7 Days of Joy Challenge - Day 6 & 7

It's Day 6! Today's challenge is to buy yourself some flowers (or a plant, if that's more your thing). They don't have to be expensive - many grocery stores sell them for around $5 for a small bouquet. But adding flowers to a room can bring it to life! And if they're your favorite variety, color or scent, they can really give you a pick-me-up!

And, to simplify a little (since it's the weekend), I'm including Day 7 in this post:

CELEBRATE!

Everyday should be a day to celebrate - life!  And when we celebrate the little things in life, we find more joy. So, put on your favorite song and do a happy dance - or buy/bake some cupcakes and put a candle on one, make a wish and blow it out! Have fun with it!!!

I will be celebrating the fact that I completed my first blog challenge! I didn't think I could do it. And I certainly didn't think I'd ever Vlog! But I did and I thank everyone who commented and checked in on it. I really appreciate it.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

7 Days of Joy Challenge - Day 5

Today's challenge is to commit a Random Act of Joy. Do something unexpected for someone else - like leave a love note on your loved ones mirror or help out a stranger when you're out and about (within the realms of common sense - no dark alleys!)

Oddly enough, earlier this week I was grocery shopping and a lady asked me if I knew where cleaner for smooth top stoves was. I pointed to the aisle I knew cleaners were down, but she said that she'd already looked there and saw nothing. And then she just stood there looking at me with a 'help me' look on her face. So, I decided to go down the aisle with her and try to find what she was looking for. It took a couple of minutes, but we found it. She thanked me with a big smile and said, "I couldn't get anyone to help me!"

Now this wasn't a monumental thing that I did. It didn't end world hunger or create world peace. But, it made her day a little easier and possibly saved her a trip to another store. And even though it cut into my time at the store, it was really only like 2 minutes out of my day.

BTW - I'm ALWAYS asked at stores if I know where things are! I swear I don't wear a sign that says 'ask me'.  The funny thing is, I usually do know.

So, I hope today's challenge is fun and puts a smile on someones face!

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

7 Days of Joy Challenge - Day 4

Photo by Fotolia

Today, I'm going to make it short and sweet. The challenge for today is to just be. To take 5 minutes (more if you can) and sit, take some deep breathes, pray or meditate if that's your thing, but do nothing more. Our lives can become so busy that we forget how beneficial just taking a moment for quiet reflection can be, to center ourselves and renew.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalms 46:10

And that's it! Easy peasy ... right?

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

7 DOJC - Day 3 + WOYWW 107

Artwork courtsey of Aiden and me

It's Day 3! Wow, this week is going by really fast!

Today's challenge is to fingerpaint! Or at least paint/draw like a child. The idea is to let go, get a little messy and have fun! I have to admit, my biggest inspiration is my son. Because he has no preconceived idea of what "art" is, he does whatever he wants. Most of the time, it looks like a big mess (I never say that to him). But sometimes, he'll create something amazing and if he never played around he'd never get to amazing!

I decided to record us working on our masterpieces. This is just a small portion, only 2 minutes. And I think he's pretty cute to look at!

I hope that he inspired you as much as he does me!

Also, if you don't know what WOYWW is, check out Stamping Ground where you can see others' workdesks and see wonderful projects! This is what I've been working on this week - this challenge! Everything will be back to normal next week. (I think I said that last time, huh?)

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

7 Days of Joy Challenge - Day 2

I'm sparing you all another Vlog, no need to thank me (ha ha). And so, I'm just going to jump right in - today, the challenge is to do something that SCARES you - just like Eleanor Roosevelt said.

For me, recording and posting the video yesterday scared me. That's probably why I was so "um" happy! And I'm not sure what I was really scared of. I think maybe making a fool of myself or being criticized. But really, none of that matters. If I looked foolish, it's only because I'm new at vlogging and I'll only get better if I practice and become more comfortable. And truthfully, no one has criticized it (yet). So the fear was all in my head.

Someone told me once, "Fear is a thief". (I'm not sure who they were quoting) But it's true. Fear can rob our true potential and paralyze us into a hum-drum life. I've missed many opportunities due to fear. I personally don't want to live like that anymore!

So, try it out today. Do something that makes you cringe. Afraid to sing in public? - try Karaoke; a bit shy? - talk to someone in a grocery store line; whatever it is:

GO FOR IT!

I guarantee the reality won't be as bad as what you've imagined in your head. *smile*

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

7 Days of Joy Challenge - Day 1

Welcome to my very first blog challenge!  And yes, I'm Vlogging! It's pretty horrible, but if you have about 9 minutes to spare, I suggest you watch it all the way through - It. Is. Hilarious!  It's very obvious that I don't know what I'm doing, but I keep talking (and talking, and talking) my way through it.

I didn't know I could talk so much, but now I know why my hubby is so quiet - he can't get a word in!

Anyway, if anything, I hope it puts a smile on your face. *smile*