The Life of Awesome

I got to watch the Today Show this morning while I worked out. I love when that happens. They were talking about a book called, The Book of Awesome. I hadn't ever heard of it before, but I absolutely loved the idea of it. Basically it is a compilation of the little things random things that you think are awesome, and that make you really happy.

A few of the things that made The Book of Awesome were things like...snow days, the smell of bakery air, hitting green lights, getting to watch The Price is Right when you're home sick, putting on warm underwear out of the dryer...etc...

I love this. Basically it's taking a moment to notice the little things in life that make us happy. Far too often I think we focus on the problems in life, the things that are bugging us, or the flaws we have. Our thought process may go something like this...

I'm ten pounds overweight.
I have to go to the gym. Again. 
My jeans don't fit.
I am tired.
I messed up on my diet. Again.
It's freezing. Still.
I hate that I am eating this plate of vegetables instead of a pan of brownies. 
I wish the woman in the grocery store line in front of me didn't have 4,589 items. I'm going to be here all day. etc...

You all know those negative people in your lives. People that you feel like you'd rather not run into because when you're done you leave feeling a little hunched over and tired, like the world is going to end soon. Nobody wants to be that person! I think that having positive thoughts make for positive outcomes. Watching this segment this morning made me think of a few of the things I would put in my own "Book of Awesome."

a morning where I don't have to wake up to my alarm
walking in the door from an awesome morning run/workout
dressing up

 

The anticipation of leaving on a trip

An Ice Cold Diet Dr. Pepper

finding a good parking spot

Eating at my favorite resturaunts 

capturing a perfect picture

 

hanging out with my family

winning a board game (I'm not competitive at all, promise)

having a clean room 

inside jokes 

Seeing a friend or family member I haven't seen in a while

Shopping with my mom and sisters

Getting a pedicure (No, I don't have jaundice...not sure what the coloring is doing in this pic)

 

getting a funny text message 

getting a funny text message from a boy I loooove

learning a new song on my guitar

discovering new music
hearing a song I love that I haven't heard in a while
singing in the car

 

hearing someone extremely talented sing a song I love live

kitchen dance parties

making a delicious meal or baked good

watching fireworks

 

a good hug

new socks

belly laughing

going on the white roller coaster at Disneyland 

falling asleep on the beach

being tan
cuddling with a soft blanket
frozen yogurt
buying a new favorite pair of shoes
the first bite of my favorite foods
road trips
road trips with my daddy-o
laughing with friends (this is the part where I steal a photo from Janae...love you Janae-nae)

Speaking of...last night I went to dinner with Janae, Ashley, Julia, and Rachelle...I think I laughed the entire time. Bottomless salads at my favorite restaurant with some of the most amazing people I know? That definitely goes in my book of awesome. Oh, and I think this is the first time that everyone else was in gym clothes and I was in normal clothes...it was weird. It probably will never happen again. Good thing a photo was taken.

So take a second. Instead of focusing on the negatives and the unhealthy thoughts that are in your mind, make your own, "list of awesome." What are the little things that make you happy? I feel like I could make a VERY long list.

p.s. Tomorrow it's time for a new monthly playlist giveaway. WAHOO! get excited.
p.p.s My mom came in town yesterday. I love when that happens.