The What and The Why

"The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.

We believe that life is an art form and that our Zentangle Method is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life." (zentangle.com)

Obviously, I didn't come up with the above statement myself but I also could not have written it any better. I want to apply this zentangle method to my pursuit of personal happiness. So, what's the first step? Start a new blog. I'm a visual learner, so blogging always helps me "see" the things i need to do.

The thing is...I'm not unhappy. But there are patterns that I've created in my life that aren't positive and aren't contributing to my overall well-being. I'm focusing more on the things I don't have than the things I do have. i'm talking (or rather complaining) about the things I don't have but I'm not doing anything to get those things. And, in the meantime, I'm missing out on the things I do have. I spend far too much time feeling sorry for myself instead of focusing on the things in my life that are worth focusing on. 

So, I've decided to begin a Happiness Project. And as per the above definition, create deliberate patterns that will lead me to the well-being I'm looking for. Interestingly, I've been thinking about this for quite some time. I've known I need to make changes but I wasn't quite sure how to begin. I knew I wanted a blog. That part was easy. Blogging is therapeutic. But I was still looking for structure. While at Target one day looking for my next book to read, i ran across Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project. I skimmed through a bit and realized that this would at least be a great start. Little did I know that I would be reading a book about myself. I often feel so alone in my thoughts but to find that someone else had my same thoughts and same stresses and same desires.....it was empowering to say the least. I'm only half way through with the book as I begin this blog but that is mainly because I read a chapter or two and I then need to really meditate on the information. I don't have a year to take off of life to focus solely on researching happiness as she did. I don't need to label things as much as she did and create as many rules. I just want to apply some of her principles and some new principles I come up with. I want to just create patterns and routines that are going to be more positive and lead to a greater sense of well-being.  I also know that if I gave myself a whole year, nothing would get done. I work better on tight deadlines. And I work way better the closer I get to that deadline. So, I'm giving myself 9 weeks. Not necessary to achieve incredible happiness and well-being, but 9 weeks to see a significant change in how I approach life and all that life seems to bring with it. 

I value comments so please feel free to comment and share your thoughts on your own happiness journey and/or comments on mine.