100 Happy Days Challenge - Part 4

I am into the last twenty-five days of the 100 Happy Days Challenge. I can hardly believe it is nearly over already. Even in the midst of chaos and upheaval, I am feeling generally more upbeat. I still have moments of anxiety, doubt, and sadness, but they pass more quickly and do not weigh me down as they once would have.

I brought out some of my old Sailor Moon DVDs to watch my favorite episodes

Traffic was light and I arrived at work early. An unusually relaxed start to my day.

My parents are preparing to put the house on the market, and my brother's room is currently empty. But the wood floors are sanded and smoothed, and it was the perfect place to dance.

Reading a book on meditation called Full Catastrophe Living.

Designing beautiful rooms on Hotel Giant 2.

In honor of Father's Day yesterday, I made a family favorite, couscous chicken salad. I made an extra large batch just to ensure that there would be leftovers today for lunch and dinner.

I really like a good, ballpoint pen. A pen that writes well gives me a good feeling.

Well, the bubble wrap is actually for wrapping photographs, but there's a big roll, and there will surely be some left for popping.

Day one of training at my new job.

My official uniform shirt for my new job! Just got it today.

My father made steak for dinner and grasshoppers for dessert.

Got some very good sushi for lunch from a new place in the area.

The glow of fireflies in the grass as I came home from work.

Watching funny videos on youtube. Particularly this one.

After a particularly rough day, I wasn't sure anything could cheer me up. Then the cat sat down beside me.

My last day at the old job.

Reading a novel on a favorite historical figure, Grania Mhoal, the Irish pirate queen.

Stepping out of the over air-conditioned office and into the warm sunshine.

With the painters finally finished in the house, we've been putting everything back in order. Today I tackled the bathroom and hung my new shower curtain. I can finally use my own shower again.

A beautiful lightning storm outside the window.

Since the carpet in my room was pulled up, I had to get a yoga mat. I was testing it out this morning, and it works wonderfully.

My first day at my new job.

An invitation to lunch from someone special.

Watching the fourth of July fireworks with friends.

I finished painting the cabinets under my bathroom sink.

Having completed the challenge, I do believe I have reaped the benefits of it. I have a more positive outlook on things in general, and I believe a lot of that is because this challenge has taught me to realize that, as they say, "This too shall pass." Every feeling, positive or negative, will pass and make room for another. Sadness will give way to joy and vice versa. When sadness comes, I do not dwell on it, for I know it will pass. When joy comes, I do not feel the pressure to make it last that I once did, because I know it will pass, too, and that is all right.

Every happy moment is a gift. And when you look for them, happy moments are everywhere.