Over the summer, I read Kelli’s post about this and then Kristen did one, too, and it was also a topic for #Blogtober14 and I figured that was enough prompting for me to finally get on the ball and write out my own list. My happiness list.
One thing that you learn from depression is how to appreciate the small facets of life, the seemingly small, insignificant moments or items or actions that make you feel happy. When you’re in that dark place, all you’re doing is looking for a tiny ray of light to make it more bearable; to provide hope that one day, you’ll come out of it and feel as good as you can. And as I’ve been actively working on ways to manage my depression without medication, focusing on the little things that make me happy has become a constant exercise for me (which is basically the only exercise I’ve been doing lately).
The more I think about it, there more I come up with that makes me happy and give me reason to get out of bed even when I don’t want to:
- The look on my daughter’s face when she accomplishes something she’s been working on
- New books, whether I buy them or get them from the library
- Finding someone who likes the same books or authors as me
- Hearing my favorite song on the radio or on Spotify
- Finally learning the words to a song I couldn’t understand
- Naps
- Clean sheets
- That moment when all the chores are done, all the errands are run, all the food’s been cooked, and I have nothing left to do
- Crossing items off my to-do list
- Thinking of new ideas for the blog, my book, or my upcoming podcast and then actually implementing them
- My dogs. Everything about them.
- Seeing my cat comfortable in the house. While I love my dogs, I have a special place in my heart for my cat since I literally rescued her from the street.
- Finding money I forgot about
- Trying a new recipe and having it turn out exactly the way I want it to
- Hot showers
- New makeup and nail polish
- Achieving a goal
- When I’m driving somewhere unpleasant or annoying and a little bit of nature creeps in, like a herd of deer in a field or a rainbow or a sunset
- Taking the moment to appreciate the aforementioned nature
- Planning vacations
- Office supplies
- The beach
- Hugs
What makes you guys happy?
I’ve also written an entire series on ways to feel happier so please check that out if you’re interested.
P.S. You know what else makes me happy? Linkups! And Steph and I are hosting one next month! Remember the posts we did earlier in the month, Show Us Your Books? Well, we’ve turned it into a link up and we want you to join us. Whether you’ve read one book or 40, tell us all about it on November 11!
I’ve been working on practicing happiness lately and it’s not easy!
I just marked this link up on the wall calendar by my desk, I’m NOT going to miss this or mess it up….maybe. 🙂
Kelli recently posted…What I Learned From Watching Someone Else’s Kid
It really is hard sometimes. I’m working in it, too.
You won’t mess up! Or miss it!
Naps in clean sheets after a hot shower and reading a new book would be key!
Kate recently posted…Back to the books
Add in dogs, and that is supreme happiness!
A hot mug of good coffee on a quiet morning before anyone else has woken up, reading a good book, getting into a state of “flow” at work (as opposed to most of the time when I’m putting out fires), spending time outside — especially crunching through fall leaves!
I need to make a “happy songs” playlist but I’m so clueless about music I can’t think up the songs… but I know them when I hear them!
Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout recently posted…3 Ways to Wear… a patterned pencil skirt #capsulewardrobe #unfancyfriday
Finding the little things in life to be happy about can be pretty hard for some people, so it’s great you take the time to find them and list them. Hugging my children extra hard, clean sheets, an empty laundry sorter, office supplies, and salted caramel fraps make me happy.
lisacng @ expandng.com recently posted…Octopus family, finally finished
I think it’s important to have a list for when you’re feeling extra bad. It’s a good reminder and quick pick me up.
Clean sheets, freshly painted nails, when everything in my house is clean at once, a great book, sunrise over the ocean, coffee, dogs, laughing. These are a few of my happies.
Great list!
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…Some of the best friends I’ve never met
Freshly painted nails are a good one! They give me such a sense of accomplishment, especially when I try something new or a totally different color and it actually turns out well.
Love this! I can be a negative nancy sometimes, so I try to focus on all of the good things in my life like this and realize how blessed I really am! It makes you realize what’s really important and what’s just not!
Julia recently posted…Just another manic Monday…
That’s a great perspective. When we take a few minutes to appreciate what really is important, it makes all the nonsense and drama seem even more insignificant.
Such a great list!! Books, naps and pups always makes me happy too! I love when I cross all my to-do’s off so I can read.
Kerry recently posted…Rutabaga Steak Fries
It makes me happy to forgo the to-do list and just read sometimes.
so joining the link up! you’re so right about focusing on the smaller things. oh there is seriously nothing better than finding someone who likes the same books or authors as you do, you’re like immediately OMG LETS BE FRIENDS AND TALK ABOUT IT.
Kristen recently posted…Training for Tuesday (and Halloween Party)
Finding someone who likes the same books and authors is basically one of the best things ever.
Glad you’ll be joining us. I love your books posts!
This is a great post!! I agree to all of the things you mentioned, and would add sleeping in, quiet time at night, lighting a new candle, having a great cup of coffee, etc. It’s interesting, if you stop and think about all the things that make you happy, you realize there are quite a few in your day-to-day life 🙂 Thanks for posting!!
Sarah recently posted…7 Things I won’t give up to save more money
There’s always something small in my day that makes me smile and feel a little better, even on the worst days.
I love new candles, too!
I love clean sheets, good books, dancing, car dancing, a delicious cup of coffee, quiet time, friend time and the beach.
I cracked up when you said learning words to songs you didn’t know. The song “blinded by the light” popped into my head because there’s a verse that I think says “wrapped up like a douche” but I am pretty sure it doesn’t say that. I don’t know what it says and I am sure I would be happy to know it.
Tricia’s Mostly Healthy Life recently posted…BMI Part II
I love this, Jana. I also love your name.
Being grateful has changed my life to infinity and beyond to make it spectacular. Everyday I write a thank you note to the universe. Every big and little thing. All little miracles. Think about if things went the opposite of even the smallest good thing. So many miracles every darn day. Life is good, sweetie!
Goddess speed to all of us. #greatblog
Love, Steph’s momma
Love your list! Things that make me happy – doggie snuggles, kitty purrs, hearing my husband laugh uncontrollably at something, shopping, talking to my mom on the phone, a clean house, perfect hair days, hearing 90’s music, text updates from my sister regarding the kids. My 9 year old nephew has straight A’s and my 14 year old niece just had her first hs cheerleading competition where she is now a flyer. My sister sent me a video and I literally starting tearing up watching her squad! Ridiculous, right?!
Nadine recently posted…Confessions
As a cheer mom, I don’t think that’s ridiculous at all. But to watch her as a flyer…oy. I’m so glad my child is a base. I’d have daily panic attacks.
Hearing 90s music ALWAYS makes me smile. Unless is something crappy like Britney Spears. Then no.
Oh…and a good beer…duh!