DISQUS

Debbie R · 1 year ago

I begin each day by sending an unexpected card of gratitude and appreciation to someone I care about. This new habit has had a profound effect on my life!

It's amazing what happens when I set the tone for the day by thinking about who or what I'm are grateful for in my life.

Marissa · 1 year ago

I indulge my own curiosity. I allow myself time each day to read up on a topic that's caught my attention, or to further research a project I'm working on. My brain gets "hungry" if I just go through the motions each day without letting myself really explore and learn. I'm a curious george, a perpetual student.

And I let myself have a cookie each morning. Grandma always said cookies were the perfect breakfast item, and while I don't let myself make cookies my only breakfast, I do love treating myself first thing in the morning. How can the day start badly when I get to treat myself right away? :)

Kristin · 1 year ago

What a wonderful question of the day!

Happiness is a choice. Putting love and respect and smiles out into the world comes back in so many delicious ways. Along with this, a bit of me-time each day, where I dive into a little selfish place without a twinge of guilt. And I agree with Gretchen and Carrie - a bit of daily bod-love, be it Pilates or broccoli or meditation, keeps the physical self in its happy place.

Guylaine · 1 year ago

I just put on my "happy glasses" ! I realized, years ago, as I was struggling with a lot of ups and downs following my separation with the father of my children and found myself raising to youngsters by myself full-time (as the father was living overseas, that one day I would describe my situation as a blessing and an opportunity for a better life and the next day I would describe it as "unfair" and "the end of the world" (or my world). It suddenly dawned on me that it was exactly the same situation that I was describing in such opposite ways depending on the " glasses" I had put on that day (my negative glasses or my positive glasses). I'm now convinced that the best way to promote your own happyness is to make the conscious decision to be happy and to adopt the consequent perspective ...

colette · 1 year ago

Smile! Not just turn up the corners of my mouth, but genuinely smile from the inside out, from my heart, through my eyes. I find that blissful feeling on the inside and allow it to permeate every thing.

Joanne · 1 year ago

I remind myself not to feel guilty when I do something that I enjoy but doesn't seem productive, such as sitting down with a cup of coffee and a book.

Joannie · 1 year ago

I've always had problems with the word 'happiness'. It seems so emphemeral and, of course, it is. Everything changes. Nothing lasts forever, neither sadness nor 'happiness'.

I prefer the word 'joy'. There is something deeper, more inward with joy. It is something I feel in my heart. I've even wondered if it's a gift to me from my Higher Power.

Happiness or joy - as an addict - I didn't know what either word meant as it didn't form any part of my life experience. Now, after years in recovery, every morning I turn my will over to 'the God of my understanding' and my eyes see more clearly the beauty of everything even the painful parts.

Chantal · 1 year ago

I visualize beauty in everything - it's everywhere and in all things.
Expand my mind where I can by learning, watching and participating.
Staying connected to myself and not get too distracted by "what's going on".

JoeM · 1 year ago

Understand that positive action sews the seeds for what we gather at a later time. What you invest in life determines how you are going to live it. If you wallow in the negative, you unfortunately reap the rewards at some future date. I'd much rather be happy so I always ask myself; is this action going to bring me, and those around me, happiness? If I know that it will in the greater sense, then that's what I do.

Marissa · 1 year ago

Thought of another ('cuz I just did it)--dance. Throw on something like YMCA by the Village People, or Can't Get Next to You by the Temptations, or Mountain of Love by Johnny Rivers... and just bust it funky. Like I *am* Solid Gold. I may be sweaty when I finish, but I'm darn happy!

Girl-WOman · 1 year ago

Years ago, I was suffering from bronchitis and someone left a lovely wrapped box of tea and one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books in my mailbox. I felt so loved. I try to pass if forward and practice random acts of kindess every day.

My kids were encouraged to practice random acts of kindness and senseless beauty, and I continue to this day to try to pass it forward as often as I can.

My daughter Jamie, the "Girl" of the blog, called me a few months ago and said breathlessly, "Mom, I just practiced a random act of kindness!"

I was patting myself on the back, thinking, "She got it! I am a good mother."

Jamie continued her monologue: "On the way to work this morning, I saw a homeless man and his dog sitting on a street corner. I make a U-ie and went home and grabbed a 40-pound bag of Hill's Science organic dog food and returned to the street corner and left the dog food with the homeless man and his dog."

