Blog - November 2, 2015

THE NOVEMBER HAPPINESS CHALLENGE

Hi everyone.  It’s a beautiful Monday and the second day of a new month. This last month, I did a lot of thinking and self re evaluation. I searched myself and realised a lot of things were missing. For instance, I used to be an avid reader, you know. My mum used to get all worried because I wouldnt leave my room all day because I was neck deep in a book. The bulk of the friends I made while growing were based on their reading abilities because we started our friendship from exchanging books and book discussions.  Adulthood (Yes, I’m an adult)  just wickedly snatched that from me and I am ready to take it back.  I recently did some  Cry out on Twitter and begged good people of the world to help me revive my reading culture. I also joined a book reading club and it’s been nothing but bliss. You can help me with this too, send me books biko. That’s one of my findings! The other thing I found is I have not had an absolute sense of fulfillment for a while. By this, I mean, It doesnt seem to me like my happiness runs deep anymore. For those who know me, they know how much I love to smile and spread happiness all around me because I believe happiness is best felt when shared. I then realized it probably could be because I haven’t been reasonably conscious of the numerous blessings that abound. So when my friend Nikky came up with this #30DayHappinessChallenge,  It’s safe to say I literally jumped at it.  (She blogs here   lifewithtwotees.wordpress.com) It’s basically a way to make us all engage in random acts of kindness and self love and see how far we can go in 30 days. I then decided to tap into that and do a challenge for my readers as well. (You see? Omotolani loves her readers and wants them all happy). Here is what we are going to do. Is someone excited? I post what you get to do for a day here and you give me feedback on if you did it and how it went.  The most consistent participant gets something from me at the end of 30 days. Who knows? we could have more than one winner! Day 1:
  •  Think about yourself for 15 minutes  (Yes, yourself alone, Indulge in some narcissism)!.
  • Write the things that make you happy,(could be people).
  • Make a decision to stick by most of them, if not all.
To make this a fair game , This is my own response :  Prayer makes me happy. I love it when I converse with God like we are real hommies, like He’s sitting beside me. It makes me happy!  Another thing I realized is  I’m very happy when I show love and It is reciprocated ;when I have someone I can bare it all with, It makes me laugh inwards all day! So yh guys, I’m sticking to the former and hoping to find the latter 🙂  Simple yh? I await your responses. . Have a glimpse of my Monday smile below. You should smile too 🙂 :C360_2015-11-02-10-19-31-126 I’m out. BOS

Comments (60)

  1. November 2, 2015

    Solitude…
    GIVING
    Spending time with my 18 days to be groom
    Knowing that I have money (cash to afford essentials and to splurge on just about everyTHING 🙈 when I just want to indulge ….chocolate,clothes,foreign meals and everything in between)

    • November 2, 2015

      Omo see tension. 18 days to be groom. That is a yummy thing to stick to, belieeeee me!

  2. mariam

    November 2, 2015

    The only thing dat makes me happy is money!! Yh my mum as well,but money too!lol do I have a problem?or should I stick to money?

    • November 2, 2015

      Omg I know this is Dewunmi! lmao. Biko stick to money and add a few others. Like love maybe? err okbye

  3. Bj

    November 2, 2015

    My family makes me happy and I have decided to stick with them. Just made a decision few days ago. Either pick my family or my job. Had to pick my family mehn.. My God that never fails blessed me with another in split secs. ..lol
    I couldn’t be happier

    • November 2, 2015

      Wow Beejay! See ehn. We just sometimes have to take that huge leap and we’d be amazed at the wonders sitting ready for us. Congrats sis!

  4. ifeoluwa

    November 2, 2015

    Sharing the knowledge of things I know with people, acquiring more knowledge. The not so perfect but happy life that I have. Talking to wonderful friends that always have ideas to give, even in times of play there is always something to learn.

    • November 2, 2015

      Oshay Ifeoluwa the bookie. That’s so awesome you know. Sharing knowledge is absolutely fulfilling. You share more, you learn more. Win win!

