A few weeks ago I was listening to an interview on the radio and there was a question about writing a list of 4 things that make you happy. Or maybe that was the answer, I can’t remember. But I remember the list part. Four things that make you happy.
But, hmm, what makes me happy
You know when Jerry Seinfeld was asked what he likes in a woman and he said “I like what’s good. Smart, beautiful, funny. All the good stuff.” That’s how I am with happiness, I like the good stuff, the same stuff makes everyone else happy.
Which (maybe you noticed) totally avoids the question.
The whole idea of being happy is new to me. For a long time I gave up hope on happiness and settled on content. I was going to be the most content person out there. Me and contentedness would be the best of friends.
Again, avoiding the question.
If I am to enjoy this life of mine, I’m going to need to meet happiness head on and get on board. Only I really and truly can’t think of a single thing to add to the happiness list. Really. And truly.
After several years of losing myself to the demands of parenting, I’m in a bit of a “who am I again?” stage. Like a brand new college graduate setting off with a backpack and a Canadian flag in search of herself, here I am. Only I have a Roots purse and an iPhone.
In the Runaway Bride, Julia Roberts’ character has always ordered the same eggs as her finance and has to try all the eggs to find which one she likes best. That’s what I need to do, try all the things and find which make me happy.
On the plus side I enjoy eggs nearly every way.
Do you know what makes you happy?
>If I could say yes to only one thing that makes me happy, only one thing, it would be to not feel guilty every day that I'm not doing my best for my family.
Yeah. That would be it.
xo
>Freedom and water. And I wouldn't turn down oysters and beer-that's what they're serving up in my happy place.
>Managing to stay in the moment and to keep my mind present. Seeing and feeling the joy of my family and friends. Feeling that I am enough and have not disappointed anyone including myself. Tough gig happiness yet we alone are responsible for it.
>I'm kind of in that "finding me again" stage too. I'd have to say being outside makes me happy. More outside time.
>I really like hanging out on online and reading my friends words on the internet. It really makes me happy and when I get behind on reading blogs, it isn't guilt that I feel. I just feel like I'm missing out on the lives of my friends that happen to live in my computer.
>I find myself in a similar position. We moved to Las Vegas from Los Angeles last year. Yup. Trying hard to find happiness in the desert. A place where I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would be living. Hey, I'm a Toronto girl originally. So I've discovered immersing myself in nature (at least for now, it's about to become a furnace here) is helpful. Writing is helpful. Hanging with friends. Baking. Interesting to note kids weren't mentioned once….And I've recently started reading The Happiness Project. Have you read it?
>Honestly, I think you were on a good track with contentment. Happiness is a big responsibility, a burden even. Contentment helps me accept what is right now. And enjoy it.
>Taking pictures. Being in the moment with my kids. Eating chocolate. Reading.
Simple things. And scrambled eggs
>I know some of the things that make me happy but I don't think there is a destination to the journey of happiness. Finding what makes you happy *is* the journey.