Lately I have noticed a lot of articles written on the subject of happiness: what it is, how to get it and why so many people don’t have it. Yes, happiness seems to be the Holy Grail of emotions for many people right now, so in honor of that certain esprit or joie de vivre that we would all like to have more of, I have decided to list a few things that keep me happy on a daily basis.
- My dog, Gatsby (pictured, as a puppy, above). He is the ultimate companion and best friend. It doesn’t matter if I’ve left the house for two hours or ten minutes, when I step through the front door he is completely overjoyed to see me. His excitement and happiness is palpable and contagious. Any trace of a bad mood is instantly erased when I see that wagging tail.
- Exercise. I’m really enjoying the current combination of yoga, walking and qi gong. I’ve never been much of a gym person and these exercises just seem to boost my mood and keep me happy.
- Reading. As most of you know, I LOVE to read. (Which I why I am always so grateful when I get fab book recommendations from you). I usually read about one to two books a week- its just such a fantastic way to escape and to broaden the mind. What’s on my nightstand right now? Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat Zinn.
- And lastly, finding humor in everyday life. You can imagine my reaction when I came across this carrot at the grocery store the other day...
Sometimes spontaneous laughter is an instant portal to happiness.I would love to know… what makes you happy?
Good grief Daily your puppy is so cute! I just want to reach out and pet him. Plus what a perfect expression just adorable. Hehehe, love the carrot.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jena- I'll pass on your compliment to Gatsby... he will appreciate it. He is a rescue dog- can you imagine anyone not wanting him?!
ReplyDeleteThe carrot was too much for me. I saw it and had to buy it. I was showing it to strangers in the checkout line!
Ohhh! That little guy is just too cute!!
ReplyDeleteI just started reading your blog-- I love the idea of the entire blog. I think more women should respect themselves more as you seem to. Look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Porter! I just took a peek at your blog and it looks amazing! Love your photography...
ReplyDeleteHi Diane- thanks for your kind comments and welcome to my blog! I had a look at your profile and all of your incredible blogs... you seem so artistic and fabulous! I can't wait to get stuck in to reading yours too...
ReplyDeleteSo what about happiness everyone??
ReplyDeleteHappiness is many things but today for me, it was waking up and knowing i have a day to myself where i can catch up on all my jobs, relax a little and blog away (without worrying about other pressing work that is staring back at me from my computer).....
Hi Vicki- Those are the best days, aren't they? And it is so great that you can actually take and appreciate them...
ReplyDeleteDC,
ReplyDeleteMy happinesses include time in the garden, preparing (and eating!) good food, laughing with friends, and successfully remembering to take time out to enjoy any of them!
Our dog is a rescue, too...a big ol' 70+ pound mutt...we love having him, the two cats, the fish, the hedgehog...though there are times my thoughtful search for happiness is interrupted by all the hair fluffs travelling around the house. :)
Hi Scentscelf- we have a lot in common... if I had a garden I would spend hours of joyful bliss in it! Instead I spend a few minutes on my balcony and patio tending to my potted plants :)
ReplyDeleteYes my dog brings tremendous joy and happiness into my life. The latest with him is he's fallen in love with a neighborhood cat that waits for him on our doorstep everyday... lol
Growing things in pots in a 3'x1' space is what kindled my love of gardening...container gardening can be fun, and is a good challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love dog+cat friends...ours give each other baths...makes me start humming "Give Peace a Chance".... ;)
So many things make me happy, Rain on a roof, reading to my daughter, curling up with a good book or magazine, the smell of new shoes, the ocean. I really try to find happiness in simple things every day and approach every day as if it were my last. The carrot made me laugh out loud! x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post - my husband will love the carrot..!
ReplyDeleteHe has the same humour as you..:)
Daily, I am sooo behind on my reading! I love this post and particularly love little Gatsby. The carrot is fabulous, truly fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHappiness, I think chasing it is a bit like chasing rainbows, the faster you run the further away it will seem.
I liked the line in the hours in the scene with Meryl Streep and Ed Harris. One of them says something like they thought a morning at a beach house they stayed at was the beginning of happiness but in fact it was happiness right there and then.
You have to grab it and see it in the smallest things.
Laughing with friends I love about stupid, mediocre things makes me happy. Coming back to London after time away usually makes me happy. Champagne and rose and violet creams make me happy.
Hi Primrose- That's a great attitude and I think that is what its all about... finding delights in everyday life... I'm glad the carrot made you laugh :)
ReplyDeleteBonjour Here There! I'm so glad you liked it- that carrot is turning out to be a big hit!
ReplyDeleteHi Rose- what a lovely comment... thank you. Yes, champagne is one of those things that instantly boosts my spirits... something about the bubbles...
ReplyDeleteYes, in America they say we have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness... I think "the pursuit" of happiness isn't phrased properly- it's just as you said- it's like chasing rainbows.
Being happy in the present moment- that's the thing...
Hi again Daily, it really is the thing, although it's not always easy!
ReplyDeleteOkay - it is nearly midnight and when I saw that carrot I laughed so hard I woke my husband! Thank you - a good belly laugh is good for the soul!
ReplyDelete