  5. November 2, 2015

    Well, as long as I’m not running out of cash, I’ll be happy. This part is very important though, very very :-D. Also, as long as I don’t have works piling up for me; no much worries; free mind; intense calmness and joy in my heart. Lastly, Bae!

    • November 2, 2015

      Jubril! why did bae have to come last? rara, mi o gba

  6. Aminah

    November 2, 2015

    Nice one dear. Constant soul searching is one of the traits of a good muslim, and its a sign that the soul is seeking the one who created it. May Allah increase you in Iman :*

  7. Reesqot

    November 2, 2015

    I’ve always felt like something was missing and I still do. Maybe this will help me find it,listening to music and dancing makes me happy but I can’t stick to any. Learning more about my religion,writing and family have my love right now. I hope I feel fulfilled someday

    • November 2, 2015

      Awwn darling sis. Let’s do the soul search together. By Allah, we’ll find it.

  8. Abimbola Abio Idrees

    November 2, 2015

    Basically, it’s Money..
    But Then, Nothing Makes Me Happier Other Than Sewing, used to be Politics But I Lost Interest At Some Point!
    Now, All I’ve Dedicated Almost All My Life to is Fashion Designing.. Sometimes, I Get Horny From Cutting n sewing (Lol).
    Then, Beautiful light Skinned Girls.. With Exquisite Sense Of Dressing!
    Especially, Tha Muslimahs!
    Finally, clothes.. Clothes. And Wristwatches..And My Fila OFI But, I don’t Plenty Of It! I hope to get more as time goes On!:)

    • November 2, 2015

      That’s huge! I’m glad you have a number of things you can enumerate as your happiness source. It’s a nice start, Please stick to them!

  9. Aminah

    November 2, 2015

    What makes me happy is being in an environment that allows me to worship Allah as freely as I want. Eating good food and getting good grades also makes me happy. I must win this free gift -_-

    • November 2, 2015

      Toun you’ve been disqualified for making this solely about winning a gift. Bye Felicia

    • Aminah

      November 2, 2015

      😭😭😭😭😭😭

  10. Omopariola Oladele

    November 2, 2015

    First thing that makes me happy is when I’m in a consistent fellowship with my creator(all my worries seem non existent when I converse with him) secondly my family especially my mum, I like when she is happy it gives me so much joy, 3rdly my business, happiness flows when it is going fine, lastly Good friends, I love to see my friends do well in their chosen field.

    • November 2, 2015

      Delecredible! Hmnnnn, I’m sure you are sticking to those. They are worthy!

  11. Tobi

    November 2, 2015

    Errrr. Food, more food,Sleep, books, Girls maybe lol,

  12. Z

    November 2, 2015

    Honestly I tried to find a reason to be happy but it didn’t go beyond the fact that I’m alive and hopefully would live enough to survive my daily struggles and make something great out of myself. Every single day looks bleak and I’ve been afraid of what tomorrow holds for a while now. But hey, I don’t wanna be a spoilsport….every breath i take makes me happy and gives me hope. Maybe I can get in on this challenge and find a more appropriate reason 🙂

    • November 2, 2015

      Hayyyyy Z! I want to hug you for a long time and tell you things are going to be fine. I have been like this before and I can totally relate with what you are going through. Don’t worry, it gets very dark before morning. Mail me maybe? busaritolani@gmail.com

  13. Fola

    November 2, 2015

    Money, book, friends, family, and other little things are what makes me genuinely happyyy. I have 3 Arts and Book events lined up for me this month. All I need is cash, to buy books and have fuuuuunnnn.

    • November 2, 2015

      Fola please please. You tension us enough on Twitter about thesebarts events and sometimes I just jealous you anyhow. lol. And yh, money makes us all happy too. It will get better

  14. something_nothing108

    November 2, 2015

    I haven’t bn much of a regular on this blog (regrettably true). However, on getting the link to this topic; I felt an unusual arousal, couriosity I mean. “The November Happiness Challenge”, the word HAPPINESS tingled my mind. IsntIsn’t happiness what we all seek after all? Everyone wants to be happy. The struggles we engage in, to have the best things in life, the good job, great spouse, family, all tend towards ensuring a satisfaction, literally happiness.

