Writing this isn’t about preaching. It’s just a way for me to remind myself of what helps when things get tough. And maybe these thoughts will resonate with someone else, too.
So, how can we find a little happiness when life feels upside down? Here are some ideas that work for me.
(They sound simple, but let’s face it: our minds can be tricky, and these tips need constant practice until they become habits.)
Accept the Suck
When things go our way, it’s easy find joy and feel like we’ve earned it. I definitely feel that way and I’ll probably feel it even more when my subscriber count goes up! 😊
But when things don’t go our way, it’s tempting to think, “Why me?”. I’ve been there, especially in recent years, dealing with a lot of stress and personal loss. Losing my mom to cancer last year was incredibly hard, and accepting it has been a journey.
Think of it like standing in the rain without an umbrella – you can’t stop the rain, but you can decide how you’ll respond. Maybe you dance a little, or let the rain wash away what doesn’t serve you.
Need inspiration? Check out this surprising lesson in resilience – from a cockroach! 🪳
Celebrate Small Wins
This is something I’ve learned recently. By “celebrate,” I don’t mean throwing a party or cutting a cake; it’s more about taking a moment to feel good about yourself.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference – a good cup of coffee, a peaceful walk, or quality time with people we love. I’m learning not to get overwhelmed by big goals and instead to appreciate the small victories along the way. Tackling tiny tasks, like writing a blog, organizing a single drawer or enjoying a satisfying meal, can lift your spirits and shift your mindset.
Be Kind and Smile
One habit I try to stick to is spreading kindness. Whether it’s greeting strangers with a smile, saying “good morning,” or giving a compliment, it’s a simple way of finding joy.
I chat with cashiers and try to make their day a little brighter because small acts of kindness don’t just help others, they lift me up too. There’s even a TED Talk about how kindness boosts happiness and I couldn’t agree more!
Being kind costs nothing, but it can help you find joy and make you a lot happier.
Check out this blog for more on how to be kind to yourself.
Create a “Feel-Good” Routine
It took me a while to figure this out. Last year, I didn’t prioritize exercise or self-care at all. But now, I’m making time for small things that lift my mood like going for a walk, lighting a favorite candle, or wearing something I enjoy.
These little routines help me stay present and find joy in the moment. Building small, feel-good habits can brighten even the toughest days, and I’ve noticed they boost my confidence too.
Here’s a morning mindset routine (just takes 5 mins!) I started to feel good.
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
This may sound simple, but it’s surprisingly challenging – and I’m still working on it.
When I feel overwhelmed or unable to find joy or strength, I try a quick mindfulness exercise or take a few deep breaths. I’ve also started keeping a gratitude journal, listing things I’m thankful foreven the small stuff. It helps me shift my focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, no matter how minor.
I’m still a work in progress, but every little step counts!
Redefining Happiness - Find Your Joy
I once read, “Happiness is a choice.” It’s up to us to find it and hold onto it, even when times are tough. Happiness isn’t always about big moments – it can be a quiet, content feeling in the middle of a hard day. By embracing small steps like these, we can find joy in tough times.
If you have any happiness routines that work for you, share them in the comments! I’d love to learn from you.
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