You know how mothers always say that they have a second (or third, whatever) child two years after the first because it took them that long to forget how difficult it was? Yeah, apparently the 100 Happy Days challenge is like that too. I forgot how hard it was! But, I’m done. I finished up my last day a week ago, but let me tell you, it was a struggle. Like last time, some days are easy. You go out, do something fun and snap a picture. But there are days when you just go to work and come home and just want to crash. Or there are days when you spend the entire time in your jammies and do nothing at all.

I could legitimately just take 100 pictures of tea and call it a success – a good cup of tea always brings me joy. Or take 100 pictures of Hubby. He knows how day-to-day life can be especially difficult for me and always tries to make me smile. But, like with most things, I have to make things harder than they need to be. I was challenging myself to do 100 unique things. And I had to post them all by midnight. And they had to be of things that happened that day. And I had to make the pictures somewhat interesting. *Sigh*

Whatever. I finished it. I knew I would complete the challenge but I also figured I’d cheat or compromise what I was trying to do just to get it done. Yay for me for not doing that, I guess.

Looking back on it now, I’m not sure it was as beneficial for me as it was the first time around. It was good to have that refresher of looking for things daily to be happy about, but the first time, that was a totally new concept to me and, I didn’t realize until this time, I actually adopted that practice fairly well and honestly do it without really thinking. I am, in general, a much happier person than I used to be. Not perfect, of course. And of course I still do have really shitty days. But I think, even in my darkest moments, I have perspective now that I didn’t have several years ago. The bad days are temporary.

So it wasn’t life-altering in the way it had been in 2014. And, because of those criteria I imposed on myself so rigidly, I actually created a certain amount of stress in my life that I didn’t need. Nothing horrible, but the extra stress was unnecessary and avoidable. (Hubby and I both agree that I won’t be doing this challenge again. If I ever attempt a happiness challenge again in the future, it’ll be something different.)

Don’t misunderstand me. The 100HDC is a fantastic thing and, if you’re up for it, I think everybody should try it. Once. The benefits doing it the first time were amazing. For me, the second time – not a waste of time, but not as great.

Yeah, I accomplished what I set out to do, and that feels nice. I learned a few more things about myself too. But I’m just not feeling as thrilled as I was before. That could also have to do with where I am mentally lately… IDK.

I guess, essentially, once I learn a life lesson, mini-refreshers would be a better idea than going through the whole thing again. Those 100 days could have been better spent trying something new.  Which will be where I focus my attention next! I’m sure I’ll share a ton about it when I figure out precisely what that is going to be, but I have a few ideas…  (Update: Wish I knew what those ideas were now, ’cause I have no clue!)

Anyway~ Pretty much everyday, there was always way more involved in each picture than what I briefly shared on Instagram/Facebook. Some days, I was wordier than others but usually was quite short, if not only a couple words. It can always just be assumed that, with each and every single thing I do or say (or don’t do or say), there is a list of carefully thought out reasons why, usually multi-layered and complex. Oh yeah, I’m tiramisu! Ha. The sad state of my existence is that, 95% of the time, I’m the only one who is aware of it.

I’m rambling…  Stay on target!

So. Originally, I was going to post longer explanations of what each picture meant to me. That didn’t happen. Whether it was laziness or being busy doing other things or I got distracted or just moved on to the next day… Whatever. I’m going to do it now, but in chunks. I’ve got the first 30 days done and then second half started. I’ll post the first now and you can just sit tight for then rest. It probably won’t take me a year, but I make no promises.