What Makes You Happy?

Last week’s post we talked about happiness and asked you to start thinking about what makes you happy. It’s part of our commitment to happiness.

Today we’re going to dig a little deeper. There are a lot of things that make us happy on a regular basis. Think about the simple little things that put a smile on your face. It could be a person, a thing, an experience, an action, a song.

One easy way to increase your overall happiness is to simply do something that makes you happy every single day. Let’s come up with a list of what makes us happy. (This will obviously be different for each and every one of us.)

Let me give you a few ideas and some things to think about. Then, grab a pen and a notebook and  make a list of things that make you happy. 

Don’t overthink this. Don’t try to come up with an organized and categorized list. Just start brainstorming and jot things down. Don’t feel pressured to come up with everything all at once. Add to the list as time goes by and get in the habit of noticing things that make you happy and then adding them to the list.

Let’s start with the big ones that make us happy. 

What people in your life make you happy?

What things that you own bring you joy? 

What activities and hobbies that you have bring you lots of happiness? 

Think big here and pick what has the biggest impact on your mood. This can also include things like what gestures or actions put a big smile on your face. Places are another great addition. Maybe you’re happiest at the beach!

Then think about the little things that make you happy. Maybe it’s sipping that first cup of coffee in the morning, a pretty flower in your garden, or having five minutes to yourself. From there just become more aware of what makes you happy, or what brings a smile to your face. 

Stop and take notice anytime that happens, and keep adding to your list of things that make you happy. 

It will make you grateful and content, just looking at this long list of people and things that bring you happiness.