It’s Going to Be a Very Happy New Year

by ALEXA

My personal challenge for 2013 is—and this sounds so cliche—to be happy. My thoughts keep returning to some good points that were made in the inspirational documentary HAPPY™.  

Happy New Year. Be Happy.

Happy New Year my sweet friends! It’s going to be a great one, I just know it. This is a chance for a fresh start, a new outlook and to be the happiest we’ve ever been.

In the film, researchers—or “Happy Experts” as I like to call them—conclude that:

  • 50% of our happiness is controlled by our genes, which is known as the Genetic Set Range for happiness.
  • Just 10% of our happiness is based on circumstances and “things”; like status, money, career, and possessions.
  • 40% is believed to be subject to Intentional Behavior and Choices.

Some people may be born grumpier than others, but still, happiness may be within Grumpy’s reach through Intentional Behavior and Choices. This simple thought is what I can’t get out of my head and this month I am going to explore some Intentional Behavior and Choices that I believe will make me a happier woman, wife, mother, daughter, friend and stranger in 2013. I want 2013 to be the happiest year of my life. And I want the same for you.

Celestial Seasonings 31 Days of TeaLC

On the topic of fresh starts and positive change, I invite you to follow the “31 Days of TeaLC” challenge Celestial Seasonings is hosting this month. They’ve challenged a handful of health and wellness bloggers to create and post about their own personal wellness goals for 2013—anything that promotes wellness of mind, body, and soul—and they invite you to join in, too!

My personal challenge for 2013 is—and this sounds so cliche—TO BE HAPPY. My thoughts keep returning to some good points that were made in the inspirational DOCUMENTARY HAPPY™.

If you are new to resolutions and challenges, here’s a spot from National Public Radio’s Science Friday that offers some good tips on how to make a resolution you will keep.

Enter to Win a Month’s Supply of Celestial Seasonings Tea and HAPPY™

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Stacy and Kirsten. You have each won a month’s supply of Celestial Seasonings Tea. And in addition, Stacy, you have won a copy of the DVD HAPPY™. Congratulations and thank you all for sharing, from your heart, your intentions for the year. I loved reading each and every one.

More Good Stuff

43 comments

Lisa@Pocketfuls January 1, 2013 - 2:35 pm

Happy New Year, Lexie, and thanks for the inspirational post! I absolutely believe that we have a great deal of personal power in creating our own happiness in life. I hope 2013 will be a wonderfully happy and healthy year for you. xo

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sharon January 1, 2013 - 5:58 pm

I have to say that my personal challenge is exactly the same as yours….that's why your FB post and your blog here caught my eye. I have so many negative thoughts that my family calls me "Debbie Downer." I so want to have happy thoughts and feel joy i my life. I have a VERY good life and have no reason to not be joyful. Bring it on 2013…I have great hopes. Thanks, Lexie, for your "Kitchen."

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Jen January 1, 2013 - 6:40 pm

Happy New Year! 2012 was a year of growth for me; after falling in love with Paleo, my health has now surpassed my wildest expectations. I also finished school and made some painful decisions to end some not so good relationships. 2013 is about bringing everything together…beginning my new career, saving some money, and adding new, healthy relationships. Cheers!

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Lexie January 1, 2013 - 8:45 pm

Lisa, Sharon and Jen, I have a big old smile across my face. THANK YOU for your honesty (Sharon, we are similar 🙂 and for sharing your trials of the past year and your optimism for 2013. xoxoLexie

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Lisa January 2, 2013 - 11:35 am

My challenge for the New Year is to take time each day to care for ME. As a wife and mom of four it's easy to set my wants and needs aside to tend to the needs and desires of others. I have recently been diagnosed with a wheat sensitivity and now that wheat/gluten are cut out of my diet I have been able to come off my asthma meds! I'm SO excited! I have been on meds for years! Now I'm inspired to challenge myself into even better health. I'm running 25 miles a week and started cardio kickboxing. This is the year I'm going to SHINE!!

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Janet January 2, 2013 - 11:55 am

Thanks for the giveaway! Happy New Year! I would like to join you for the month of tea 🙂

In the new year I would like to eat more health-fully and exercise more often. If I were to say everyday I know I would fail. I also would like to start a book club in my home.

Have a beautiful day!

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Sara Leptuch January 2, 2013 - 12:21 pm

I am going to work on being more mindful and present in my life. I have 2 little ones at home and I want to enjoy every moment because I know how fast it goes!

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Chris January 2, 2013 - 12:24 pm

In 2013 I want to find joy in the moment, and not get caught up in the little stresses of life. To live peacefully according to God's word is the best way to live.

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Kara January 2, 2013 - 3:43 pm

I would like to read more books and watch less t.v. Also i would like to rry a new recipe at least once a month.

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Lisa Alexander January 2, 2013 - 3:45 pm

My personal challenge this year is to put my health first: eat for health and gently exercise to get strong and flexible.

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Alisa January 2, 2013 - 4:08 pm

That is an awesome goal for the year Alexa! My resolution is a "mental" one, too. Would love to win those teas! I'm such an herbal tea addict 🙂

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Hannah H January 2, 2013 - 5:27 pm

Last year involved a lot of food changes, and my goal is to continue the change in 2013 in order to feel and be healthier.

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Melissa @ Gluten Free For Good January 2, 2013 - 6:52 pm

I'm happy for your happiness, Lexie! Here's to a happy and healthy 2013. Don't enter me in the contest, I just wanted to send you a happy hello from Colorado!
Melissa
xo

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Carolyn January 2, 2013 - 9:03 pm

Happiness is counting your blessings no matter how small, no matter what the circumstances…thankfulness, love, peace within, joy…Create it inwardly and outwardly. I am reminding myself 🙂

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Erin N January 4, 2013 - 3:18 am

That is actually one of my resolutions as well…. I really struggle looking atthe big picture sometimes! This documentary looks great!!!

