The past weekend was wonderful: I had a full weekend at my happy home in Munich. No plans. No obligations. Since such a weekend is rather rare for me, I like to fully enjoy it. And by that I mean spending quality time. But the past weekend was not only about spending it well with plant care, reading, going to the museum, cooking. It was also about reflecting and thinking of all the good things that happen. My weekend was about appreciation and gratitude.
Just a little thought a priori: Appreciation and gratitude should be on our minds every day. Literally. Maybe I am getting sentimental as we are approaching the end of the year. But I truly think that a positive attitude based on appreciation and gratitude enhances your life. And who knows, maybe it enhances our world too. Sometimes I meet people who seem to have a negative stance as a default setting. I honestly don’t understand those people. I mean how can you ever be happy if everything is first and foremost negative? But I digress. I am here to talk about my notion of appreciation and gratitude. Not to judge other people.
Looking back at a pretty busy year I was sort of rounding up impressions in my mind over a cup of tea. And I had a smile on my face. Cause I felt happy and content about so many things that happened. I felt happy about the people who accompanied me over the course of the year. I felt happy for all the positive vibes I surrounded myself with. I also realized that this is often a result of hard work and your personal choices. You decide how happy your life is going to be. Eventually you decide how happy you will be.
Real happiness can only kick in if you appreciate it. And if you are grateful for it. With appreciation and gratitude I think we are sharing our happiness with others. And this is where magic happens. You know when one flame sparks another one. And so on. But before I get all too esotheric here, let’s make the turn and connect the dots between happiness and your home. My weekend without plans was ideal to connect those dots:-)
My home makes me happy. And I appreciate every single item and I am grateful for the safe and good life I live here. I strongly believe in the power of a happy home. One that will do many favors to you: It will make you smile. It’ll comfort you, embrace you, hide and protect you. It will tell your story and it will reflect your personality. My mission here on Happy Interior Blog has always been to encourage you to create your own personal and happy home. To uplift you and convince you that your home is not merely a place but it is your palace. The home is one of the engines to create happiness. Make use of it! But above all appreciate what you have and be grateful for it. Life is so much better if you are happy!
Photography by Igor Josifovic
8 Comments
Such a lovely post Igor, and you’re so right. Really needed to read this just now. I’ve been running so much lately, with work and moving and decorating our new home. It’s good to just pauze and be grateful. Have a wonderful week. xx
I am happy that it resonates with you too, Yvonne. I really needed the quiet weekend too and realized how much there is to be grateful for, how much I appreciate the simple things in my life, the people who surround me and also the people who accompany me digitally. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of all the good there is around us. Especially in times like these!
What a wonderful post. I truly believe that what you send into the universe you get back – sometimes ten fold. If you are happy, kind, and optimistic it will reflect back to you from others and their actions – the majority of the time – sometimes we are disappointed, but we cant always get a positive reaction 100% of the time. But it’s worth a try – no? Maybe our positivity will rub off on them!!! Happy Thanksgiving Igor.
True words Cyndi. That is exactly what I believe too! Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!
Very nice post and very well said. I also believe that if you have a positive attitude things work out well. Is this your home in Munich??? It is sooooo beautiful. I like Munich. Ich habe da dort mal gewohnt bevor ich auf Weltreise ging. Bald kommt Dein Buch raus hier in Canada. Freue mich schon darauf.
Lara
Hi Lara, danke Dir!! Ja das ist mein Zuhause hier in München und ich freu mich riesig, dass Du unser Buch auch im fernen Kanada bekommst!!! Lass mich wissen, wie Du es findest, wenn Du es hast!! Viele Grüße aus München!
Hi Igor
Always a treat top pop in for a read of your blog of your latest adventures. I couldn’t agree more, with being thank for, for all that we have…. I love visiting friends, working and generally getting out and about, but I also couldn’t be happy than when I’m in my cottage with my family. Surrounded by all that is dear to me and that makes me very happy and thankful indeed. Wouldn’t it be lovely if every took a pause and thought like this….? Happy positive vibes would emulate all around. Lolly
Absolutely Lolly – I think positive vibes could change the world. Bit by bit. But it would be a better place for everyone! Let’s work on it!