What does happiness mean to you?  There’s a lot of searching going on these days for the elusive emotion of “being happy” --where do you find it, how do you create it, and even what it actually is?  

 But I’d like to share a little secret with you -- happiness is not just for a lucky few who were born with it. You see, happiness is not something you can reach out and touch or put in the refrigerator and take a sip when you need it.  Happiness is not found on a beach in Hawaii (really!) or in a perfect body.  It’s not even in that perfect relationship that Tom Cruise tries to sell us in the movies.  

Yet from the images bombarding you every day, it’s easy to make the mistake that happiness will arrive on your doorstep when you have the latest car, the best clothes, and a fancy home, isn’t it?  It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking that if you could just find the right person, they’d arrive with a box of happiness attached to his/her hip.  But all this does is convince you that happiness is something to be found outside of yourself.  And that’s where you get off track. Because the secret is that happiness is simply a by-product of creating and living a life that works, a life that you enjoy -- whatever that is.  Happiness comes from doing what you want, where you want to do it, and who you want to do it with. 

Cherish Relationships

At the heart of happiness lies the relationships we build with others. Your family, friends, and loved ones are like the sunshine on a rainy day. Spending time with them, sharing laughter, and creating special memories can fill your life with happiness. 

It's often the smallest, most ordinary moments that hold the most profound happiness. It's the simple joy of having breakfast together on a lazy Sunday morning, the comfort of a phone call with a distant friend, or the feeling of being understood without saying a word. These little moments are like puzzle pieces that fit perfectly into the mosaic of your happiness.

In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook these moments. But when you pause to appreciate them, you realize that they are the threads that weave the fabric of your happiness. They remind you that happiness doesn't always come from grand gestures or extravagant events; it often hides in the everyday moments of connection and love.

Doing What You Love

Think back to a time when you were deeply engrossed in an activity you love. It could be anything – perhaps painting a canvas, tending to your garden, or strumming a guitar. Time seemed to vanish, didn't it? It's as if the world around you faded into the background, and you were in a state of pure bliss.

That's the magic of pursuing your hobbies and passions. These activities are like secret doorways to your inner world of happiness. They allow you to express yourself, to create, and to lose yourself in the joy of the moment. Whether it's the strokes of a brush on canvas, the aroma of a freshly baked pie, the scent of earth in a garden, or the sweet melodies of a musical instrument, these experiences are like a symphony of happiness that your soul dances to.

Think of it as a gentle reminder to prioritize joy in your life. It's not selfish to allocate time to pursue your passions; it's an act of self-care. When you do what makes you happy, you recharge your emotional batteries, which, in turn, allows you to be more present and joyful in other aspects of your life.

Taking Care of Yourself

Self-care is essential for happiness. It's about getting enough rest, eating well, and staying active. But it's also about being kind to yourself, forgiving your mistakes, and understanding your own worth. Self-care isn't selfish; it's a way to nurture your own happiness.

Self-care extends beyond physical well-being; it's also about nurturing your emotional health. Being kind to yourself means acknowledging your feelings, both positive and negative, without judgment. It's understanding that it's okay to have moments of vulnerability and to embrace them with kindness. By treating yourself with compassion, you create a safe emotional space within which happiness can flourish.

Just as a plant needs water and sunlight to grow, our bodies need proper care. This includes getting enough rest, eating nutritious meals, and staying active. When you prioritize these aspects of self-care, you're ensuring that your body functions optimally. A well-rested, well-fed, and active body is more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges, making it easier to find happiness.

Ultimately, self-care is a vital stepping stone on the path to happiness. It provides you with the foundation necessary to lead a fulfilling life. When you are physically and emotionally healthy, kind to yourself, forgiving of your imperfections, and aware of your worth, you create an environment where happiness can thrive.

Final Thoughts

Happiness is about making the best choices you can about who you spend your time with, doing what you love, and what you put into your body.  Because when you feel good about the space you’re in, when you’re with people you admire and respect and they admire and respect you, when you’re working on a project that’s meaningful to you -- happiness will shine right through. And that’s no secret.