Grump ball.
Growing up, that’s what my dad called my sister and I when we were particularly crabby (he even made up a little jingle to go with it).
Well, lately, behind the blog scenes, that’s been me – a grump ball. Blame (some of) it on the horrible winter we’ve endured in MinneSNOWta (um, seven inches of snow yesterday, April 4… wahhhhhh!). Blame it on the lack of sleep. Blame it on the two-week sinus infection. Blame it on far too much commute time and too much screen time. Blame it… well, there’s really no excuse. I’ve been a cranky beeotch and probably pretty unpleasant to be around.
A few weeks ago, after I really realized just how grouchy I was, I knew something had to change.
Enter 100 happy days.
The general gist: Each day for 100 days, take and submit a photo of something that makes you happy. It doesn’t matter what… just as long as it brings you that warm fuzzy feeling.
Because when we actually slow down, are present in the moment and notice the little things that bring a smile – a hug, a good book, a full tank of gas, shoveling the neighbor’s sidewalk – happiness abounds. And, eventually those little things snowball and manifest more happiness.
I’m 10 days into #100happydays challenge, and I’m not kidding… I’m happier. Maybe it’s because the weather’s starting to take a turn toward spring, or that my sinus infection is gone, or that I nailed some pretty hard workouts the past week. Or, maybe, just maybe, it’s because I made a conscious decision to return to my normal self and be happy. Because life is too short to be anything but.
from top left: a solid hour in the pool // striped skinnies with ankle zippers // pad Thai + red wine with my fave // first run outside since November // too much screen time = midday water massage // loving this pool + fun after a long swim // apprehension about swim intervals, which I then nailed // freshly ground espresso // freshly laundered sheets // fighting for every interval #bikelove
27 Comments
I LOVE this post Erin!! I literally just finished watching the documentary “Happy” less than 5 minutes ago and am more motivated than ever to be a happier person. I am not sure if there is an official “start date” for the #100happydays, but I am starting today. Thanks for being real, genuine and sharing your true self with us 😉
I started 100 happy days also and am 5 days in.. Much needed conscious thought of happiness in my recent changes.
I love all of those pictures!! I am so glad that you are HAPPIER!! Life is too short not to be! Here is to spring and the weather getting better as each day goes by!! 🙂
Love it! It’s so easy to look past the little things that can make our day better. Great reminder to slow down and focus on things that make us happy! 🙂
I know this sounds weird, but I love you. Seriously, every time you post a new blog post, it makes me smile. And it always, no matter, inspires me. Thank you, erin, for making me HAPPY!
So glad you’re not “grump ball doodely doo!”
This makes me sooo happy 🙂 And thanks for inspiring me to join the #100happydays challenge too on Insta. I love it! It’s a beautiful trend. And we all have those hard days, hard weeks, hard months, but it truly is sooo important for us to find the happiness in every single day. LOVE.
I LOVE this. You have inspired me to do the same thing. Thanks so much for this awesome idea.
My dad would always tell me to “buck up” if I was down or being grumpy. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me to join the 100 Happy Days several days ago (I’m now on day 10). There are so many little things to be grateful for and to smile about. Glad you are feeling happier and more positive – your photo collection is fantastic!
Love that your dad had a jingle 🙂
You’re right- we have so much happy and positive in each and every day. But, it’s easy to let things get us down (long winters being right up there)!
I’ve loved following your #100happydays on IG!
Love this so much!
Fully inspired! I need this right now because I have been feeling a bit like this and what I call a grump-o-soraus. Today starts day 1 of 100 for me 🙂
stealing this idea. Starting tomorrow. Along with 100 days of no sugar added. I’m going to need something to make me happy w/o added sugar 🙂
I have been loving your 100 happy days posts! It has been reminding me to be happy too. 🙂 I heard the weather in MN is a bit better today, and most of the snow melted!! Hope things stay warmer and spring comes to stay soon!
Keeping track of the happy is just as important as keeping track of the miles. Glad it’s helping you get out of grump ball land. 😉 Love the flats & zippers.
What a fabulous idea! I love it. Thanks for sharing your happy 🙂
p.s. Also love your striped skinnies.
OMG! I love this idea! What great pictures!
i love this idea — and your pictures are fab! i think that this winter has gotten everyone down (its amazing how much happier i am now that the sun is shining on the regular), and i may steal this idea from you!
I love the concept and can’t wait to see your execution. Did you ever see the documentary Happy? Essentially, happiness is a choice you have to make every day. Great film I’m sure you’d love.
You inspired me to sign up lady! SO happy you’re feeling better and can’t wait to see everything that brings your happiness! 🙂
This is really cool! I love all of the #100happydays posts you do!
I love this idea!! I think when you really THINK about being happy, it works. Happiness is contagious too!
Happiness is a choice. I think the pictures are a good idea! I like to begin my mornings by making a list of 5 things I am thankful for.
I know that I am late to the party, but I wanted to tell you that I’ve enjoyed all your happy days posts so far and it makes me happy to see them in my stream (almost) daily. I am also happy to have “met” you through Coeur, I think you are one of the most thoughtful people I’ve crossed paths with and I am proud to be your teammate. This long winter has put a dent in everyone’s happiness, unless you are an Yeti. I think spring has finally arrived, all rejoice!!
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