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Stacy January 4, 2013 - 3:26 pm

A Very Happy New Year to you Lexie! What would make me truly happy this year is to join the ranks of healthy foodies with my very own foodie blog. Thank you for being an inspiration!

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Gina January 4, 2013 - 4:26 pm

My goal this year is to appreciate the beauty around and within me.
All too often I get too busy to stop and see how wonderful things really are. I hope I can get others to feel the same way. It is all in front of us, we just have to see it!

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Ryan January 4, 2013 - 4:27 pm

My goals are to:
1) save and invest more money
2) be more generous with my money
3) host more often at my house
4) eat more vegetables and expand my cooking skills
5) read more and learn more French
6) learn a new skill, like computer programming

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Renee January 4, 2013 - 4:29 pm

My personal challenge for 2013 is to take a walk outside everyday for fresh air and fitness.

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Polly H January 4, 2013 - 4:33 pm

I just retired from a job that gave me a lot of exercise, I worked retail and on average walked a mile an hour. Now that I'm retired I have to work on staying active so those pounds do not start to pile on. I've decided to wear a short sleeve shirt around the house and when I get cold I pop in an exercise disk or turn on some music and move until I warm up.

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Melissa O'Donnell January 4, 2013 - 4:47 pm

My resolution this year is what should be a simple one. My husband had just returned from Afghanistan, after 8 months of anxiety and worry. This year, it's all about enjoying every minute I get to spend with him, and not sweating the hard stuff. I typically seem to worry about all the small stuff in life, but now it's time to turn over a new leaf and appreciate what I have, which in the first time in my life I can honestly say, is everything.

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Kelly January 4, 2013 - 5:02 pm

I want to focus on one day, one moment, in the moment
At a time. I want to do the little things in life
That make me smile and appreciate whatever
Comes across on my path. It's important to dream
Big but to think small:) I love your tea:)

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tara pittman January 4, 2013 - 5:41 pm

A new year a new start!

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Kirsten January 4, 2013 - 6:18 pm

I'd like to live a more peaceful life -this means, c leaning & organizing, and keeping it that way, so that clutter doesn't stress me out!

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Terri Cole January 4, 2013 - 10:23 pm

My word for the year is freedom! Freedom from worry, freedom from the excess weight I've carried around for way to long, and most importantly, freedom TO BE HAPPY!

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Amanda January 4, 2013 - 11:12 pm

I am looking forward to a new year as well. Sending well wishes your way!

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Chrystal in Canada January 4, 2013 - 11:33 pm

What a great contest and post. I think this year for me is about 'having eyes to SEE'. Also, as a new mom, just learning to ENJOY the moments of each day.

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lisa January 5, 2013 - 12:30 am

happy, happy, happy

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Andrea M January 5, 2013 - 3:06 am

my own personal challenge for 2013 is to commit myself to seeking the Lord further and to love and service

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Nicole January 5, 2013 - 11:58 am

In 2013, I'd like to take more time for myself, and pamper myself for a change. I'm constantly putting others before myself and worrying about my own needs last.

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Donna Kay January 5, 2013 - 4:35 pm

My personal challenge for 2013 is to get healthy through diet and exercise which will in turn lead to happiness.

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Tammi January 6, 2013 - 6:54 pm

Happy New Year starts with "happy" doesn't it?

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mary a. January 7, 2013 - 3:34 am

My challenge is to try to stop worrying so much. I know that I worry about things out of my control too much. Thanks for the contest!

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Catherine H January 7, 2013 - 8:19 am

My challenge I have set myself is to make an art work every day and post a picture of it to my facebook page- very scary but I hope that it will work most days at least and get me doing more art on a regular basis. I want to keep going with healthy diet, keep going to the gym at least 3 times a week, keep up my decluttering process and get my finances sorted. I also want to do less but make what i do count. Wish me luck!

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Carol H January 8, 2013 - 3:41 pm

To see the good in everyone

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Neva H January 8, 2013 - 9:19 pm

Challenging myself to rid our home of chemicals (laundry, cleaning, etc) and eating more organic foods, no artificial ingredients.

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SherriS. January 8, 2013 - 10:51 pm

Happy New Year Lexie!

I've been away from your blog for a while with a lot of changes (moved twice, family health issues, etc) but I'm glad to be back for an inspirational post:-)

For 2013 I want to FOCUS on health, happiness, family and my photography.

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Lexie January 9, 2013 - 2:11 pm

Happy New Year to all!! And thanks so much for sharing your heart and intentions. Thank you for reading and being a part of Lexie's Kitchen! xoLexie

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Shellie January 9, 2013 - 8:50 pm

For me being happy is a decision. We must all make an effort to do the things that are good for ourselves, our community and family. 🙂

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Josie January 11, 2013 - 1:23 pm

My personal challenge/New Year's Resolution is "Peace, Love and Energy". I want to bring more of these three feelings into my live. Meditation, connecting with my family (especially my kids), and balancing activity with rest are my plans to cultivate peace, love and energy in my life.

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Kirsten January 22, 2013 - 8:04 pm

Thank you so much for the tea giveaway, Lexie. I just received my package of tea today! I can't wait to start drinking it!

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Lexie January 25, 2013 - 5:39 am

Kristen, you are SO welcome.

xoLexie

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