It’s important to know what and why things make us happy to continue to strive for growth, discomfort and a healthy way of living.
I recently read this article on 7 Habits of Incredibly Happy People, and I started to think about what makes me happy. Here’s my short list:
- Writing. This is obvious but one that I actually didn’t realize until recently. Whenever I put off writing, I know I’m not truly making time for myself. When I’m writing anything, whether it’s in my journal or blogging, I feel good and accomplished.
- When I’m recognized for my work. For so long my worth and value were constantly recognized by my physical appearance or by the material I owned. Now when I am recognized for my hard work, my creative ideas and my passion, I stop equating my worth with my looks, and start internalizing that I am a smart and creative individual.
- When I make others happy. Whether it’s just being there to lend an ear or helping them move into their new house, I know that when those around me are happy, I’m happy. I agree with what the article says about having a handful of close friends as well; because I only have a few close friends, it’s easy for me to cultivate and nurture the relationships I have with those few. Thus, more time, energy and dedication is afforded to my close friends and it’s given back in return.
As you can see, this list is more about habits or mindsets instead of external events or specific people. When thinking about what makes you happy, think about what your friends/family/peers/significant others do to make you happy, instead of their mere existence in your life. Or instead of saying, that this new Apple product makes you happy (which I actually did say last week when I got my new Macbook Air), think about what the product will enable you to do now, and how in turn, that makes you happy.
So, what habits or mindsets make you happy?
