1. Walking 2. Enjoy breakfast 3. Dressed up for the day 5. Read books 6. Invest time on creative things 7. Laughing more 8. Romanticized 9. Yard work 10. See brighter side of things

I like to sit outside with a cup of tea and watch the birds in the bird baths. That must be one of my most favourite things to do. Sit and watch nature.

Hi Shannon, I feel like this video was made just for me! I am an almost 60 year old lady who retired 3 years ago due to a Husband who has a disability, aging parents who need some help and babysitting my two young granddaughters a couple of times a week. Even though I know that serving my family is a privilege and I am doing God’s work, I get to feeling overwhelmed and self pity. I feel like I’m always being pulled in 10 different directions. I love how you said about choosing happiness and intentionally laughing. I feel like you are speaking directly to me. I’m trying to find more joy in simple things and I do feel like I have been trying to be more grateful for all my blessings instead of focusing on the trials of life. Thank you for this video and reading my comment ❤

Love this. I’m gonna watch again. Romance your life. Choose happiness. Take a walk. Stop waiting for the next thing and enjoy the Now instead. All great ideas.

Very good habits to incorporate in daily life. I am 66 and so many of your habits remind me I need to laugh more, walk more and the main thing enjoy life !!!! Thank you Shannon.

Shannon, you are so right. We are always looking to the next big thing. But all we actually have is today. Thanks for the reminder. ❤

You're such a sweet and kind person! I'm sure your happiness brings happiness to your family. I know your channel brings happiness to me.

That was cute with your husband tossing the towel at the camera to end that segment, wonderful of him to set a good example for the boys of a husband caring for his wife.

I'm so glad you take time for yourself to read! When I retired last year I made all kinds of plans. I'm still figuring all that out, but the one thing I do almost every day without fail is read for an hour! I think it's the best part of my whole day.

Thank you for the reminder that happiness doesn't always just "happen"

Happiness and joy comes from God 🥰

God is where the joy is!

This is a wonderful video. Focusing on simple things and just being intentionally happy is hard because I am a chronic pain sufferer. It is very important that I keep my life and home simplified. I really enjoy your videos, and the things you do with your mom.

I have always seen humour in the strangest of things. I can remember the time my over excited, dog doing laps around the house while was I hanging out the freshly washed bed linen. She ran towards me, jumped up and landed in the fitted sheet. She looked like she was in a hammock and couldn't get out. Did I get mad because I was going to have to wash it again?. No. I laughed and It was to become a memory that to this day, always puts a smile on my face.

Looks like a pretty nice day to me❤

I learned a long time ago that when you laugh at yourself, you not only laugh harder, you will laugh more often 😁

I’ve been enjoying reading books this year too!

I like how you help us to understand that happiness doesn’t just happen. It is an intentional effort! We can also ask for help, just say “I need a little bit of help”. We need to take control of our lives and deliberately find what really makes us happy, and then do it! Thank you🎉

All these things are concentrating on mindfulness. How wonderful that is! ♥️

Watching your videos always makes me happy. Thank u.❤

I love this, you build time in for fun activities for you. Retired here and hubby and I feel guilty not just doing work like things around the house, we look for projects. It's about enjoying the moments everyday. You are a great example.

Awwwww your lil one is adorable 🥰

Just lovely. I hope you'll get a dishwasher someday because it's such a wonderful help and convenience.

When my son was young I decided to cycle to school with my son on the bike. It actually took less time because of the traffic but meant I got excersize in too. I was able to avoid the pollution and go across the fields. I then decided to do my shopping after I’d dropped him off. I really enjoyed those times so much.😊

Creating more...laughing more. Enjoy the process, the experience of it all. I love it!

Your blanket you made is so cute. I am a quilter and it is so relaxing.

