The Pursuit of Happiness

Are you happy?  What makes you happy? Happiness inquiries are in abundance these days.  Scientists devote time, and money to researching what happiness really is and why it is or isn’t important.  But is it really that complicated?  Think about it and what truly fills your life with joy as you consider the following:

Stop and pause to take something in.  Maybe it’s a sound, a song, a structure or a silly sign.  Try to appreciate what’s around you, not what’s behind or ahead of you.

Acknowledge yourself.  What are you doing right?  Go ahead and think about it, say it or write it to yourself – it’s a strength you have right now.  Give yourself some credit and see what follows.

Connect.  Be social in whatever format works for you, but from time to time don’t forget good old face-to-face interactions.  Feeling connected to others is a key strategy for happiness. 

Be Well.  Tend to your body- after all you only have one, so take care of it!  Moving our bodies has multiple benefits: it distracts you from worry, lets you feel in control of your health, can connect you with others and can have positive physiological changes in your body.

Pursue Goals.  Committing to a goal gives us a sense of purpose and increases self-esteem.  Consider a goal that you have a strong personal interest in and that involves approaching a desirable outcome.

Listen to your heart, your gut, or your favorite song and see what follows

Happiness isn’t something we have and hold on to, it needs to be cultivated and cared for.  Once you know what brings you joy, the rest simply flows.