The title of this blog is the new lock screen on my phone so I see it often. Seeing it often must have had a subliminal affect on me, because I am happy.
5 Things That Have
Improved My Happiness
#1 — I am drinking at least 64 oz of water a day
Drinking water increases the flow of nutrients, helping your brain produce more endorphins or happy chemicals!
#2 — I am eating at least 90 grams of protein a day
The brain utilizes neurotransmitters to relay information. Neurotransmitters need amino acids (found in protein) to work properly. Getting enough protein ensures my brain can relay all the happy thoughts!
#3 — I am going on a walk 5/7 days a week
Exercise releases endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline and endocannabinoids, all chemicals that add in happiness.
#4 — I am finding ways to adapt to chemo side effects
I’m becoming more in tune with my body, giving it grace, and accepting what it needs. This makes me feel empowered and proud that I can find ways to adapt.
#5 — I am going on a date with my husband every week
Well duh! If dates don’t make you happy, you’re doing it wrong!!!!
There have been quite a few other things have contributed to my happiness, so here’s a random rambling of those things.
- I have been seeing my friends and family more.
- I had a picnic with a breastie on Monday and we have plans to hang out again soon.
- On Tuesday, I had lunch with my grandma and in-laws.
- I’ve been able to stop using the scopolamine patch for nausea and only occasionally need oral meds to combat it.
- Last night I had a zoom meet up with some of my Breasties, where we all just understood what everyone was going through, but yet still found time for lots of laughter.
- There are lots of festivals coming up that I can go to like the Summer Arts Festival.
- And finally one of the biggest things… After applying for financial aid, Methodist gave us a discount on all my medical bills through their health system!!
I truly believe I have gotten to this point by allowing myself to feel those uncomfortable and unhappy feelings that I’ve touched on in prior blog posts. While I want you all to go out and choose happy, I know that everyone is in a different spot in their journey. Warriors, you do what you have to get to your happy. So you can too can choose happy. Do the work and you can get there. I’ll be here cheering you on with my water bottle and protein in hand. 🙂
Yes happiness is a choice! I’ve thought this for a while but haven’t been able to vocalize it. We have the choice to do at least one or two small things that make us happy everyday. Nothing major just small things. It IS possible to choose happy. We just got to prioritize it.
I find walks get me happy too. I tell Zach I must be part dog with how I enjoy walks! Nature is very therapeutic! Great post 🙂
Thanks suzy!!
I am smiling for you. Would say you are a true warrior. Keep it up!
Wow, Julia. You have a wonderful philosophy! Remember that you and Mitch are invited to our pool whenever it works out for you. Kim and Doug have the same invitation and have promised a bottle of wine as they dip–but YOU and Mitch are invited with no bottles attached! The water temp right now is just under 80*. We’re still fighting tree seeds, but what’s a bit of squigglies!
I want to dance because you are HAPPY ?
Water intake is out of this world!! ?
Keep it going…you are tough.