Happy!
On this day of international happiness – I got to thinking about just that – happiness. A simple word but a complex feeling. The quest for happiness is a lifelong one and one that we are all on. Most parents say the most important thing they want for their kids, is for them to be happy. It’s the dream. The goal. The mission. Everyone has sad and hard days, some sadder and harder than others. The human spirit has relentless stamina and I am always amazed with what it can endure.
I was trying to find my own definition of what I think happiness is, but I just couldn’t find the words, so I’m hand-balling it over to two of my favourite humans to define it for me. Best selling author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin and American Politician, diplomat and activist, Eleanor Roosevelt encapsulate exactly what I think it all means.
Gretchen Rubin “ – Two things that bring happiness for just about everyone: self-knowledge and relationships.”
Eleanor Roosevelt” – Someone once asked me what I regarded as the three most important requirements for happiness. My answer was: A feeling that you have been honest with yourself and those around you; a feeling that you have done the best you could both in your personal life and in your work; and the ability to love others.”
Well said ladies.
With that, I started thinking about all the things that make me happy. So, I made a list because…well it made me happy! Now, here’s your challenge – make your own list! It’s impossible to be unhappy when you use gratitude and think of all the goodness in your life. There is always something that brings a little smile to our face and heart. Feel free to post your list below so we can spark some happiness in each others lives.
My happiness list:
Fresh flowers
A made bed.
A hot drink at any time of the day.
My kids smiles, laughter and dancing.
When my husband sings.
My parents visiting.
Candles burning.
Beautiful and stylish things.
Cheese platters.
Sunshine and fresh air.
When everything is tidy and in it’s place.
Making someone else happy.
Calm and quite.
My friends.
Helping others.
Discovering something I never knew existed.
Now it’s your turn, tell me your list below. Happy Happiness Day!
Pretty flower picture courtesy of Lucy Cuneo.
Tags: Eleanor Roosevelt, Gretchen Rubin, Happiness, Happiness Day, Happy, International Day of Happiness