The 100 Happy Days Challenge - Part 3

I am now halfway through the 100 Happy Days challenge. About a quarter of the way through I was feeling a strain, akin to beginning a new exercise regimen. During the second quarter, I was legitimately challenged by several stressful, unpleasant life events and situations piling on me at once. Of course, in the face of these troubles, I discovered the true benefits of this challenge. I find I am better equipped to deal with these stressful events, and they do not leave me so helpless.

Furthermore, though I am still quite capable of being annoyed, I can no longer afford to dwell on annoyance. Because every day I am required to find one thing that makes me feel happy, annoyance must necessarily be put aside to make room for happiness when it arises. I am slowly being trained to recognize everything I feel as being temporary, including joy. This may not sound like a positive thing, but it really is. Not expecting joy to last forever takes the pressure off when I need to feel aggravated or sad. And one the other side of things, annoyance and sorrow do not feel so crushing or permanent. I have hit my stride with this challenge, and it feels very freeing.

Singing in the car with no one around, not caring how I sounded or how out-of-shape my voice is. Just singing until I got sore.

I walked to church this morning because it was a lovely day, and I was off work.

Watched old episodes of Animaniacs after work.

Bought a frappuchino from starbucks for a treat this morning. I rarely have coffee anyway, and I dearly wished for something sweet for breakfast.

I had to park on the street when I got to work because the parking lot was full. There was a decent stretch of curb space, probably about two car-lengths. I pulled up to the edge and started backing up towards the car parked behind me. A gentleman who happened to be walking by stopped to help by gesturing for me to keep backing up and holding up a hand when I was ideally positioned. Thank you, mystery parking helper!

I ate lunch at a fast food restaurant today. As I was finishing, a stranger at the next table was just getting up as well, and he offered to take my tray for me.

I learned that my best friend's kickstarter project was funded.

A gathering to celebrate my uncle's recent marriage meant seeing many extended family members I haven't seen in awhile.

I found "The Hairy Bird" on Amazon. Having only seen the film in bits and pieces once, I was excited to watch it all the way through. It is quite funny.

Took a nap this afternoon, accompanied by my furry feline shadow, Kerry.

I set up a job interview for this week.

This sign outside the coffee shop next door to work.

I met my sales' goal for the month at work.

Several months ago, a couple friends and I won second place in a Doctor Who trivia contest held at a bar. The prize was a $100 gift certificate to said bar. Tonight, we were finally all free on the same night, and we went to use our winnings.

A new episode of Orphan Black to finish off a long Saturday.

I spent the day playing Jojo's Fashion Show, one of my favorite games to relax with.

Went to the eye doctor for a new contact lens prescription. Turns out my eyes have gotten stronger in the past year.

Spent the evening reading Calvin and Hobbes books.

I interviewed at a place that seems like a good fit, and they want to hire me!

A new issue of Massage Magazine.

At work, I called a patient to confirm their appointment, and heard a sweet and amusing message on their voicemail: "This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad. You have reached ***-***-****. Peace and blessings!"

A text conversation with a friend to brighten my morning.

Going through my memory box with my mother.

It always makes me happy when patients' accounts are paid in full, especially when they've been paying it off a little bit at a time for awhile. I feel so pleased for them.

I used InkGarden to put a picture my friend drew on a mug.