Laughing, I thought, "There goes my Mother of the Year Award."

At least the organic dog food was edible for humans, too.

As a blogger I recieve many things that I try to give to Martha's House, a home for abused women. Today I am dropping off a large sampling of shampoos, et cetera, in the shelter's mailbox.

Laura · 1 year ago

My commitment to happiness is communicating with positive language and trying always to see the upside, no matter how down it looks. Great interview with Gretchen. My happiness mantra would be: "There is always an upside." Happiness, like balance, is not a flatline. It's the ups and downs that make life the roller coaster it is meant to be. And this includes enjoying the calm after the storms that can make us laugh, cry, shake with fear or glow with exhilaration.

Marissa · 1 year ago

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it." --Groucho Marx (a favorite quote of mine)

Mini · 1 year ago

I promote my happiness by giving myself time each day! if I don't I get edgy, frustrated and resentful i.e. not happy.

So I take time for me...its not selfish...it's mandatory!

I give my time away to everyone else - but sometimes forget the most important person - ME! Once gain it's not selfish...it's about filling up the well.

The well of creativity...of peace....of innovation...of love....of self!
Cheers!
Mini

Ramona · 1 year ago

This is such a great question!

Although I am sure I do things that make me happy, I know I am not always intentional about doing those things. Today marks the beginning of my decision to consciously do things that promote my happiness. Perhaps I will revisit this question in a few weeks.

By the way, a decaf soy latte makes me very, very happy! :-)

~Ramona Z.

Cindy · 1 year ago

Good morning!
In January of this year, after a very draining 2007 I underwent a period of great anxiety. Nothing I did seemed to help...until we went out purchased a new puppy. We call him Buddy...the perfect name...as he has become a friend to myself, my hubby and my two sons. Cuddling him helps me stay in the now and watching the boys cuddle and love him helps me to see the nurturing side of my guys and brings me great joy.

Kathleen · 1 year ago

Read! It's been my thing since I was a kid. I used to pedal my bike to the local Book and Record to spend my babysitting money. I love being surrounded by books, spending time in bookstores and libraries and going to readings. It's also fun to find just the right book to give someone as a gift. My collection includes lots of poetry, fiction, psychology, books on creativity and writing.

Dena · 1 year ago

Happiness isn't a constant state, and should not be considered to be. To have to do something each day to attain it defeats the purpose. I remember the legend of the two cats - one old and one young - the young kitten kept chasing it's tail. The older one asked him why, and he said, 'My happiness is in my tail, so I'm trying to catch it, but I never can!'. The older cat said, 'My happiness is in my tail, but I just walk along as usual and it follows me everywhere' - wise words!

Amy Guth · 1 year ago

Keeping commitments to myself to write and run or do yoga. And, making myself take a break and relax once in a while.

Amy · 1 year ago

That is a beautiful idea. Appreciation is the surest way to happiness.

chris · 1 year ago

Exercise! It does wonders for me both physically and mentally. It is the best way to start a day. Gets rid of the cobwebs and makes me feel alive and on top of my game!

I also love giving compliments. It is amazing to watch the other person smile and make their day.

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

the best days for me are those where i get enough sleep the night before, do kundalini yoga first thing, take a great shower, kiss my pup on his furry cheek, love my boyfriend up and drink a good cup of coffee. after a morning like that, i feel like i can take on the world!

Angela Ehrig · 1 year ago

I treat people the way I would like to be treated and stay open and willing to reflect upon my contribution. I take time to choose the clothing in the morning that makes me feel myself, confident and sometimes sexy but definitely always comfortable. I get new ideas in the morning as to what kinds of clothing, jewelry, purses and accessories to create in my work to get me out the door happy. If you like to see what I have created so far my website is www.engaylasdesigns.com.

Krystl · 1 year ago

at 3pm, an afternoon cup of tea with a friend and a dose of www.dailylit.com. i'm currently reading agatha christie's "mysterious affair at styles". this little 10 minute break in my day really makes me happy and refreshes me to plow through the next few hours productively.

