The big smiles and cheerful twitter in the hall, like schoolkids returning from summer break, have dwindled.

So many projects halted at Christmas, only to deal with later.

Well, it’s later.

Meanwhile, I’m thinking I have to be able to at least make it through the first week of carrying out my New Year’s resolutions and maintaining my focus on sharing.

I’ve been really consistent this week with getting back into my routine–and adding out some new things too.

AM and PM: The 5 Minute Journal, 10 min meditation, 10 min stretching

I’ve also pulled out some old “happiness booster” books with daily intentions.

Using my happy light on the regular.

And then it dawned on me: can one do too much to be happy? I mean how many daily affirmations does one really need?

I started walking to and from the main train station. I tried it out this week because the weather has been really mild; almost pleasant.

Turns out the walk is just as long as the subway ride I normally take, and involves much more fresh air.

I love discovering new options!

As for sharing, mindfulness, and awareness, I instituted “no headphones Wednesday”. This really is a challenge for me, since I’m constantly on the go listening to podcasts or music.

Guess what: I liked Wednesday! I was able to think my own thoughts and was way more aware of what was going on around me.

My summary: I passed on (and gotten in return) many smiles this week. I made eye contact with strangers (why are people so afraid of eye contact?), I complimented the grocery store cashier (who knows if I said the right thing).

And the best thing? Two people actually talked to me! I don’t know what they said. For all I know, they could have been yelling obscenities. But still.

Riding this wave of happiness and sharing for now…and really enjoying the journey.