Some Things That Make Me Happy: Acceptance, Peaceful Mornings, and Connection

I’ve put together a list of things that make me feel happy. This is not to be misinterpreted as a sure thing – because feelings of happiness always come and go. Sometimes happiness shows up out of nowhere, and I am surprised, but most of the time, it’s a result of a choice and a lifelong practice.

So, here are some things that I try to remember when I want to feel happy:

1.Being in the flow of life makes me happy.

“Life is the dancer, and you are the dance.” – Eckhart Tolle

Happiness is being in the flow and rhythm of life. It’s a feeling of being aligned with what’s happening – saying yes to it all. It requires trust. It also requires letting go of my plan to unfold a higher and often grander (and happier!) plan.

When I can connect with this state, I feel free. I also find life to be much more fun when I can get to this place.

2. Connecting to the stillness within brings happiness.

In the morning, when I do my inner body meditation, I feel a wave of happiness wash over me. Suddenly, I can experience the freshness and newness of everything around me. I feel delighted by the way the morning sun gives the walls in my bedroom a light, pinkish glow. I look out the window, and for a moment, everything appears magical and new.

Even if just for a moment, getting in touch with that fresh, open curiosity makes me so happy.

3. The feeling of total acceptance makes me happy.

“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

This one continues to take time and practice but truly accepting life exactly as it makes me happy. I’m learning that accepting equals love in many ways. When I can accept the moment as it is, I have a better chance of finding happiness within that moment.

I can see that my life is perfectly imperfect, and that’s okay. It brings a feeling of levity and lightness with it. I’m releasing the burden of having to change everything to make it acceptable. That relief comes with happiness.

4. Stopping to look at the wonder and beauty around me brings true happiness.

Getting outside, listening to the birds chirping, feeling the breeze, all of these things make me happy. Appreciating the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning and stopping along my walk to marvel at the massive blooms on my neighbor’s rose bush or the tiny little flower inside of a large cactus brings me joy.

Maybe it’s because all of these things take me out of my head, even if just for a minute. I can escape to the moment I’m in.

5. Having loving and fulfilling relationships makes me happy.

“Happiness is meant to be shared.” – Abby Wambach.

This one goes without saying, but I still sometimes need the reminder.

Can you remember a time when you felt delighted? Who was there with you?

Many of these times are shared. Laughing in the kitchen with family. Going for a sunset drive along with the beach, blaring the music in the car with my teenage daughter. These moments bring pure happiness.

6. A sense of purpose brings enduring happiness.

Having a sense of purpose takes everything deeper into my heart. I know that I am connected to something larger than me. This kind of happiness feels more enduring, less fleeting.

Why? Because I feel a deeper connection to my day and the contribution I am making.  As Oprah says, “Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.” It probably doesn’t get any better than that.

7. The belief that our natural state is one of happiness.

“Wellbeing is my birthright. I am worthy.” – Abraham Hicks

We are born happy. Look at a baby and see how easily they giggle and coo. They are happy – just sitting there, staring out into space. They are thrilled by a squeaky toy or the sound of a silly voice.

Over time, all of the responsibilities come along with layer upon layer of thoughts, experiences, conditioning, etc. Suddenly we can find ourselves trapped in our self-made web of thoughts and beliefs that blind us to our truest happy nature within.

But, we can remember that deep down, we are all happy, beautiful, loveable, kind, and worthy. We just need to remember the truth.

Even with all of this, many days, happiness is hard to come by. I don’t try to live a constantly happy life. Instead, I want to drift back toward happiness whenever possible and enjoy those little moments when they arise. I want to grab ahold of them and celebrate them to their fullest.

Check out these uplifting and inspiring quotes if you want to keep the momentum going!