    The significance of this post, for me also is the month, NOVEMBER. Just a few days before December and 2015 is all but gone. Has it bn a fulfilling 2015 for me? NO it hasn’t. A few secondary excitements? Maybe YES. Loads of disappointments here and there, grounded expectations, aspirations seemingly remaining but dreams.

    BUT here I am, still breathing. Even if I am yet to take Omotolanie’s happiness test; for this reason I think I am happy. And if and when I eventually take the test, the result would only reiterate the reason I should be happy, because I BREATHE. Another day on heart is a reason to be happy; at least we’re still in “Pursuit of Happiness”. May we have it.

    Hopefully I’ll be here more often and I also need to read more.

    I wish everyone a Happy November, a great December and a Happy New Year. For me it is 2016 already, at least in my head.

    • November 2, 2015

      Oh wow! I wish i could perform some magic and know who this is. I know how it feels to be disappointed and think there isnt much worth smiling about. But hey! you caught yourself by knowing breathing itself is a good reason and yes, I’m glad. Don’t worry darling, we’re all in the pursuit together!

  15. moabah

    November 2, 2015

    Knowing that God has my back makes me happy, My Family which includes bae and my books. I also find joy in Teaching others and errrrm FOOD. I’m sticking to all Buh hoping to reduce on d food.

    • November 2, 2015

      You also came with Bae. Okay now, you people should tension me away. Diarris God in everything we are doing

  16. November 2, 2015

    Like you said, prayer makes me happy too. Starting your day with prayers just leaves you in a positive mood all day long.
    Bae also makes me happy. I mean that man is an endless source of happiness.
    Being around loved ones makes me happy and oh yeah, MONEY MAKES ME HAPPY

    • November 2, 2015

      I just knew you’d come tension me with this Bae talk. lol. I’m glad you can identify what makes you happy. It’s a beautiful feeling. love you baby

  17. Onimisi

    November 2, 2015

    Being able to see, learn & experience new things with those I care about. Helping people to be better (I enjoy seeing people succeed) & of course the more I practice/learn about Islam, the better my sense of fulfillment at the end of the day. There are more but I’d stick with these ‘for now’. Being happy isn’t a state but something we should all strive for/towards no matter how elusive it seems. Cheers Omotolani

    • November 2, 2015

      Yes Onimisi, It is a goal! Cheers to you too

  18. November 2, 2015

    Looking good and taking pictures of my self makes me happy,scrolling tru ma pictures and am like LEEMA is dat yhu? Well am definitely sticking to that.
    If i don’t appreciate myself, who will?

    • November 2, 2015

      Oshay hot hot! Lol I love pictures too you know, a whole lot. Biko stick to it. lol

  19. Amco

    November 2, 2015

    What makes me happy is saving lives and I guess am gonna stick to it cos it’s actually the job I signed up for.

    • November 2, 2015

      Doctor Doctor! I see you. Please keep up the good work

  20. Olamide

    November 2, 2015

    What makes me happy? Hmm. Let me see. I don’t even know. It’s like I force myself to be happy now. I wake up in the morning and tell myself, oh Girl you deserve to be happy. So my happiness stems from whatever I see around me. The air I breathe in, little kids playing, my family, food and of course money. Also, praying to my Rabb. Yea, all that makes me happy!!

    • November 2, 2015

      That push. That Glimmer of hope. That tiny ray of light. Yes, that’s all you need. Walahi baby girl, It will be beautiful…

  21. Mueyna

    November 2, 2015

    Waking up and Thanking God that i have one more day again to worship him and make my family & loved ones happy with the extremely little things? That’s enough to keep me happy through the day..

    And even when things don’t go my way, knowing I’m loved by these people pushes me through 🙂

  22. mueyna

    November 2, 2015

    …omitted this so I’ll just post another comment

    …Having faith that the future holds brighter days “isa” makes my gloomy days lit.

