging up the worms - I couldn't bring myself to say yes to it ;)

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  12. I am saying no a lot more if something doesn't suit or I don't want to do something!! It is so liberating!!

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