It sounds like a simple idea... but are you really doing enough of what makes you happy?
Hi friends!
I've been doing some thinking about happiness lately and what actually goes into truly being happy. There are so many things in life that are out of our control. We can't control how other people treat us, our medical issues or even if we will have a tomorrow (A little depressing, sorry... but it's true!) It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the day to day chaos, going from one goal to the next, and forget to truly enjoy life. Life is too short NOT to be happy.
If I stop to think about things that make me happy. The list is simple...there are so many things on a day to day basis that bring joy.
Taking a moment to enjoy a well brewed cup of tea or coffee.
Going that extra mile in my morning run.
Taking a studio yoga class.
Spending extra time with Rhett.
Calling an old friend.
Doing something crafty or artistic.
Racing.
Going for a walk.
Going someplace new.
Sleeping eight hours a night.
Working with the March of Dimes.
Having friends over for dinner.
Watching the sunset.
These are things that aren't really that hard too do, but often get overlooked in my day to day life. These are things I need to be doing more often.
I encourage you to make a similar list and do more of what actually makes you happy.
I know we all are very busy and there are things that have to happen, people we have to take care of. But taking care of ourselves is just as important. Say NO to things that don't bring you joy and focus your very precious you time on things that truly bring you joy.
It may be hard to find time to do some of those things that really make you happy, but dig deep because happiness is often right in front of you... we just might be too busy to see it.
Also of interest:
25 Ways to Be Positive Any Day
Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I'm sharing the Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dish roundup! There will be something for everyone.
I’m linking this post with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
What small things really make you happy?
Do you routinely make enough time to do some of those things?
Haley @ Better With Toast says
Thanks for this! It's always good to be reminded to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the little things. For me that means reading a good book, cooking a nice meal, and really pushing myself in a workout. Helps to take time to appreciate the things that I'm lucky enough to do almost everyday! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Haley! Your list is great!
jill conyers says
There's so much joy in our day to day life. Sometimes we miss it because we're looking too hard. Does that make sense?
Thanks for sharing with Fitness Friday Julie! xoxo
JulieWunder says
Absolutely! I'm certainly guilty of getting in the too-busy grind.
Cassi says
With the way things fly by it can be difficult to even recognize what makes you happy.
JulieWunder says
Exactly! Sometimes you have to be conscious about being happy.
Mandi Korn says
You sound like a Buddha….I like it and wish I could do more thing to make me happy, but alas I make daily excuses not too:o(
Joanna @Makingmine says
This is such a sweet post - and exactly what I needed this morning!
Lo @ Travel the Unbeaten Path says
Ha, I JUST wrote about happiness and balance too... great minds think alike! 😉 I agree with you whole-heartedly, it's all in enjoying the little things instead of overlooking them. Thank you for sharing such a great reminder!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lo! Great minds do think alike!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.blogspot.com says
Great advice for sure...to do more of what makes us happy! It makes me happy to read, write, have quiet time, spend time with my husband and our pets and just chill.Some days I do better with taking the time for happiness than other days!
JulieWunder says
I agree! It's hard to find the balance sometimes.
Jess @hellotofit says
Doing more of what makes us happy is so simple, yet I know I don't make time for more of the things I love - it's easy to give the excuse of being busy with work, etc.
JulieWunder says
I think we just have to choose our time wisely. I need to get rid of some stuff I'm just doing because I think I have to!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This is so important! We definitely need to start saying no to things we know we won't enjoy and start doing more things that bring smiles to our faces. Thanks for sharing!
JulieWunder says
I agree! It's time to be less talk and more action!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Thank you for the wonderful and lovely reminder! I know that I can get caught up in a cycle of negativity. Sometimes we do need to just look around us for a reason to smile!
JulieWunder says
I agree! I know it's easier to say it than to do it-- but I figure you have to start somewhere... my motto is fake it until you make it!
Mary Beth Jackson says
Ain't that the truth! People are so busy that they get in the way of their own happiness! Sad- we have to enjoy this life- we get just this one time here 🙂
JulieWunder says
So true! I've been feeling that a lot lately!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
Wow, that picture of the sunset with the boats is incredible! Where is that?
Things that are currently making me happy is the fact that Christmas is coming!! and that I recently have been in touch with an old friend. Also I just saw Susie's comment of moving painfree and I think that is a big one too 🙂
JulieWunder says
It's Key West-- Mallory Square 🙂 You can see more in Monday's post!
Yes-- health is a big deal not to be taken for granted!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
You're absolutely right. I am going to share this idea with my boyfriend. It's so easy to get caught up doing things that keep you stressed - you need to make the time to do what you enjoy as often as you can! Great post.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Janelle! I think it's especially true during the holidays.
Lisa B says
Your best and most uplifting blog to date, Julie! Thank you for the reminders and the amazing pictures!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lisa! I really appreciate that!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
What a great reminder! Some of the things that make me happy are painting my nails, looking put together, snuggling with Benny and Annabelle, having time with Aaron, getting out for a run in perfect weather. Ah so many great things to remember!
JulieWunder says
I agree Heather! Great list!
Jenny says
This message is so timely for me! Thank you! I've been listening to Joyce Meyer's latest series on enjoying everyday life, and the lesson I'm developing is how to do the mundane, everyday life stuff with joy. And making a conscious decision to be as happy on a soggy, rainy Wednesday 😉 as I would be on the first day of vacation. I'm learning the difference between happiness, or joy, and excitement, and it's so beautiful and peaceful! So, Happy Wednesday! 🙂
JulieWunder says
I really love that concept. Happiness is really how you interact with your own life. I"m going to look into that series. THanks!
J-Mom says
Reading your post, I realized that I've been looking at some of the things I like doing as chores. Time to change that perception. Thank you for the post !
JulieWunder says
Such a good point. I've had that mindset before too.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Ah 8 hours of sleep sounds great. This past week has made me appreciate more all that I cherish.
JulieWunder says
Doesn't it! I agree it's been a rough week!
Annmarie says
Aw, I love this! I so need to make a list too- it would be a great way to focus on the little things that make me smile when the bigger more hectic things in life try to take over!
JulieWunder says
I know it's easier that than done-- but even a little more effort can help!
Dan Steadman says
hiking a nice long mountain trail, a good long run, and a cold either hard cider or craft beer make me really happy
JulieWunder says
Great picks! Those make me happy too 🙂
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Small things that really make me happy: time with friends. sushi. painfree movement. helping others. helping others realize their dreams and that they are stronger than they ever thought possible. cuddling with Alex on the couch. messing with zoe 😀
JulieWunder says
Exactly! So many good things. Wishing you pain free movement soon!!!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I really do think it's the small things that make you happy like snuggling with my cats, going to brunch with a friend or getting a new piece of clothing just because.
JulieWunder says
I agree-- shopping therapy is a real thing!
Blane Sherer says
Sounds simple but it makes sense to do more of what
makes you happy ( smile ).
JulieWunder says
I think we all overlook the obvious sometimes 🙂 Or at least I KNOW I do!