    So yeah, I’m sticking to these.

    • November 3, 2015

      Iman or Faith! I remember when we were taught that, the only pillar of Islam that has articles. It is highly essential, May Allah keep our faith strong.

  23. Victoria

    November 3, 2015

    What makes me happy huh? S.h.o.p.p.i.n.g😁 n yh there is helping people especially kids, I LOVE to see them smile. There are just too many things to be happy about…

    • November 3, 2015

      Yes, Shopping does make you happy, I know this! LOL. And kids too, Wow. I love your happiness source

  24. tamilah

    November 3, 2015

    my family I’ve probably the only things(ones) that have made me happy ever. it’s safe that I state it here that I’m not even sure I fully grasp the whole idea of “happy”….so far I’ve been(maybe still am)a pretty uptight person, I never just relax enough to have the happy experience.
    ….but from much thought I think Family has really done it for me.

    • November 3, 2015

      Hmnnnnn. Family wins, all the time. Let’s do something about your being uptight maybe? Please?

  25. Franca Obialor

    November 3, 2015

    I’v realized in recent times that when ur happiness is dependent on ppl, at times you hurt ur self especially if for some reason those ppl/that person is emotionally unavailable… So yea, I’d rather look inwards for other things that make me happy (unconditionally).

    • November 3, 2015

      That’s a deep one Franca. I totally understand. It is very very wise to make our happiness depend on self love and admiration. It’s just that we mostly need other people to colour our world and make the happiness shared . Self love is however, still key. You can only share happiness if you are happy yourself

  26. Barrepreneur

    November 3, 2015

    What really makes me happy is doing what I love and earning huge bucks from it and at the same time spending a lot of time with my kid, hubby, extended family and God. Keeps me going…

    • November 3, 2015

      That’s awesome! I can’t wait to have a husband and kids too. Yes, God will keep us all going….

  27. November 3, 2015

    So, this is my first time here (oya ‘Tolani ring bell for me o!)

    Hmm, what makes me happy?
    1. I am happy when I have money. It is undeniable that there’s this joy that comes with knowing you have the next meal, and the next, and the next…
    2. I also am happy when I use the money in 1 above to help people. I feel intensely happy when I know I’ve just solved another Human’s problem(s).

    • November 3, 2015

      Money shaaaaaa. lol. I can totally relate. Money is good biko, very very good. and love that part of you helping people. That’s so adourbs. May God keep blessing you to do more

  28. mzz deyreen

    November 3, 2015

    First of all, I hope I’m not disqualified frm winning d price… anyway even if I am, I really won’t wanna miss bit on d 30 days challenge.
    Hmmm…feels so good doing ds. Some 15 minutes self time… more like something I haven’t done in a while. Lol.
    Me… happiness… remembering how awesome I feel when trying my hands on new things brings back d feel of dt excitement again. Can remember how I could stand for hours conjuring ingredients together to make a lovely meal. N d joy of seeing ppl love d food ws orgasmic. Lol. How I could empty my pocket jst to go on a tour to new places, go shopping or have some good girlie time with my girl friends. Gosh! All of that seem far away now. Would give anything to have any of those again though. But I’ll always be happy n grateful for those little jewels that have stolen my me time away… ‘my precious little twinees’. I so can’t wait to see them grow so we can embark on our adventures together, tour d world together n have lots of awesome moments together. Lol. I love em from here to d moon n back.

    • November 3, 2015

      my godchildren! I cant wait to hold them and give them tiny little kisses at intervals. You are so blessed darling, Please come home soon!

  29. November 3, 2015

    I’ll send C’s The Fishermen this week. I’ll find a way. And I’m sticking to this challenge like glue too. Thank you Shugaplum ❤️👏🏽👍🏽.

  30. November 4, 2015

    […] we? It’s Day 3 already. If you are just joining us, you can still check for the first day here and the second day here. It isn’t too late to do those two. In fact, the idea is that it […]

  31. November 10, 2015

    first thing that makes me happy is to see my mom happy. I also feel hapiness when am helping out someone in need.

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