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

I’ve put together a list of things that make me happy. This list should not 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 the result of a choice and a lifelong practice.

Engaging in the activities below truly helps me, and I hope they’ll help you, too.

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 much more fun when I can achieve this state. Performing a random act of kindness, like helping someone unexpectedly, enhances this feeling of being in the flow and contributes to a sense of warmth and joy.

** Dive deeper by reading about the Tao Te Ching Verse One.

2. Connecting to the stillness within brings happiness.

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

Simple comforts, like sleeping in a freshly made bed, also add to this feeling of happiness.

It makes me so happy to connect with that fresh, open curiosity, even for a moment.

**Discover my favorite meditations here.

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.

My life is perfectly imperfect, and that’s okay. It brings a feeling of levity and lightness. I’m releasing the burden of changing everything to make it acceptable, and that relief comes with happiness. Random acts of kindness also enhance this feeling of acceptance and joy as they contribute positively to the world.

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

Getting outside, listening to the birds chirp, and feeling the breeze make me happy. I also appreciate 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 a large cactus.

Spending money on experiences like enjoying a cup of coffee or marveling at nature can also contribute to happiness.

Maybe it’s because all these things take me out of my head, even 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 the beach, and blaring music in the car with my teenage daughter. These moments bring pure happiness.

**Learn more about the love languages here.

6. A sense of purpose brings enduring happiness.

Having a sense of purpose takes everything deeper into my heart. I know I am connected to something larger than myself, and this happiness feels more enduring and 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.

**Read about ‘being a contribution’ here.

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 a silly voice.

Over time, all responsibilities come 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 most authentic happy nature.

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 moments when they arise. I want to grab ahold of them and celebrate them to their fullest.

8. Creating a peaceful morning routine is always a goal.

Mornings have a magical quality. The world is quiet, the air is fresh, and there’s a sense of new beginnings. Creating a peaceful morning routine can set the tone for a happy and fulfilling day.

You can improve your mental health and well-being by incorporating activities that promote relaxation and positivity.

Start by setting a consistent wake-up time and establishing a calming pre-sleep routine to ensure you get enough sleep. This will help combat sleep deprivation and establish a solid foundation for the day ahead.

Begin your morning with a mindfulness practice, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. This helps clear your mind and sets a positive tone for the day. I find that just a few minutes of deep breathing can make a difference in how I approach the day.

Spending time outside, whether it’s taking a short walk or simply sitting in a sunny spot, can do wonders for your mood. The fresh air and natural light help boost your mental health and fill you with positive emotions.

Incorporate physical activity, such as yoga or a short workout, to get your blood flowing and energize your body. This not only supports your physical health but also lifts your spirits.

Take a few minutes to practice gratitude. Whether you write in a journal or simply reflect on the things you’re thankful for, this practice can shift your mindset and help you start the day with a positive outlook.

Finally, enjoy a healthy breakfast made with wholesome ingredients. Eating healthier foods in the morning fuels your body and supports your physical health, setting you up for a productive and happy day.

By incorporating these activities into your morning routine, you can create a peaceful and positive start to your day, setting yourself up for a happy and fulfilling life.

9. Prioritize self-care for lifelong happiness.

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Prioritizing self-care is key for achieving genuine happiness. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being can improve your overall quality of life and increase your happiness levels.

Make time for activities that bring you joy and make you feel good. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or practicing a hobby, these moments of joy are crucial for your mental health.

Prioritize healthy eating habits, focusing on whole, nutritious foods that support your physical health and well-being. Eating healthier foods can impact how you feel physically and emotionally.

Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or exercise, to boost your mood and energy levels. Physical and mental health are closely linked, and staying active is a great way to enhance both.

Practice self-compassion and self-forgiveness. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend. This can help you maintain a positive outlook and reduce negative self-talk.

Take breaks and allow yourself time to rest and recharge.  Sometimes, a short nap or a few minutes of quiet reflection can make all the difference.

By prioritizing self-care and making it a regular part of your routine, you can improve your overall happiness and well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life.

**Learn about the SPIRE method and Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar here.

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

Which of these things resonate the most with you? Let me know in the comments below!

(This blog post was originally published on March 20, 2021, and has been updated for increased thoroughness and clarity.)