I'm feeling really upset, tired and frustrated. I've been trying to keep my home clean and "buyer ready" with five kids living in it. Last Friday, we accepted an offer on our home and less than 48 hours later, the potential buyers canceled. To make ends meet, I've picked up a part-time job serving at a local restaurant. I'm also teaching 2 writing classes a week. Last night I got in the shower and just sat down because I was too tired to stand up. I let the water pour over me as I whimpered like a beat dog. Then I did one right thing: I went to bed early.

I woke up this morning with an idea. This--right here, right now--is the best time for me to implement a happiness plan. Why? Because I am in thick of unhappy circumstances. In order for happiness to be real, it needs to withstand the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, yes?

So. I have a plan. It's called: 31 Days 2 Happy!

Who wants to join me? :)

For the next 31 days, I will post little motivational insights, inspirations, action items and quotes to help us achieve a greater level of happiness. I'm only doing this for 31 days because I tend to have ADD tendencies and get bored easily. I can't commit to a year or even six months. But I can do a month. And so can you.

Let's spend the next 31 days practicing happiness and curating things that make us happy: experiences, insights, little inspirations, humor, quotes, pictures, videos.

Once a week I'll host a little blog carnival where YOU can link back to your blog and share with everyone YOUR experiences in 31 Days 2 Happy, too! I think this will be so fun!

Here's the best part: 31 Days 2 Happy is all about the little changes. This is not some grand, massive life overhaul. These are small, daily steps. Maybe just going to bed earlier two nights per week. Maybe just choosing to smile instead of snap at your children.

I want us to document these tiny little changes and see if it adds up to an overall improvement in our outlook at the end of 31 days. Along the way we'll share with each other what works, what doesn't, how we were surprised by happiness, etc. I really hope you'll join me!!!

I STARTED TODAY. Why wait, right? This morning after getting all the kids to school, I was feeling really sluggish. On top of everything, I'm battling a cold. But instead of rushing into the day's tasks, I sat down for a few moments and worked on adjusting my attitude. I know, I know. This sounds so cheesy. I committed myself to God. I let go of my frustrations.

And then I had this thought--which is a a thought ENTIRELY OUTSIDE my normal pattern so I figured something positive was at work. And yeah, I tweeted it. :)

And if that doesn't do it for ya today, well, try this. My twins discovered a new pastime: sliding down the stairs in a sleeping bag. I grabbed my iPhone camera and caught them having so much fun and laughing so hard. Although I made them stop after a couple of times--danger! hello!--it made me smile to see them so happy.

Enjoy (and come back tomorrow for our next daily dose of 31 Days 2 Happy!)

p.s. any of you crafty/graphic people out there want to make me a 31 Days 2 Happy button/badge for the blog? We can share it with everyone who joins, too! :) email me!!