There is an inspirational website called Actionforhappiness.org.  Listed on this site are different ways to achieve a happier state of being.

-volunteering
-being realistic
-getting enough sleep
-exercise
-figure out what is important to you
-go outside
-unplug
-color
-set goals and take steps to achieve them
-be mindful

Said list is very realistic.  The mindfulness point struck a chord with me.  What does mindfulness mean to you?

mind·ful·ness

ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/

noun

1. 1.

   the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

   "their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"
2. 2.

   a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

For whatever reason..... I blame stimulus from electronics and rushing through life.... we as Americans are completely void of mindfulness.  As I try and teach my 3 1/2 year old how his words and actions affect others, it would be responsible of me to apply that to my own life.  

Being present is something that I struggle with.  Savoring every day moments and actively listening is really hard when I work full-time with two kids.  My life is literally a race every single day.  I don't know what I am racing towards, but its a freakin' game-on, all-hands-on-deck life.  Mornings are chaotic.  Evenings are worse.  I have guilty thoughts at least once an hour that I'm missing out on my children.  

Financially, I must work.  It is a luxury to have one parent at home (in a two parent household).  So, instead of him-hawwing about it, I try and make the most of what God has put on my plate.  The time I do get to spend with my little unicorns is QUALITY time.  

Not to toot my own horn, but I am patient with my kids.  I make a diligent effort to listen to everything they ask and say, and it sometimes takes 5 minutes for my son to complete a sentence/thought.  I value holding my daughter even when she is trying to squirm out of my arms while SCREAMING her head off.

My husband gets mad when we grocery shop.  We each take a kid and tackle shit.  Beau and I will take our time, slowly going through the aisles.  He will point at things, ask questions, touch everything.  Does it bother me?  Not at all.  I love it.  All the while, Chris and Casey are impatiently standing at the check-out.

What is the lesson in all this?  Mindfulness can be applied in very simple situations because its a very simple approach to life.  Savor completely.  Digest everything.  Breathe it all in.  Happiness will come from the most unembellished moments.