Ellen · 1 year ago

I get enough sleep. Without it, I'm worthless.
I attend to my spiritual side. Without that, I'm depressed.

lisaohhh · 1 year ago

gratitude gratitude! it is impossible to feel UNHAPPY simultaneously while practicing gratitude. every day i spend time thinking about how damned lucky i am.

Ngonzi Truth Crushshon · 1 year ago

I worship & praise God....which makes me very happy! Especially since Sunday is the beginning of the new week...I feel I can let go of all the stresses of the past week and move forward towards new goals and opportunities!

Friendships & laughter make me happy. When I can let down my guard and be myself...and we can relate to each others' happy/sad/trying times.....

Writing in my journal & looking back from how far I've come....how much I've accomplished and the people that I've helped...especially when I'm sad....I like to recount all the blessings I have!


When I complete a goal or a project that I set for myself....I'm ecstatic....because I feel I'm in control of my destiny (as long as it's inside of God's will, of course). So I feel I'm destined for greatness!! I can't wait...4 more years and I'll be Dr. Crushshon psychologist, which will be my greatest feat so far.

I'm happy, when GOOD outweighs bad. When the poor are treated fairly. I'm happy when the homeless are housed. I'm happy when the sick are cared for. I'm happy when someone that was struggling receives a helping hand. I'm happy when one works really hard and is appreciated. I'm happy when others are happy!!!

Tammy · 1 year ago

I take dance classes regularly; religiously, even. I always make sure to take time to stretch my body every day (downward facing dog is a moral imperative!). I have a rosemary plant in my garden that I love to smell- just taking a moment to smell it makes me feel calm and happy. Happiness also lies in a great cup of tea, and reading a really great book. And lastly, I have found that making sure my beds are made every morning makes me EXTREMELY happy and very relaxed at the end of the day. Nothing upsets my balance more than a messed-up bed!

Patsy Duggan · 1 year ago

I love this question. I wake up every morning like a bird and say thank you to the higher beings for another fantastic day in my wee amazing apartment. I then meditate for at least 5 minutes on gratitude. I pick a card for the day and try to go to a yoga class or plan my day around a one hour activity outdoors or yoga. Plan my work schedule and hopefully how I can plan a play activity with family or friends sometime in the week. I love Gretchen's project, it totally inspires me. Have a great Day!

Katie Kay · 1 year ago

The most important choice I make everyday is to acknowledge and greet my college age children with love, tenderness and praise. Whether it is by text, phone or in person during the summer months. They make my life happy! Oh and music of course...

MoJo · 1 year ago

I spend as much time as I can, on and with myself, without guilt. It doesn't always happen everyday, but it's such an incredible luxury that even just a few minutes, fully present, are such a gift...

Susie Hutchinson · 1 year ago

I'm happiest when I slow down and participate in the moment, rather than react from auto pilot. Lately when I'm doing a million things all while carrying my baby around, she'll turn to me, lock eyes and smile. It's during these moments that I realise how far away I've been from her and any sort of happiness. Happiness is a work in progress for me. My life is completely out of balance, I've come to accept that I wont have peace and therefor complete happiness until I change how I work.

Lisa M. · 1 year ago

Whenever possible, I plunge into the ocean.

Off a boat's bow, a creaky wooden dock, from the sand, it really doesn't matter. The salt water and cool temps are like a jump start to the system. This might sound tres cliche, but surfacing from the beautiful Pacific waters is like a rebirth every time. Cleanses the spirit, mind and body (not to mention it's an instant cure for hangovers). Try it.

rosey · 1 year ago

i agree with Carrie that the best thing i can do to ensure a happy, balanced day is to start it with exercise. an early run around the neighbourhood or even 40 minutes at the gym works for me. next thing i do on days i'm not too time-pressured is make myself a really good cup of coffee and take 10 minutes to mindfully think about all the blessings in my life.

Vanessa Rae · 1 year ago

As I've gotten older I've begun to ask myself if I'm really enjoying what I'm doing at the moment, the company that I'm sharing, how I spend my "me time" and personally define what "family time" is for us. It's liberating when you realize that just because it's something you've always done, doesn't mean it's the best thing for you... and of course giving lots of hugs and kisses to my family.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I try to do this. You've inspired me to DO IT. A tip to myself and everyone else: get a bunch of cards/post cards and keep them handy. You need to create a gratitude "system". Thanks, Debbie.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I'm with you on the compliments. I've made it a practice. It's so great to see someone light right up when you say, "great hair cut." or "you're so polite." Carrie just mentioned yesterday that she told some guy at the grocery store that he looked great (in his bateau shirt and scarf) and he said, "gee thanks, you made my day." One word kindly spoken...