Shannon. I to enjoy walking trying to do more of it, I to like being outside. Yard work is so relaxing for me but at the same time its so overwhelming I have 3 acers to take care of. As I shared Ive recently lost my husband. I was a care giver to my mom and husband now they both are with Jesus. So little by little im getting our yard and home back in to some kind order, it helps mentally to look out and see the yard taking shap once again. It took years for it to fall apart it will take a few years to get it looking good again. The same with inside work one room at a time and if it takes 3 months or longer to do one room so be it memories are hard to deal with as you clean when your missing that loved one. God bless you and your family, Hi to your mom.🦋🤗

Something I do to that I like is having coffee and watch your channel before I get ready for church Sunday morning. It slows me down in a hectic morning and gives me a boost. Loved the inspiration today. ❤️

Sue here: loved this video ❤❤❤. Love your dresses too. 💚

Thanks for such an inspirational video. I definately need to laugh more. Thanks for the reminder 😊

There is a book by Dennis Prager, Happiness Is A Serious Issue. He addresses the issue of choosing to being happy intentionally. Shannon, your choice to laugh and be happy beings such peace and joy to your home’s atmosphere. Such wisdom you have as a young busy mom. ❤

Shannon, I needed this. Thank you so much. Your episodes are encouraging and inspiring! Thank you!

Beautiful family amazing mom and your boys are really amazing to help you with chores thank you for this really good tips much love and appreciation ❤️✨

Great advice….😊❤️

All good things to do, very good.

My husband and I have been together 34 years. We both have a dry sense of humor, I like to setup a joke, hear how he replies, and we both have great laugh together😂. It was sweet to watch your son hold the ladder for you🥰

Hi Shannon, What a wonderful video! And so many great tips that you have inspired me to implement in my life too! Thank you!! Love, Mary ❤️🤗❤️

Wow! I love this so much...I now need to continue to change my perspective to one of gratefulness for the things I need to do. I GET to do them, and praise God for that! Thank you SO much for sharing this wonderful video today. 💖🌹

I stopped trying to mend things that weren’t mendable and tossed them, and went out and got something new and lovely. Why is it especially hard for women to do this for ourselves?!

I'm loving this video and your way of life❤ Modern life can be so hectic and can be overwhelming to all of us. I can't change the fact that I live in this modern day and age. But I can change small things that make me happy and relaxed. One of my biggest must-do's at the moment are spending some time every day sewing and working on my corset/dressmaking projects. Even if it would be for a half an hour. My sewing down time makes me feel relaxed and excited about my project❤ And sets my mood for the rest of the day❤ Without I just feel miserable now that it's getting darker and darker by the day. I also spend some time every day learning a new language through Duolingo. I'm learning Spanish and Norwegian and am brushing up my German. I currently speak 3 languages: Frisian, Dutch and English. And I love to expand my language vocabulary. This also gives me joy for the day and a moment to be in the moment😊

How can you not laugh with your sweet mama around you? Happiness is contagious, I want to be mindful to cultivate it daily, so that people around me can have it too. Thanks Shannon for your motivation, this is so much needed as the world gets chaotic everywhere.

I love this! Thank you so much for sharing ❤

I agree with what you are saying, Shannon. These things seem small but change your frame of mind and attitude thereby making your life better.

All good solid ideas. 11:35

Thankyou for this video, its helping me again so much. You speak to us all, bless you. Love from the UK. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shannon, Love this topic!! ( You truly have cracked the code!!❤)

That side bit would be a great food growing plot!

I love this video, Shannon! It really blessed me. Sometimes we just need a reminder. Thank you! ❤

Lovely video...thank you for your ideas!!xxx

It’s crazy how the spilt milk or pretzels by your third child will be funny ! So true your to live and be happy in the moment ❤️I’ve said before I’m in between your mom and you in age but is so amazing I found you two cause we’re all so similar in stages makes me feel fantastic and is so helpful in many ways ❤️👋🏻

Shannon Dear please accept my deepest gratitude for uploading such a motivational, lovely video!

Hey Shannon, loved this video! It really resonated with me. I am getting to a place where I am just at maintenance mode with decluttering, and several of these things you shared are things I have incorporated into my life as well. The one thing I would like to do more is read. It's hard for me to sit still, but I want to make that a practice because it is good to slow down! Thanks for sharing!💗

Loved this video, I agree that taking a walk everyday in the sun is good for us not just physically but mentally, your home is so organized, as mine is, and that really helps me smile and be happy as well. Looking forward to your next video.

