Winter!

There have been many things I have learned about myself over the past few years.  Some of them good and some of them maybe not:)  I like the month of January for one reason......it  is a month of reflection, and new years resolutions.  I like to think back about what I have learned and accomplished the previous year.

However,  I don't love the month of January for other reasons.  It is always a bit of a let down from the holidays, it is freezing and dreary (at least where I live), I always find my list of resolutions from the previous year that haven't been accomplished,  and it is freezing and dreary (.....oh did I mention that already:))

I always resort to survival mode during the middle of the winter months.  Personally there are a few simple, key ingredients for happiness I thought I would document.  Some may seem shallow, but to me they are simply ways of coping.  A little shallowness can actually ease the dreary months of winter.  Don't sweat the small stuff, and enjoy the little things in  life as much as you can, are two of the most important values I have learned over the past few years.  Life is hard enough as it is.  I am documenting a few short things that bring me personal joy during the winter months..

ONE- MAKING NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.  This always feels so good to think about and get excited about.  I try to make as many FUN  resolutions as possible.  This helps in the enjoyment of  making them.  Like for example.....planning a family trip, working on an exercise goal that sounds exciting, planning creative projects for my house, envisioning sewing projects......etc. 

TWO - CLEANING OUT MY HOUSE.  It is amazing what a good feeling it is to me to go through and get rid of things in my house.:)  I HATE clutter.  I always find by January I have more than usual, and it feels good to just get rid of it.  

THREE - BUYING A NEW LIPSTICK.  Now some may laugh, and some may roll their eyes.....but a new lipstick, eyeshadow or blush....always makes me happy during the month of January.  This again is inherited from my Mom.  My sister in law always thought it was funny that my Mom would suggest going to buy a new lipstick to make her feel better........but being her daughter I totally get it.  It really does bring me joy.  A lot actually.  

FOUR - WEARING HOT PINK AND OTHER BRIGHT COLORS.  My favorite purchases are often in January because I find things for such good deals, and wearing a new bright outfit can seriously make me happy. Yesterday  I went to Lancaster (my favorite shopping close), and bought a bright, cute tunic from a favorite store called Francesca's.  I found a cute bracelet from JCrew to match, and quite frankly today I feel like a million bucks:)  The only place I am going today is to the grocery store, and believe me when I say no one in the country land of PA is wearing bright colors or makeup during this month; or any other really.....but I am...and it makes me feel happy.

FIVE - PLANNING AND ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES WITH FRIENDS.  Friends, parties and plans are a huge help.  My favorite example of this was cute DeAnne who I miss dearly.   She was the expert in planning fun things.  She basically had my monthly social itinerary all set up for three years.   She taught me, and was so good about having plans to look forward to.  It helps when you live far from family, and your husband works a lot.  I still bug her for recipes and fun planning ideas.  She needs to write a book......she could make millions.  DeAnne if you read this....you really need to get going on that.
SIX - READING A GOOD BOOK.  Now good is relative.  I personally like high drama, fiction, mystery, romance......something that I can't put down and doesn't take too much brain power to digest after a long days work. Something that you can open and be captivated with in a short amount of time.  I am all about a good bang for my buck when it comes to January reading.  Leave the heavy stuff for your new years resolution check list.

So there you have it.   Simple keys of Jenn Sumko's happiness during the Pennsylvania winter months.