To Be or Not to Be? What a Great Question!

What makes you happy or unhappy?

I have noticed key things in my life that indicate I am unhappy or that I am overstressed:
-I get on Facebook, or surf the internet, just to waste time.
-I eat junk...usually too much, and just because I am bored.
-I watch TV, even when there is nothing on.
-I am selfish and want others to show me love.

Truthfully, unhappiness is a part of normal life. Many times we experience a variety of emotions each day, and when we do feel down or depressed, it does not necessarily mean we are an unhappy person. Happiness comes when we consistently feel joy, and consistently try to balance and manage our stressors rather than let us manage us. Happiness is within reach everyday, even if it is just for a few minutes at the end of a long, trying day. We are entitled to that as women and as human beings. Happiness should be our daily quest and decision. To be happy or not to be happy? That is the ultimate question! Find those things that make you happiest, and then make it your daily quest to consistently find joy.

Here are my 5 personal keys to a happy day. If and when I do these things, I almost without doubt feel happy:

-I wake up early
-I begin my day with sincere prayer and scripture study
-I exercise
-I eat well
-I think of others more than myself, and look for ways to reach out

Being with my sweet husband is really a significant key to my happy life.

Happiness Survey Stats

I surveyed a variety of people, with different ages, backgrounds, careers, personalities. Some I knew, some I didn't. The results were interesting and more uniform that I anticipated.




The Ladies:
The survey questions:
1) Recent research shows that the "Stay-at-home mom" is making a comeback. Why do you feel this is? Do you feel this is a positive trend? 

2) How have you personally raised your children? Did you stay at home? Did you use a day care or other child care provider? Did your spouse or partner watch them? Do you believe you chose the best route?

3) What makes you happiest in your life? 

6) What has been the most rewarding experience in your life (or experiences)?

5) Do you feel happier working or spending time with your children?

6) Do you have any other thoughts or comments about motherhood?

The results:

MOST (71%) of the women surveyed felt that the stay-at-home-mom comeback was positive

MOST (63%) of the women surveyed were stay-at-home moms currently or at one point

ALL of the women surveyed agreed that they were happiest with their families

ALL of the women surveyed agreed that their most rewarding experiences were with their children

MOST (75%) of the women surveyed felt happiest at home, rather than at work

ALL of the women surveyed felt motherhood was very difficult, but very special and rewarding

The Guys:

The survey questions:

1) What have you noticed makes your wife or partner truly happy?

2) What makes her unhappy?

3) Do you feel she is happy or unhappy most of the time?

4) How do you balance the housework load in your home?

5) Do you make an effort to help with the work or the children?

6) Do you feel your wife or partner is happiest being at home with her children or working outside the home?

7) What are your general thoughts about motherhood?

8) What are your general thoughts about happiness in women?

The results:

The guy's responses varied a little more than the ladies. 

What made their ladies happy varied from foot rubs to having their spouse and children help with chores, to compliments, to chocolate, to having their spouse sincerely listen. 

HALF (50%) felt their wives were most unhappy when their husbands/children didn't help with chores

MOST (66%) felt their wives were happy most of the time

ALL men surveyed said they help their wives with the chores

MOST (75%) of men surveyed said their wives were happiest at home with their children

ALL men surveyed felt motherhood was a special and important responsibility