Self-Care & Happiness

It's Sunday morning. For the first time in a week, sunshine covers the sky with softened wisps of cotton puffs. Beachgoers flock to Long Beach Boardwalk to stroll alongside the Atlantic Ocean shore. One of my favorite south shore happiness spots comes alive with springtime joy. 

What makes this place special? Rising surf rushes to shore in rhythmic patterns as sea gulls silently swoop up and down. Life slows down beachside, below the busy boardwalk. People share their zen-like routines and rituals. Meditative practices are seen everyone from dozing babies and senior citizens on boardwalk benches and in strollers to a lone fisherman basking in the sun. A solitary yogi bows in respect for sun salutations. Serenity is found. 

Atlantic Ocean beaches are one of my go-to happiness spots. What's yours?

The above poster was shared by Happiness Coach, Kim Strobel, on #NYEDChat last night. The conversation revolved around the topic, The Science of Happiness. You can access the transcript here.

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It's Tuesday so I am now joining  Two Writing Teachers with this slice of life. 

Look Inward and Upward

When winter's cold weather calls you inside, find comfort in silent, meditative moments. Melt away the frigidity of the outside world and relax in quietude. Stillness will be a blessing after a day pondering life's enduring questions. Turn inward. Stretch; release your thoughts. Melt the cold away. It is in these contemplative moments that we look upward to find the peace we need to greet another day.

In the silence
listen to your breathe.
Look inside.
Declutter your mind.
Focus;
let go;
surrender your thoughts
into the stillness.
Turn your attention
inward and upward,
allowing stress to
fly away.
Reach out.
Look for possibilities
within the heart
and outside of self.
Take a leap of faith.
Trust in the
impossible. 
The Divine Peacemaker
calls us to believe!

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always. 
Psalm 105:4
(New International Version)

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:29
(New International Version)

If I am an expression of the divine (Alice Walker) then, I need to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:12) 

Now look for other blogger responses to Holly Mueller's call for Spiritual Journey Thursday  responders. Each Thursday, Holly and the faithful community of bloggers come together to pause, reflect, and write on a topic. Blogs from January and February are devoted to each blogger's one little word journeys, starting with Holly's word, focus. 

We have covered my OLW, listen, Michelle Haseltine's word, fly, Leigh Anne Eck's word, turn, and Margaret Simon's word, reach. This week we are focusing on Justin Stygles' word look. I thank Holly for her guidance in choosing "just right" topics and bringing this community together. I am grateful for our connections and hope others are drawn closer to their spiritual journeys.