What My Infant Daughter Is Teaching Me About Happiness

Hello you!

You unique and beautiful soul. Welcome!

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If you don't already know I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in June. We named her Raven. It has been quite an adventure getting to know each other and we wouldn't have it any other way. She is such an astounding person already and we are thrilled to share in her glorious life.
While caring for her, I've observed some simple reminders of how to live my life with joy and I wanted to share them with you!

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Eat good food with enthusiasm and vigor

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We all know we should eat good things, but how many of us worry while we eat?
"Is this good for me?"
"How many calories/fat/carbs/protein is in this?"
"I'm going to pay for this later."
"I shouldn't be eating this."
"Does this food align with my goals?"
"See? I'm being good this meal."
...and on and on.

I think we forget that there is a lot of privilege underlying those worries. Perhaps if you want to motivate yourself to “be good”, every time you cheat your diet you should donate $10 to feed people in need, in your own area or abroad. Another way to gain perspective and connect with those around you is to volunteer at a soup kitchen or meal outreach program. We have volunteered at a local teen shelter with our church community and it is a blessing to serve those looking for a meal. We hope to continue this practice as Raven gets a little older.
If you are one reading this who is in a position of struggle or need, the are many amazing programs and groups here that can lend support. My personal suggestion is to check out @steembasicincome. My husband, @josephsavage, created and runs the project. It is a passion of his to make opportunities to reduce stress around money and teach and enable people around the world to lift themselves up. If you don't have funds enough to join the program on your own, look at the contests to get you started. You can read more about how it works if you like here and make sure to check the regular updates for current information.

Back to the topic at hand. Eat well and with enthusiasm.
Enjoy your food. The smells the flavors the surroundings. Lose yourself in the moment and find joy.

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Stop when you are full

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Pretty self-explanatory but how many of us who have an excess of food available, are guilty of eating until it hurts? Just don't. Turn off the TV, maybe eat outside and enjoy the moment more. 10 more minutes to take your time with your meal is not going to ruin your busy schedule. Remember to enjoy your food.

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Sleep with abandon every chance you get

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Raven loves her sleep. She gets cranky when she is tired, just like me, just like most of us.
We have only recently started to prove how important sleep is. Sleep deprivation throws us off in so many ways, mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. It can cause fatigue, irritability, lack of focus, overeating, decreased productivity, headaches, migraines, hallucinations, and increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and I’ll stop there. But do we really need to know that someone proved sleep is important? I think we know. So do it!

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Smile when greeting someone, even if you're upset

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When you spread happiness will most certainly come back around to you. Don't neglect yourself though, it is not to be used as a mask. If you need to talk, do it, even if you just write it down.

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Quality time with the ones we love

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Intentional, meaningful time is important. Even if it's over a video call or plain voice call. Reach out to make a connection! Send a photo, emoji, or message to someone you love on a daily basis.

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Personal space is important

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We may be community centered beings but that certainly doesn't mean all the time. Raven is a huge fan of her personal space throughout the day. It may only be a little while each time but sometimes nothing we do will calm her until we set her down to kick and play by herself.

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Self-soothing is an important skill, but don't forget we are social creatures.

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We all wish we were strong and could stand on our own, but that may be overrated. We are made to be together, whether our group is small or large, and it is okay to lean on them and have them lean on you. And not just emotionally. We all have different skill sets that make us collectivity more valuable. Think of the many things we have created, even right here on Steemit!

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Music

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Raven loves music and even has preferences (including a strong dislike for a particular deadmau5 song). Sometimes all it takes to lift your mood is some great tunes.

We witnessed the @steembirds performing at the @steemcreators conference in Toronto and Raven seemed to think it was good fun. Though we did assure her we love her more than we love Steemit.

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Movement is key

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I love to move, don't you? Walking, stretching, dancing, yoga, running, weight lifting, gardening, sporting, playing outside with your dog, or (in the case of Raven) having a parent or loved one carry you around and dance with you. Whatever your fancy may be, movement is a beautiful thing.

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Do new things often

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The look on Raven's face the first time Joseph rolled her over was priceless. When she met her giant Panda stuffy it was hilarious. When she looks at something new it captivates her interest and she gets an extremely thoughtful (or just downright skeptical) look on her face. Do new things, no matter how seemingly boring or how out there it may be. And it's okay to be skeptical.

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Exploration makes us happy

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Just like the rest of us, Raven gets bored and it makes her cranky. Thankfully, we live in the city and can walk for many errands and that makes her happy. The moral of this story? Step outside! Around your home, your block, your neighborhood, it doesn't matter!

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It's okay to complain and rant, but once it is over, don't let negativity hold you in the past.

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I just want to let this one sink in.
Don't let negativity hold you in the past.
Move past it.
Let it go.
Continue in positivity.

One last thing to wrap up this list:

You can laugh in your sleep

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Did you know that?

I honestly didn't.
Raven does it almost every night and sometimes during daytime naps. It is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard. If ever I wonder if I'm doing this all right, that beautiful sound tells me I'm probably doing everything just fine.

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