Let’s talk about things that make us happy and why I encourage you to make a list of things that bring you joy too!
Last month I celebrated my 34th birthday. Typically, in the months leading up to my birthday I often fall into a state of melancholy. I start dwelling on all of the places I should have been, all the things I should have done, all the things I should be by now. (I really hate that word, should!) Self-imposed goals and pressures can really bring me down.
This year, I approached my birthday with a new challenge. In the month leading up to my birthday, I started a note on my phone titled, 34 Things That Make Me Happy. I knew that I could fill the list with outlandish and extravagant things that I rarely have the time/energy/money to do (kid-free trip to Hawaii with a stack of books, anyone?), but what I really wanted was to fill it with everyday things that bring me joy. A list of things that I could use to draw me out of a funk if I found myself in one.
At first I filled my list with my favorite things… coffee (duh!), tacos (obviously!), and music, but eventually I moved toward activities that filled my soul… trips to the Farmers Market, walks with friends, and hugs (man, I love hugs!). And what I found is that I actually have a giant list of happy in my back pocket! I don’t need to fly to Paris, swim with dolphins, or ride horses on the beach in order to be happy. I just need to find time to enjoy one or two things from my list.
What is Happiness?
Good ole Webster defines happiness as, “the state of being happy: JOY.” And I would argue that most of us look for external validation or social cues to tell us if we are happy. If only I lived where they lived, then I would be that happy too. Or how about, If only I could take that vacation, then all of my problems will be left behind. News flash, they are sitting at the airport waiting for you when you return. Like a beacon to remind you that life didn’t change just because you went somewhere tropical for a week. (By the way, this has NEVER happened to me!)
So who should decide what the state of being happy looks like. Certainly not Mr. Webster or the social media influencers you’re busy trolling. YOU! Only you should decide what happiness and joy mean to you. Which is why having a list of tried and true slices of bliss (or pie) can really ground you in your journey to finding joy in the everyday.
Things That Make Me Happy
Now, you’ll probably wonder why “my family” or “my home” aren’t on the list, and that was very purposeful. It’s not that my family and home don’t make me happy, it’s because they are too broad and therefore can’t be used to change my perspective. Sometimes it’s my kids fighting or my messy home that’s contributing to my faltering mood, and I want to be able to use this list to renew my soul. So, in no particular order (except for the first two), here is my list.
- Coffee – you complete me.
- Tacos – The answer, no matter the question.
- Music – preferably loud.
- Flowers – an easy way to brighten my mood.
- Ocean – this is my happy place, where I revive my spirit and feed my soul.
- Gardening – a way to become one with the earth.
- Laughter – the release of a belly laugh feels SO good, but hearing laughter can be just as special!
- Hugs – hugs cure everything!
- Dates with friends – lunch/dinner/book sales/coffee
- Dates with my hubs – all of the uninterrupted conversation (or silence!)
- Peaceful moments outside – listen to the world, soak up the sunshine, feel the air.
- Writing – such a release.
- Adventures in cooking – I enjoy trying new dishes and new flavors!
- Farmers Market – inspiring, healthy, community.
- Reading in the morning before the world is awake – how I begin every day.
- Star gazing – the universe is so vast and amazing, so much larger than us!
- Pedicures – your feet deserve it.
- Folding Laundry – yep, for real. Not the washing or the gathering, just the folding. (I really miss folding baby clothes the most!)
- Pie – Peach Pie, Apple Pie, Berry Pie, Tomato Pie, Chicken Pot Pie (alright, that’s enough Bubba Gump!)
- Snuggling with my kids – this is rare and cannot be forced. But when they want to snuggle, I TRY really hard to stop everything and cuddle with them.
- Walking with friends – this is my therapy!
- Nature – another way to connect with my soul.
- Wandering bookstores – the smell, the knowledge, the dreams.
- Sunrises – such hope
- Sunsets – such peace
- Charcuterie boards – cheese. is. life!
- Listening to the rain
- Camping – simple living and connecting with nature!
- Eating – I know what you’re thinking, but I really like eating!
- Simplicity – it invites me to be calm.
- Painting furniture – a fun way to add creativity and color in my life.
- Wandering target with a cup of coffee – I look forward to doing that again someday.
- Playing cards and games – friendly competition, laughter, and an opportunity to swear more!
- Puzzles – the more pieces the better!
Keep it flexible
The glory of having such a list at my fingertips, is that I can always add to it or remove something that no longer serves me. It doesn’t have to stay at 34 things for the entire year, that was just a starting place. For example, since seeing Hamilton live, I have added Concerts/Shows to my list. And now that I’m paying close attention, every time I think Oh, this makes me so happy, I can just add it to my list.
What makes you happy?
Even if it’s not your birthday, I recommend that you make a list. When you have free time or you’re feeling down, you’ll have a resource with ideas to reference and you can try to fill your time with the things you love most.
Choose to be happy now! Tell me something from your list!
Becca @ Life’s A Pearl
I love this post! Very inspiring. My list would overlap a lot with yours. One thing that comes to mind for me is being out in middle of the night when the world is sleeping. It’s a magical time of peace and silence. The contrast and shadows feel otherworldly. Another is any travel trip – the actual travel part with being on the move.
ASHLEY
I love those! The middle of the night piece is very vivid. I know exactly the type of stillness and peace that you speak of. Sadly, the ability to be awake at that hour has left me. 😊