Forget your troubles c'mon get happy!

[Jennyfleur]

Hi Everyone,
On the bit of BBC breakfast news I caught this morning, they were talking about how this time of year is the most depressing and talking about aspects 'happiness'. So, I thought I'd randomly start a thread where we could share what types of things cheer us up (orchid related or anything else) and try and spread a bit of OB happiness

Part of my motivation for this was noticing today how all my Phals have suddenly gone crazy and have put out loads of new roots (including the one my other half rescued from a bin at work a few months ago!), I've noticed two of my Paphs have started sending out new fans, I have three Coel spikes and a new growth on my Brassia (which I'm hoping will be a spike and not a p/bulb since this plant should be at flowering size now).

Rather obvious pleasures I know, since, if we didn't like growing our plants, we wouldn't do it right? So, what else makes us smile? what tips can you share to bring some relaxation and sunshine to the board?

PS if anyone want to look at the BBC site, here's the link with their project on it: BBC News - Is 'happiness' a skill you can learn?

[camille1585]

Well, like you say, orchids are my number one source of winter in the winter. It's nice to see new roots, growths and spikes appearing when everything else is brown and dead outside. Reminds you that spring will eventually come!

Other than that, my close friends and I deal with the winter by regularily planning fun things. Every other sunday we meet up in our favorite bar for the afternoon and sample various special beers, mostly belgian beers, and eating sausage and cheese with it.

With 2 of my closest girl friends we try to go to the spa-sauna once a month in the winter. It's extremely relaxing, once you get over the fact that it's nude and co-ed! We look forward to those outings very much, and it really helps get rid of the tension in your body from everyday stress. Especially the breaks when we're sitting in bathrobes in the lounge with feet propped up against a fire and a plate full of cake in hand. The best is when the men get together to cook dinner for us while we're at the spa!

[Daethen]

Well, growth on my orchids of course. But my kids really help keep me in a better frame of mind. My daughter is always coming up with some statement or action that is WAY to wise for her 3 years of life. And my son, who has cerebral palsy, is starting to be able to talk well enough to really express himself. He is finally able to tell us stories or about his dreams. He has no learning delays (thank you God) but has physical delays. His condition was heart breaking in the beginning but I am starting to realize that he has made me become a much better person for his sake and he rewards me every day for my efforts! All I have to do is look at my "babies" and I smile.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i found some new spikes new growths basic orchid stuff that you get happy about. found some sheaths

[Jennyfleur]

Big hugs for you guys for joining in

@Camille - To be honest, I do miss spa days with my friends (mind you, I can't imagine our place going in for nude and co-ed saunas!). Last year, my three best girl friends moved away due to work. I still go sometimes with my boyfriend as he enjoys it, but it's not quite the same (glances around to make sure he can't read what I'm typing!!)

@Jonada - it sounds as if you're fantastic mother

@Bob - a couple of mine are too tiny for sheaths just yet, but fingers crossed that in a couple of years I'll be bouncing off the walls when I find one!

[Call_Me_Bob]

my sheaths are TINZy as well, but they make me happy

i love hugs

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Jennyfleur

@Camille - To be honest, I do miss spa days with my friends (mind you, I can't imagine our place going in for nude and co-ed saunas!). Last year, my three best girl friends moved away due to work. I still go sometimes with my boyfriend as he enjoys it, but it's not quite the same (glances around to make sure he can't read what I'm typing!!)

Lol. I guess going with a boyfriend must be fun, but sometimes it's nice to have some girl time and share gossip!

Nude and co-ed is the norm in northern countries. I had a really hard time with it the first time, but then you get used to it. Dutch people come as a family outing and bring their kids with them (but only over 10yo I think). Anyway, this is the last winter I'll be going regularily, one friend is going back to Greece this summer and the other one is finishing her PhD in 2 months and moving to England for a post-doc. I can't seem to convince any other friends to go with me.

[Jennyfleur]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Anyway, this is the last winter I'll be going regularily, one friend is going back to Greece this summer and the other one is finishing her PhD in 2 months and moving to England for a post-doc. I can't seem to convince any other friends to go with me.

Oh, the hazards of academia! That's why all of my girls have filtered away - finish your PhD, go where the jobs are! I'm a local girl anyway for my uni so I'm tossing around the idea of post doc possibilities now as (fingers crossed ) I'll be submitting this summer

And Bob, since you love hugs, we must all try and give you more!

[Triffid]

Originally Posted by Jennyfleur

And Bob, since you love hugs, we must all try and give you more!

All together now!


Things to make me smile:
Like others, HUGS! Especially the big bear type ones
Children, and the funny things they can say and do.
Animals and the way they worm into your heart.
Nature!
Looking at the stars on a clear night.
Good Family and Friends who are always there when you need them.
Birdsong! Definitely Birdsong, especially when you don't get the background noise of vehicles!
..... There's more but I wont bore you!

[PinkCloud]

A few things that make me happy:
1. People who are positive. The past few days my husband has been in a really good mood. His positivity has gotten me into great mood.
2. My church. I hadn't been to church for a longer time as we had been travelling. When I got back I was met by so much love from my church that I must say I was very moved. I couldn't believe that so many people had remembered us in their prayers over Christmas and now wanted us to come over for dinner and show pictures!
3. Getting to share about my interests with people.. That's where all yous come in! Sitting here and reading posts on OB really makes my day.
4.BodyPump!!! Ahhh.. there is nothing like working out so hard that every muscle in your body aches the following day. Or going for a 5K run in the morning and being all high on endorphins! haha

camille -> You made me miss Sauna SOOOOOO bad! As the Sauna's here in Northern Ireland are nothing like the ones back in Finland.