Recipes for happiness

25.05.18

So now that I have a job sorted, one giant reason to worry less, naturally my mind jumps to panic mode.

'What the AF are you doing?!'

'You are SO far away from home - a whole day away even!'

'You're stuck here now.'

The thing is, I'm not good at having nothing to worry about. My life needs some sort of passionate, worthy cause. My form of relaxing is carbs, Netflix and getting under the covers. It's brilliant but I always feel worse afterwards and it generally doesn't last longer than a day. 

Like yesterday.

I caught up on The Handmaid's Tale and started a new show called Dear White People (almost managed the whole first season). Both seriously excellent. But after staring at a screen all day my sleep was terrible. 

I waited all day until it was a decent hour in New Zealand and my sister, Mum and brother all received a phone call from a slightly manic Albino Kiwi.

'Oh my GAWD what are you worrying about?'

'You've really landed on your feet.'

'You're amazing!'

Thanks whanau.

When does our inner critic become our biggest fan? It's ridiculous. I am ridiculous. See, there we go again.

So how have I been? Realising things. I've given myself stern instructions to work on my own happiness. All good things take work; you think happiness is just handed to us on a plate? Think again.

For me:

1. Exercise

2. Mindfulness (this can be included under exercise, particularly if you do running or yoga - also I prefer active mindfulness as it is difficult)

3. Connection and staying social

4. Giving back

Keva, Callan, Jamie and Abbey. I call this, 'Band of Cats.'

5. Being authentic, being yourself and not apologising for your strange traits. 

Obviously I don't condone being a serial killer but you get the idea. 

So there we go. My recipe for happiness.

And how was my day?

I spent the morning in the Department for Work and Pensions getting my National Insurance number. Another prospective holder of a NINO was subject to the most horrible, patronising and racist Q & A by some awful civil servant who no doubt voted for Brexit. I wish I had said something.

See? Not being authentic carries regret. Way worse for the other guy though.

Next time it happens, I am going to give a lecture on basic human respect and on The Great Things Immigration does for our Economy. 

Later on I went to the bank, my fifth attempt at signing myself up to an institution that makes money out of me and doesn't give much back. I finally have an appointment on Wednesday, oh the tediousness. 

I don't know how people get things done here - you have to match tediousness with tenaciousness.

Tonight, a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu class and tomorrow, the Isle of Wight. 

Happiness doesn't come when you are sitting around.