Today is International Day of Happiness, fittingly, also the first day of Spring. Finally. Spring definitely makes me happy.

Over the last couple of years, I've focused a lot on my personal happiness, the happiness of my family, what causes us joy, and conversely what causes us stress. Happiness can mean different things to everyone and depending on the day, even to yourself. What makes me happy one day, may not make me happy the next.

What I've tried to do is pay attention to those joyful moments and capture that moment in my memory. What was I doing, what did I need to do to get to that moment, how can I experience more moments like this?

And then, the opposite. If I'm in a situation that makes me unhappy or causes stress, I remember that, too. And I try and create a new situation for the future so I'm not unhappy once again.

You know -- life is short, fleeting. Our kids are getting older by the day, which means so are we, and so are our parents and grandparents. I've really tried to make a point of manifesting happiness every day, whether it's a walk in the park, a trip to the mall, a dinner with friends, lounging on the couch, organizing a messy room (yes, that too, can cause happiness).

I try not to be bogged down with "must do" scenarios or "shoulds", and plainly, if it doesn't make me happy and I don't want to do it, I don't.

The theme for this year's International Happiness Day is Happier Together, focusing on what we have in common versus what divides us.

What brings you happiness?

Before starting my company, I wrote a business plan, brainstormed goals and forecasted finances. (None of which, I thought I was good at, btw) What I was good at, was setting deadlines. I love deadlines, and, with my television and journalistic background, I thrive with the rush of beating the clock.

So, I said, "let's see how the first year goes."

And here we are.

It has been probably the fastest, most gratifying, scariest year of my life. More terrifying than having kids and surviving an emergency c-section (and premature baby at 30 weeks). Faster than the year we planned our wedding.

And it's also the year I worked the absolute hardest, and smartest.




I learned to take care of myself because if I went down, the business went down (See above). I go for regular massages and self-care appointments (hair, nails, etc). And I shop for myself, even though I work from my couch. I put on make-up and dress up; I do things that make me happy. And I don't feel guilty about it.

Most importantly, I learned to believe in myself. When I look back at the year, there were many times I was frustrated, depressed, and even crying in self-doubt. I couldn't see the future, I couldn't believe it. Thing is, I still can't see the future, but now, I believe it's possible. And I would do it all again. I just might.

So, let's see where the next year takes me...

Did you know Barbie was an astronaut before Neil Armstrong went to the moon?

It's true.

The iconic doll, who has had more than 200 careers to date, celebrates her 60th anniversary today. And as a mom of two daughters, I think Barbie is just as relevant for little girls today as she was in 1959.




I have been a fan of Barbie for decades. My sister and I would play for hours with our Barbie Caravan, Corvette and Ice Cream shop. Believe it or not, I still collect Holiday Barbie every single year.

So, cheers, Barbie -- on 60 years of growth, success, inspiration. Thank you for continuing to inspire young girls all over the world to dream and to believe in themselves.








Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. As always, the opinions expressed on my blog are my own.

March 8 is International Women's Day. The theme for 2019 is #BalanceIsBetter.

So let's talk about gender balance. Gender balance isn't a woman's issue (or a man's issue) -- it's a business, and thus, societal issue. 

As per the website, 

"The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage ...Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive."

I agree and would add that as much as this discussion is about equality, it's also about opportunity. There have been (and often remain) inequitable opportunities for men versus women, boys and girls. And in many parts of the world, these divisions are deeply unfair and life-altering.

I think it's our responsibility as citizens and parents, employers and employees to consider this gender divide and remember to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to succeed and grow, develop and thrive. While we often discuss an issue like gender balance on a day like International Women's Day, I'm not ignorant to the fact that men are sometimes treated differently in some industries as well. This discussion goes beyond today. It is a collective change.

How will I participate? I will not shy away from jobs or opportunities in which I'm the only female present. I will strive to work together with all gendered and transgendered people in various projects. I will be vocal, and yet open to new perspectives, opinions and conversations. 

So, if you're so inclined, take the Balance is Better pose and share how you will make this positive change. This future is exciting. 

I absolutely love shopping Amazon.ca. It's actually one of the first places I look when shopping online.

While this content is not sponsored (I've purchased everything on this page), it does contain Affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission if you purchase with this link. Thank you in advance for your support!

Books: I buy a LOT of books on Amazon - here are some of my favourites:

  I can't say enough about this book. It connects with my soul so much. Take some time to look into it, and study the universe. Light is the New Black is enlightening.
I'm reading this as a sequel, but you don't have to. 
This is where my love for Rebecca Campbell started. While not books, these Oracle cards are fun and eye-opening. They make you think and consider other possibilities. I recommend.
 
A beautiful and easy to use journal. You can pick a page anywhere in the book. It's colourful and motivational.
I love "To Do" lists -- with this Goal Getter book, you can follow your lists daily. Keep track of your daily goals,. Write them down and get it done.
I haven't head this one yet, but it's on the list!
The one that started it all -- and still resonates with many bloggers worldwide.
My friend Erin Davis wrote this book after the heartbreaking and unexpected death of her daughter, Lauren at 24 years old. 

Photo/Video

We used this photo backdrop for the background of the cake at my nephew's birthday. Affordable and multi-purpose!

Clothing

  This flowy dress is boho chic, so easy to wear and washes very well.    

So while a little extra glow is OK, it's always important to be safe about the sun, and your skin.