Does happiness seem impossible sometimes? Maybe you’re making happiness too difficult. Focus attention on the simple things to get happier.
Happiness can seem elusive when you chase it. It’s like a bunny. Chase it in a field, and it runs a little to fast for you. Try to grab it from the hat and you get nothing but stale air with the scent of a magician’s pomade.
“The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.”
― Louisa May Alcott
One of the major tenets of Independently Happy is don’t take happiness too seriously. Trying too hard can make it harder than it has to be. Happiness is simple and simple is what you should do.
The other premise of Independently Happy is two parts. Presence for now and presents for the future. Let’s take a close look at some simple ways to enjoy some simple things.
Presence for Now
This is gratitude.
Gratitude is powerful. Look for things to be thankful for. It will distract you from thinking about things annoying you. Plus you’ll get better and better at finding things to be thankful for.
Enjoy Some Nature
Trees are Amazing
They’re all the same, and they’re all completely different. How does each tree with the same leaves and bark grow into such unique formations?
Clouds in the Sky
They’re all different shapes and colors. Sometimes full of rain or lightning, sometimes just gliding across the sky.
Nature’s Smells
Pay attention to smells. They may not all be good. As much as I love Madrid, the bus fumes can be overwhelming, especially in my favorite places. Then I’ll walk by a bakery, and oh man!
Nature is Full of Enjoyable Sounds
Pay attention to sounds:
- Music
- Laughter
- A loved one’s voice
Keep your favorite music handy. Look up funny videos or jokes now and then. Hang around some funny people. Read their blogs and sign up for their email lists. Hint. Hint. Call someone you love so you can hear the sound of their voice.
Enjoy Your Friends
Spend time with loved ones. Hang out. Talk. Play cards are work puzzles. Have coffee, beers or dinner.
Surely there’s someone you can spend a laugh with.
No matter how bad your job seems, isn’t there somebody there you can talk to about a movie or a book?
Or an escape plan.
If you stay at home with the kids, I bet there’s another parent near who would love to meet up and hang out at the park or a coffee shop.
Maybe Chick-Fil-A? You can talk over salad while the kids play on the playground.
Find ways to start working one of these into your week:
- Guys’ night
- Girls’ night
- Game night
- Puzzle night
- Playdates
- Dinner
- Drinks (just don’t drive afterward)
- Walks in the neighborhood or park
I have to admit that I’ve never liked the word playdate. Just play. Just hang out, but if you have to schedule it then maybe it’s a date. I guess it sounds better than play appointment. Whatever you call it, do it.
Don’t forget the greatness of puzzles. A great way to get into the moment. Plus, if you’re chatting while focusing on the puzzle, there’s no telling what you might say! I’ve found out things I would have loved to know as a kid while working puzzles with Mom.
What are the simple things that you enjoy?