Allow yourself not to be perfect.

I while ago I cut down an old tree stump.  I wanted to do something to make it look better so I decided to paint it.  As many of you know, I cannot paint, but that has never stopped me from trying.  As you can see from the picture below, I still can’t paint, but, I enjoyed my time outside, I had fun.  My painted tree stump is not perfect, not even close, but it’s colorful and I like it.  Do things you enjoy, even if you can’t do those things perfectly!  As I was painting my tree stump, I go to thinking, what can I do to make my life a little better, a little happier.  Below are some of my thoughts

Make a wish list to/do list.  Make a happiness planner!

Allow yourself to dream, make a list of those things you would like to do in your life.  Buy a small notebook and start to make a list.  As you complete one dream, check it off your list and move onto the next.  Enjoy dreaming! 

Do things you love.

Life is short, don’t spend your time on things you do not like to do. 

Use your imagination every day.

Celebrate your mistakes. 

Mistakes point to one thing: You tried. Your life isn’t defined by the mistakes you make; it’s defined by your resolve to keep going; to keep fighting and to keep claiming your amazing life no matter what happens.

Don’t be a rich fool, instead, be a happy pauper.

I had many relatives who were worried about the future, so they saved all their money – then they died!  Their children went to Hawaii or Florida!  Enjoy life while you can.

Be kind.

Always. 

Take a 30 minute walk every day.

Enjoy nature, find peace amongst the tress.

Live for today, yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not yet here – LIVE FOR TODAY!

Enjoy each day, every day. 

Try not to worry.  There is an English expression: “Don’t worry about the small stuff – and it’s all small stuff.

Ninety percent of the things we worry about never happen.  Don’t worry, be happy!

Love Yourself.

Always!

Don’t be afraid to break the rules.

In the United States, in Japan, everywhere, there are too many rules.  Don’t be afraid to break them once in a while.  Being a rebel can be fun.

Believe in yourself.

I believe in you, I know you can do it!

Remove the phrase: “I have to” from your vocabulary.

On a daily basis I see the phrase, “I have to” online.  I have to work harder, I have to study harder, I have to clean my room, I have to . . .   Actually, you don’t have to.  It’s okay to take some time off and relax – to go for a walk, listen to music, read a book, just for fun.  There is always tomorrow to do those “have to” things.  

It’s funny the things you think about when you suddenly decide to paint a tree stump :)