These days it is so easy to get caught up in all of the bad that is happening in the world, or to get down on yourself (especially when comparing your life to others' on social media). Finding the good that surrounds us is something we sometimes have to actually remind ourselves to do, or at least that’s the case for me. How many of us actually make a conscious effort to spend time everyday thinking about what makes us happy and why, let alone how to find more happiness? Thinking about happiness is such a freeing and warm feeling, and one I never would have found had it not been for a chance encounter last summer.
I happened to be walking in downtown Seattle with a friend and came upon the cutest boutique called Moorea Seal. You should check it out next time you’re in Seattle! This small shop has a ton of unique finds that span so many genres - fashion, jewelry, home, and beauty. And all of Moorea Seal's items are completely handmade or bought locally. This shop was founded by a local woman named Moorea Seal. Not only is she the CEO and sole proprietor of the shop, but she also happens to be the author of 52 Lists of Happiness.
I stumbled upon the book while my friend and I were browsing through the store. I remember opening it and thinking, “Wow, what a great idea! Make a list of what makes you happy! What a concept!" My friend I chatted about the book but neither of us ended up buying it. Or so I thought. As it turns out, while we were in the shop my friend purchased a copy for herself and one for me. She gave it to me a few weeks later and I was so thrilled! One thing lead to another and my group of gals pals all ended up with the book because it essentially became a pay-it-forward item. One of us would start, realize how special and valuable the content was, and then gift it to another friend.
The premise of the book is that you fill out a list every week of the year. On the cover it states that the journal brings inspiration for positivity, balance, and joy. Those three words couldn’t ring more true. The book is divided into four sections: Reflect, Acknowledge, Invest, and Transform. Each of the lists provides you a prompt to help you begin your list. For example, “List the things that made you happy as a child” or “List the things that you prioritize before doing what really makes you happy." Another great feature is that after you finish each list there is a “TAKE ACTION” section. It’s ideas or tips on how to use that list to create change or conduct an exercise to draw insight from what you’ve written. That’s always my favorite part!
The nice thing is you can either do this entire exercise alone or with a group. I chose to do this with a group. My friends and I meet every few months and we share one or two lists with one another. We usually get together on a Sunday, have a meal and a few glasses of wine, and talk about happiness while getting to know each other in a deeper way. It’s such a therapeutic, enlightening, and reflective time. I love hearing what makes my friends happy and how they view the world. While talking about the childhood list I loved finding out that one of my friends was obsessed with picking four leaf clovers for hours while she was small girl! Probably something I would never have known about her had it not been for this amazing book.
I cannot recommend 52 Lists of Happiness enough. It is a journal that you will not regret buying. It makes a great gift for a loved one, a friend, or a co-worker. I recently went to Moorea Seal’s one anniversary celebration at her store and was fortunate enough to meet Moorea herself. She was so sweet and warm, and offered to sign my book. On the inside cover of my copy she wrote, “May you find your best self in these pages.” And that is exactly what has happened! So often we put the needs, wants, and happiness of others ahead of our own. Or we simply forget to focus on and enjoy what is positive. This journal brings joy front and center!
Enjoy!
- Pepper