I love being outside my favorite thing to do is read ❤

Shannon, Great video! I think it's great to ask for help. My Hubby is a great helper & sometimes I feel bad because sometimes he does it all, but sometimes in life, it's just what it is. Seeing you repair that quilt reminded me of how much I miss quilting. I want to finish decluttering our hone before I get back into it. 😊

Good video! A suggestion for when your oldest son is around 11 or 12, he can help do his own laundry or his and his brother's laundry which includes washing, drying and "folding". That would help you a lot too.

This was really nice to watch 💜💜

Great list! Walking, reading and laughing are very important to helping me feel better physically and mentally. Thanks for this video. I appreciate you. ♥🐦

I totally enjoyed your video!!!

Shannon, what lovely vlog to day. Calm and motivating. Lots of good reminders about choosing how you can be more intentional of bringing happiness into your life. Thank you. Cheers

I like all your ideas. I have been reading more. And I like walks out in nature. I know it's good to have a sense of humor but I can't force myself to laugh out loud at mundane everyday things. It just seems fake and a little crazy if I literally laughed at every little thing. It's just not my personality. But I can definitely try not be so crabby about these things. Asking for help. Ugh. It has been something that's been an issue for years. I have chronic pain due to autoimmune condition I've had for many years. And I do need help. But trying to get help is STILL something I have to ask for. Eg. My husband and I agreed upon that he empties the dishwasher and I load it. Sometimes he does it but many times I still have to ask him, remind him. I feel like I shouldn't have to ask him to do things when it involves items we both use.

One of your best videos! Great suggestions for living intentionally and focusing on the positive. Thank you!😊💕

Shannon, this was so lovely and refreshing and motivating......just a wonderful video I watched on Sunday morning to begin a brand new week.....I needed this, thanks Shannon! And I will add you, your home and your yard and gardens all look so beautiful.

I absolutely agree with you that going outside is my favorite thing! I used to walk the park for mu exercise now I go to the gym, and then I missed being outside 💔

It made me so happy to hear that you are trying to romanticize your life more. I'm doing the same and it really does help my attitude toward life. It's also a lot of fun.

Lovely, honey ! Great ideas ! And walking ! Yes ! I’m a life-long non-driver so I embrace the blessings of that even if it’s sometimes inconvenient ! Your Home & Yard look great and so do you & the Fam ! Well done, Mamma ! And yes to choosing happiness even amidst intense challenge in life. An author I love, Don Miguel Ruiz ( The Four Agreements) talks about us intentionally embracing happiness, and turning down our habitual mind-chatter that replays old stories… in his new book, Grief & Renewal. So good ! I’m so glad you are reading. I love to read, too. I’m a 63 y/o Gramma ! ( 64 pretty soon) & your Mom is my Hero ! You, too! Love from Liz in Buffalo, NY

I really liked this video. A lot of good tips. It's also nice to see your family all working together to keep the home nice.

Such a beautiful message. I thoroughly enjoy “visiting” with you and appreciate your drive and vision to help us all find the happiness in the simpler life. You inspire me every week ❤

You. Are. Amazing! You put things in perspective and make it seem like I CAN do things to enrich my life and be happy. Thanks.

Levi is getting so big!! And just wanted to say…your backyard looks amazing!! You guys have done such a wonderful job! 👏🏻☺️❤️

Sewist here: you might have edited it out, but if not - don't forget to lock your stiches with starting and stopping (going back and forth at least once. It will pull and come undone easily again if you don't! :)

Great video and great message ❤❤❤ Need to work on asking for help.

Great message Shannon! Really enjoy listening to you and watching you take care of your home and family 💛

This was such an inspiring video!!! Thank Shannon! I’m definitely going to implement some of these things ❤

These are great tips, thanks for sharing 🤗 Sounds like you have a wonderful attitude and I think a positive outlook on life really improves your quality of life 🩷

As a quilter, I am so happy that you are enjoying sewing. It is a deeply satisfying hobby. As for the separating seams on that baby quilt, you could make or purchase some bias binding or ribbon and sew it on both edges over the seam to reinforce it.

