About the Program

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I started this program to test a theory. Over the years, my friends have commented on my happy disposition. These comments led me to reflect upon why I am typically pretty happy regardless of the situations or circumstances surrounding me at any given time. Things go wrong for me just like everyone else, but I am fairly good at picking myself up and forging ahead despite the set back. I came up with a theory that my happiness may stem from my love of trying new things. I reasoned that my pursuit of new experiences and love of learning may be what brightens my spirit and fosters my resilience.  

I had contemplated starting this program for a long time, but I delayed putting it together. Fittingly, I  put this plan into motion after I underwent a large setback, and was feeling uncharacteristically a bit off. Trying the new activities each week helped to cheer me up. It realigned my focus from whatever had come before to a more future orientated perspective.  Planning out the new activities each week  encouraged me to look ahead at all the possibilities and  opportunities that were in front of me to enjoy and conquer.  It rebuilt my spirit and helped me find my inner strength.  

Each week engaging in a new activity, whether big or small, gave me a boost of excitement, a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of joy. I believe this same program can work for others as well. I am sharing this program and the different activities I participated in each week to inspire and encourage others to try out the program. I hope that anyone reading this will seek to  enact their own series of new activities each week. I think others participating in this program will find a similar sense of satisfaction,  feeling of joy, and belief  in their own inner strength and resilience in much the same way as I did with my program.  

1. Racquet Ball 
2. Singing on stage 
3. Cooking every recipe in a cookbook from start to finish
4. Kayaking 
5. Knitting a scarf or hat 
6. Snowshoeing 
7. Becoming a virtual volunteer 
8. Take a dance class 
9. Try out a new cuisine of food 
10. Start a gratitude journal