Happiness. It’s something we all strive for. It’s something that often seems elusive. And yet, it really isn’t rocket science. Like anything else in our life, it’s a choice.
“Happiness is not the ideal of reason, but of imagination.” Immanuel Kant
Keeping it simple, you get to decide. Am I happy or not? A lot of books have been written on the subject. Here’s an amazon search if you feel the need to dig deeper into the subject.
People talk about all the things that they would be happy if they could have/do/be.
“I’d be happy if I had a better relationship.”
“If I had the job I really want, I’d be happy.”
“Living in a different city would make me happy.”
“If my family was like that, I’d be happy.”
“More money would make me happy.”
And so it goes on and on and on. I have news for you – life is short. Why not be happy NOW. Why not choose to be happy? Why not see all the wonderful things you have rather than focusing on what you don’t?
I love Pharrell Williams theme from Despicable Me 2 – especially when you add in the minions – Because I’m Happy.
To quote the chorus – “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth. Clap along if you know what happiness is to you. Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do.”
In the spirit of being happy, even as the weather is dreary outside my window, here’s a small list of what makes me happy.
- My cat sleeping and purring on my lap
- Spring
- Getting a surprise phone call from my niece
- Finding something I love that I thought was lost
- My dog jumping all over with her own happiness when I come home
- Hearing a song I love that I haven’t heard in a long time
- Trying something new and enjoying it
- Smiles
- A baby’s laugh
- Good chocolate
- Coming across a movie I love by chance on TV
- Getting a kiss from my partner after a long day apart (it always seems like a long time apart)
- Making a discovery that inspires me
- A great smell – bread, turkey, cut grass, oranges, flowers
- Rainbows
- First snow
- Going on a new adventure
- A great book
- Theatre
- A surprise that makes me laugh
That’s only 20 things. I could keep going. How about you? It’s time for you to make your because I’m happy list.
When you get overwhelmed or feel sad, look at your list. I have no doubt that at least one things will either be present or easy to find in the moment to make you smile. Hold onto that feeling when times get hard or even when you’re feeling a little down for whatever reason.
Do SOMETHING that makes you happy, even if seems silly. Happiness is worth a little effort. It doesn’t take much. And it’s so much more fun that wallowing!
Because I’m happy – and choose to be – clap along and have PURRfect day!
Christie Mawer – The Bad Kitty
thebadkittyis@gmail.com