I have tried twice now to edit my 2nd steps for taking a personal inventory and this program has timed-out both times. I even saved along the way.

Needless to say, I am going with the thought that things happen for a reason and that  this program doesn't want me to publish the second step just yet for a reason. Perhaps the participants aren't ready for the next step. So, I am going with the flow. You will now have to wait until the end of the week to find out more.

That being said- you just keep thinking about the things that make you happy. Observe others and try to determine from watching them- what puts a smile on their face. Then look inward to yourself and ask yourself: "How do others know when I am happy? When would someone else recognize my happiness?"

Think about it and hopefully I will have a 2nd step by Friday:) Have a Fabulous day!

What makes me happy continued....

Hopefully you have taken the time to think about and write down the things that make you happy. There could have been anything from landing a sale for your company to watching your children play sports to your latest haircut. The purpose of the exercise was to put down everything and anything that came to mind.

Now that you have done that, you are ready to take the next step. I would like you to take that long list of happy thoughts and categorize them into the three categories below. Some of them may be in more than one and that's perfectly alright. Again- this is something that should be done in the fashion that suits you: lists, mind mapping, or sticky notes on the wall- go with it.

1)Personal Happiness- This is all about you. This focuses on the things that only pertain to you and don't necessarily include anyone else.(Ex: When I get my haircut just right it makes me feel like a million bucks! or I love to sit quietly and read a good book.)

2)Professional Happiness- This really should include things about your career/job that bring satisfaction and joy. (Ex: I get so excited when I balance the checkbook for my company

3) Inter-Dependent Happiness - Here is one that often depends on others in order for you to get the happiness out of the situation or thing. (Ex: I love a nice tidy house- and that often depends on a contribution from the family to get it there or keep it there.)

So, now you have yourself something to work with. Feel free to add to it when you think of something new and to change it if you realize something should be in a different category. Allow yourself to hang on to this until it starts to sink in.

This has been the fun part, but the next step will require a little more mental gymnastics. Of course- you might still think it is fun- so don't worry. Enjoy the happy thoughts and I will be back with another step next week. Meanwhile, I will keep you thinking with some intermittant messages in between.

Ok- I am officially a Competent Communicator in ToastMasters!

Last night I completed my tenth speech and finished the fist manual. That was a big check mark for me. I accomplished a big personal goal and am just so excited about it. In fact, I was so excited last night that I even signed up to enter into a speech contest. No resting on my laurels- no sireee!

I would like to give a big thanks to the Brattleboro ToastMasters group who encouraged me and challenged me to do better each time I got up in front of the room.  I have learned so much about my style and ability as  speaker. Next stop- finding my message. Now that I have the confidence to speak, I can work on honing my message.

The bottom line for me is to make a difference in the lives of others. Yeah! Onward and upward.