It is the simple things in life that make me happy; hot water flowing from the faucet, the timer on my coffee maker working correctly so my coffee is ready when I wake up, my husband’s delectable Sunday pot roast, and time spent with people I like and who like me. 

If You Are Happy and You Note It

Paying attention to our happiness is similar to paying attention to the things that make us physically and mentally well because cheeriness adds to our overall wellness. Yes, some of life’s circumstances are far beyond our control, but discovering what brings us delight, pleasure, and a smile to our faces is imperative. Nurturing our sense of happiness buoys us in the midst of trying times.  

The first step in nurturing cheerfulness is to debunk any of the false ideas we might harbor; finding pleasure is selfish. Feeling jubilant, joyful and mirthful does not mean we neglect others. On the contrary, our exhilaration may become their exhilaration. If someone catches our optimism, light heartedness or high spirits, they too can benefit. Happy people have the power to make other people happy.

Secondly, discovering our joviality requires taking inventory. Not everyone is tickled pink by the same ideas. For instance, some enjoy social gatherings because they stir up our mirth. Others prefer solitude and a good book. Then, there are those who like to browse antique shops and while another prefers a stroll through the woods. Finding what lightens our daily physical, mental or emotional load, will in fact prepare us for the next day and the next day and the next day. Slipping into a bit of happiness on a daily basis is similar to pressing the refresh button on our lives.

Finally, if we keep merry-making simple and affordable, then it becomes easier to maintain. We don’t have to fly away to an island in paradise, schedule a week-long retreat at a monastery, or spend thousands of dollars on a shopping spree. Finding our contentment does not require a dime, just a little time. 

Why bother nurturing our happiness? Cheery people cannot help but show their cheeriness. Our tone of voice is lighter, our posture a little taller and our energy level rises. Try it and you just may find yourself surrounded by happy people.