Happiness – a gentle reflection, by our Learning Facilitor, Cath.

Team Boo are big fans of happiness, we’re in the business of creating healthy and happy workplaces and with March being the month when International Day of Happiness is celebrated, I wanted to take some time to reflect on happiness.

I was nudged to think about this by Amy who has the delightful role of Team Boo’s Happiness Ambassador. Amy wrote a blog at the end of 2023 (which you can read here) prompting us to think about alternatives to New Years Resolutions. At Team Boo we’re big fans of setting goals, for us we recognise that all of us are already fabulous and we might also like to pay attention to things we would like to be different, goals help us create a path to that difference we want to see. New Years Resolutions can often feel overwhelming, big ideas of change ‘new year, new me’ without the reflection of gratitude and growth that supports us to make smaller, positive and meaningful differences.

In her blog, Amy chooses her favourite questions from suggestions by self help author Beth Kempton. I’m using these questions to reflect and see where attention to happiness might take me…

10 Questions for Gentle Reflection

What moments have really mattered to you in the past year?

There are a few big moments that stand out over the last 12 months;

a new role with Team Boo feels like a warm hug, a space where I’ve found my tribe of folk where my values and strengths are nourished.

I’m really enjoying completing my coaching qualification and hugely appreciate those lovely folk who have joined me on my journey, the people who have trusted me to hold the space and be curious while they find their own path to the difference they want to see. I’ve also had a couple of lovely holidays and been delighted that the grown up kids still want to come with us.

But on first thinking about this question, I wondered what were the magic moments inbetween everyday business? I’m so pleased that I started a gratitude journal which not only helps boost my wellbeing by leaning into joy and gratitude but also serves as a great reminder for moments that I want to remember. Looking back through my journal I’ve had heart swell moments remembering when my son told me he loved me and my daughter wrote beautiful appreciations on a card, which I now use as a bookmark. We often remember the big moments, now I’m also mindful to record the heart swell moments too.

What moments have brought you into contact with beauty?

When I think about beauty I think about nature. I think of the beautiful outdoor spaces where I swim, the great company of people I swim with and the fun of wild dancing in the forest before an ice plunge.

Nature is the space that supports my wellbeing whether that’s the exhilaration of a cold water swim, great company dressing up as a mermaid, an energetic hike or time to appreciate the scenery.

I’m also appreciating the beauty around us and taking time to notice; a kind word, a smile, an offer of help, a compliment. I’m also leaning into self love and recognising the beauty in the mirror.

What was the best day of the year and what made it such a good day?

Watching James and the Orchestral Tour was delightful. A long time fan I’ve seen James many times and lots of my wedding anniversaries and magic moments are linked to a James gig. The orchestral tour was a completely different experience of being fully immersed in the music. As sublime as the music was, it’s also the nostalgia, the sense of belonging and wonderful company. Live music and good company will always be the things that I pay attention to.

How did you grow during the last twelve months?

I love being in the space of stretchy learning and gaining new skills that connect with my values and help me flourish in my role. Connection, contribution, relationships and making a difference all really matter to me and coaching really supports all of those things to show up in my role. I’ve also shifted from thinking ‘how can I fit’ to ‘how can I flourish.’

What did this year teach you about yourself?

I’ve learned how important it is to be in a space where my values are nourished and to pay attention to how these show up for me.

I’m also learning and understanding what my behaviours look like when my values are challenged and rumbled and how to share what matters with those around me.

What did this year teach you about the world?

The importance of relationships and all the layers of connections, whether that’s the people we love, the people we choose to spend time with or the fleeting moments of connections. We all need to be needed and connected and I’m appreciating the uniqueness of all our qualities and the difference that makes. I’m living by the values of Camerados.

Where did you bring light to the darkness to someone this year?

Maybe not darkness but I’d like to think that through coaching I’ve helped people shine their own light a bit brighter.

What unexpected blessings did the year bring to you?

An unexpected blessing came in the form of recognising a loud inner critic and a doubtful self. Leaning into joy and gratitude, alongside some wonderful stretchy and supportive feedback has helped me quieten that voice and shift towards appreciating my gifts and talents.

When did you show courage this year?

Courage for me came in the form of asking for help and being clear on what I needed and how others could be helpful. One of my favourite questions is ‘how can I be most useful?’

Let’s be courageous and get comfortable in asking for what we need.

What would you like to release/leave behind?

I’m leaving behind my unhelpful inner critic and reaching out for feedback and support, paying attention to reflection and growth.

So going forward, no big resolutions, rather gentle reflections to consider how happiness shows up for me and what will I be paying attention to? I’ll be continuing with my gratitude journal and paying attention to those moments of joy. I’ll be paying attention to how my values show up and ask for what I need. I’ll be making time for relationships. As always, you’ll likely find me at a gig or in a river.

Happiness – a gentle reflection, by our Learning Facilitor, Cath.