The Secret about Work and Play

When I was in college I knew the value of taking time away from work to play.  Play was as simple as throwing a frisbee around or watching an old favorite movie, going to a dance, calling complete strangers with my roommates and having conversations with them, etc.  It was replenishing to me and it helped me focus when it was time to get to work.  I had more energy, stamina and enjoyment as I worked when I allowed enough downtime to my rigorous schedule.  

I never noticed that I did this naturally  until "umpteen" years later, as a mom, I had forgotten how to play.  

It actually sometimes feels painful to "let loose" and enjoy my '"play" time.

Why? You ask.  

 It is like my mommy muscles and spirit wouldn't allow me to do it.  I feel guilt for not having everything else in tip top shape.  

I had too much laundry.  Or the kids still hadn't bathed and it was 9:30 at night.  Or...Or...Or...You get the idea.  Everyone else had needs that needed to be taken care of by me; mommy.  

I'm not sure when I realized this secret.  However, I will not be shy about sharing it.

I believe it's a true principle that will make life joyful; even a midst the difficult minutes, hours, and days of life.

Every wonderful thing in your life will be enhanced and more beautiful if you take time to enjoy it.

Work when it's time to work.  Play when it's time to play.  

Don't feel guilty when you are playing that the dishes aren't done.  And don't think about what fun things you aren't doing when you're working. 

(This makes you feel like a martyr.)

 

Take time to smell the roses.
Sharpen the saw.
Work and Play with Zest



My husband understands this principle.

This is a picture of him dancing with our daughter after promising that he would when she finished her homework.  It was late and we were tired but he kept his promise.
Look at her smile.
What a wonderful father.
My son followed my husbands example and when asked by his baby sister to dance, 

 

     he danced with zest.
                                               

"Mom, I'm flying!"

Swing baby swing

This is actually our little 3 year old giving our 12 year old instructions.
It was hilarious.

  I allowed myself time to enjoy this wonderful moment.
I laughed and took many pictures.
It was late and dishes still needed to be done but I exercised my "play" muscles and I finished the dishes without feeling like a martyr.

That's the secret about work and play
and a
zestful life.
Here's a song by Alabama that inspires us to slow down and enjoy our life.  It's one of my favorites.

Wheel of Time Fans-Could an Orange Ajah exist?

Wheel of Time Fans- Could an Orange Ajah exist?

I enjoyed listening to this reading and q&a session from the Wheel of Time Series.  Harriet shared a story where Robert Jordan looked at her scarf with many colors and told her that his favorite ajah was orange. 

If there really was an orange ajah I would choose to believe that they were on a zest quest.  These are people who have pushed and are currently pushing through the struggles and not giving up.  These are people who are finding happiness and fulfillment in their life.

I've always loved learning how people push through the struggles and make their dreams a reality. Some of these are shared during this session.  

I think these lessons are great to hear and apply in our own life.  

Branden Sanderson continued his education to a high level but his heart was always in writing.  He wrote two books a year for several years before he really became noticed. He worked graveyard at a Hotel writing his way through it. He shared that he uses wiki's in order to help him be organized, something he admits to struggling with.

Robert Jordan had an offer for his first book ever and when he requested more than 5% for the movie rights his offer was taken away from him.  He didn't give up at that point.  He then received an offer from Tor.  I loved hearing how he was practically begged by the editor and future wife, Harriet to write a Conan book.  Can you imagine the frustration Robert (or Jim those close to him called him) must have felt as he knew he was dying.  He created ample notes and directions in order for the series to be completed.  

Harriet has worked hard to make sure that Robert Jordan would be pleased with the outcome of the series he started years ago.

I believe that an Orange Ajah could exist.  I believe that it would be a very popular choice for when you are on a zest quest you are filled with happiness and fulfillment.

"Happiness"

Happiness

This is a fun song to remind us what happiness is.  

:)

I was asked at one point in my life, "Are you always this happy?"  My answer was, "Yes." 

And I was.

Time passed, life happened, and I started wondering where my happiness went.  

I have discovered a few truths about happiness that I hope you will consider.  

You might be asking, " How can I get more happiness."
Some of you have lived long enough to know that while accumulating a nice house, boat, car,etc. may contribute to your happiness; it isn't the cause of it.
So where does it come from?

Happiness is sometimes prevented because of a clinical problem with our bodies.  It's not always "just a way of thinking".  You are worth the effort to see a professional to fix it.  It will take effort but ask your loved ones to help you get the help you need.

Sometimes happiness is an easier fix.

An article from CNN shares a study performed by twitter that determined the happiest and saddest state.
Not surprising, the state of Hawaii won the honors of being the happiest.
Check it out and see if you agree with their findings.

Did Tom Sawyer have the answer to finding happiness?


“It's spring fever,” Finn exclaims in Tom Sawyer, Detective. 
“And when you've got it, you want
 – oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, 
but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

I think the sun has a lot to do with contributing to ones happiness. 

Can the coming of spring have the answer? 

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac spring is exactly one month away. 

Are you noticing that your levels of happiness are increasing? 

The excitement of getting outside to work on projects or to participate in outside activities might very well be increasing the endorphin's in your brain; increasing happiness. 

Many things can contribute to our happiness.

I worry that often times I forget.  

Or that my children haven't quite figured it out for themselves.  

Or that my family and friends are covered with clouds of struggle that they can't see that happiness comes from The Son.

Picture shared by http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm

  

Other methods and principles assist but I know that our Savior is the key to happiness.  

Please enjoy this video 

by Joseph B.Wirthlin where he shares the advice he was given by his mother, 

"Come what may and love it."

Whatever stage of life you are in you can claim your happiness.

With all my heart I encourage you to live your zestful life.

:)

'Tis the Season

'Tis the Season

WOW!

November through February is our Birthday Season.  9 out of 13 of our family members have birthdays during this time.  It's craziness!!  It's during one of the busiest and honestly the least affluent seasons of the year. 

 With all the chaos of the season we have certain traditions that help our children feel loved and special.  On our birthdays the birthday person does not have to work.  (The kids looooove this one.)  :) 

We turn out the lights as we carry the candle lit cakes to the birthday boy or girl. There is an extra candle so they have "one to grow on". (This is my personal favorite tradition)  

 The birthday person gets to choose their birthday dinner and can be first in line to get their food.  (If we slack on this one we hear about it for the next month.)

We started a new tradition this year and that is to share something about the birthday person that is special or that we appreciate. 

Wahoooo!!! 

This face makes all the chaos of the birthday season worth it!!!

My Zestful young man