Great video Shannon... as always very inspiring. ❤ Every habit you mentioned is so important for our mental health and well being. I so enjoy all of your videos- they always make me feel better... 😊

Shannon, the first minute here, just what you said..I've been doing the same. I feel like something is "off" when I do not get outside for a walk. Just breathing in the air, the smells, the sounds of the outdoors resets my mind and gives me peace & calm. It's like I can think more deeply too, so it's my talking to God time. You are so right about being intentional to seeing the beauty in God's handiwork each day and focusing on ((that)) instead of always looking ahead to the next big thing. However...pls send some CA sun bc Friday was still hovering around 80 degrees and now, normal MO temps for Oct have arrived and it's rainy and cold at 50 degrees. I'm so glad that I walked every day this past week and enjoyed that! I have been reading too. It provides a fun solace for me. It's awesome that you've recognized these things as a younger Mom. ( as opposed to waiting until they are nearly grown ) Happy Sunday ❤😊

Lovely video, Shannon. Thanks for sharing your happiness tips. ♥

Hi Shannon! Good for you for taking time for yourself by reading! We seem to enjoy the same type of books. Love Marian Keyes!!! I too am trying to walk more . This month I walked more than I have walked since March! (SC summers way too hot and humid for walking!). We are in the process of moving and when we do I am going to take all of the social media apps off of my phone and put them on my computer (which will be set up on my desk instead of in the bag like it is now). Ty for that suggestion! I am the fellow mom of 3 grown boys that 2/3 were also swimmers! Love watching you and your mom too Have a great week! Hello from SC💕😊🏝️

Shannon, this is brilliant! You are my very favorite on YT. I love Sunday morning! I needed the reminder to enjoy the here and now. We're on a short beach vacation but I've caught myself not focusing on this vacation because we are in planning mode for a long trip next year. Thank you!!

Loved this & Levi is adorable 🍌🥨🥨😂 love you now have time to do the things you enjoy ❤

Thank you, Shannon! Always inspirational!❤ Love time to read. I've read every Elin Hilderbrand novel P.S. I miss those "bloopers" with you & your mom😉

Me trying to romanticize cleaning up cat pee “accidents” and finding the humor in it. Lol. I really can’t use walking as one tho, basically bcuz of how this hood is and often the bad weather (at least in winter and with a lot of rain). I might could try walking the “other way” tho so I don’t get caught up in the neighborhood “paparazzi” situations. Lol. Your mom has a good take on life tho imo. Lol. And I’m sure you’ve also got some of that in you as well (the humor lol). That is right up my alley with that sort of humor. 😂😂 I also tune into That Awkward Mom when I need a good laugh about the sheer absurdity of life as a human…and all the crazy places life takes us at times. A lot of it really IS very comical if you just look at it the right way. Lol.

Amen ❤

❤️your hair lets start there

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Lovely ideas Shannon! I’ve been trying to walk daily and eat some meals outside as much as I can before winter. Just checked out the book about Henrietta Lacks from the library. :)

Hi there I like your video. N I been depressed for 4yrs cause I miss my best friend in NY. I moved to Florida from Ny for my health n my daughter n grandchildren N my best friend now only call me if she need something. She always told me we will be family n never lose touch. I miss🙁 her now that she dont need me I am so sad 😢 I text her everyday n no answer back. I did so much for her in my life time. I will i.can be happy again n laugh again ❤

Thank you. Yes I need to be intentional. Levi is so big already. Remembered that you were expecting him. How old are your boys? I have been following you n love yr mum too. ❤

This was a very enjoyable and relaxing video. I liked it. 4:43 I really like the table you have your sewing machine in. Is it from IKEA? Do you have two of the tables beside each other? I like the layout. It looks like you have alot of room to work.

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Hi, I was wondering what kind of sewing machine you have? Do you like it? I need a new one - my granddaughter wants to make an apron. Thank you. I love your home and your yard is beautiful!

Your dresses are so cute. Where do you get them?

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🙂

I banned myself from any kind of social media until after lunch. Otherwise, I lose the day. I live alone, so it's all too easy to lose the day. Which Marian Keyes book are you reading? Subscribed.

Nice video. I noticed that it was cold enough outside for you to wear a jacket. shoes and socks. I noticed that Levi's feet were bare. Baby's get cold much easier than adults. Their heads are also exposed to damaging sun rays. I often see young mother's pushing strollers with babies not dressed for the temperatures, even though the mother is. As a mother of three, I don't understand this. I'm not trying to be critical, just observing and wondering why this is happening.

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Hi there sweetie pie just take one day at time love your videos love from Eugenie your friend xxx 🏡🎃🍵🌟