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I'm always amazed at your honesty and clarity. If anyone can strategize some balance for themselves and make it happen, you can.

Beth C. · 1 year ago

I am so glad that you asked this question because it really highlighted for me that I am not doing enough to promote my own happiness these days. The one little thing I've been doing consistently lately is reading your daily blog and actually using it as a prompt for a quick writing exercise every day. I am trying to motivate to go back to hot yoga classes because I found that it had a supremely calming, relaxing and happiness inducing effect on me.

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

Love your choice of music. In my youth I secretly wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer!

Scott · 1 year ago

I spend time with my family. We like to change it up, try to throw in surprises for our selves and our four year old son. I'll scoop him early from daycare to work on a garden project like a pond we're working on. Lots of fun, relaxing and creative. We laugh a lot. Hiking, canoeing, walking in nature is really good for me.

Lynda · 1 year ago

To promote my own happiness I like to link what I love to do with what I "have" to do each day......not always possible but I try really hard. Reading/learning makes me so happy so I try to read from journals that are directly related to my field each day...I also teach at a university that makes me happy! My children are the purest form of happiness for me so I stay connected and talk with them each day:-) For some reason I've fallen away from daily exercise (right now I'm substituting eating/non-exercise) for not charging..I've haven't charged anything since January so I'm dealing with the stress of it all:-)I do know that happiness is a choice, so when I'm not happy I think to myself "why I am choosing this for myself?"

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

I am waiting for my DVD to arrive so that I can begin my day with some "Rhimba" dance fusion. I will likely have a wee audience while I do this in the living room. I can feel the giggles already! Thank you for reminding me that fitness can be hysterical - the more you laugh, the better you feel!

Lynda · 1 year ago

Katie, I have to agree with you..those fleeting moments become so special!

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

I am grateful for your insight today, Susie. This week my husband is in Africa and our two little girls are on the island with their grandparents. I am missing them all terribly - but reading your thoughts about how you can be far away when you're right beside someone has helped me to re-frame my missing them into a deep connection - and a reminder to be present with them when we are all together. That is where the happiness is.

Karryn Ransom · 1 year ago

"We each have today. And a choice as to how we shall live it." - Sarah Ban Breathnach

Luciaf · 1 year ago

What a simple and great way to shift your perspective and also create an opportunity for happiness for someone else. I'm totally gonna copy, dude, gonna copy...!

Luciaf · 1 year ago

I make a beautiful breakfast. Sliced strawberries just so, a leaf of basil over the omelette. My husband laughs at me, my toddler picks the leaf off with a crunchy nose...but doesn't matter how rushed the day is. I start it with a beautiful breakfast. Feels good to know I've done at least one beautiful thing that day and just looking at it gives me joy.

Get Togetha · 1 year ago

Happiness is a choice and life is a gift. The mere fact that my heart pumps blood into my veins is proof that I'm am truly blessed.

Connie · 1 year ago

I get online. I take care of my cats who I love tremendously. I make my little apt. cozy. I read something good. I enjoy many cups of tea, faves are Constant Comment w/ chai and Lady Grey. I also watch news and some interesting TV at night. Some days I walk with a friend or go to my favorite bookstore.

Keiko · 1 year ago

Yoga after work. I know I could practice at home, but there's something about letting go of my mind and being led through the series of postures in a room full of sweaty, focused people that I just love. After a day at the computer, my body loves nothing more than to stretch out and be physically challenged.

I always stop to say hi to kitties on the sidewalk, and if you ask my boyfriend, we can't walk anywhere without me stopping to notice and enjoy some tiny bit of nature.

Traci · 1 year ago

Oh, how I can relate to the hungry brain syndrome. But I wouldn't say that indulging my curiosity is something I do to secure my day's happiness. As I writer, I want to know about EVERYTHING, and sometimes learning gets me into serious trouble on the mental health front, because I'm often curious about terrible things (war, hunger, abuse, all the big ones). Those are not the good days. But, then again, sometimes I am curious about what on earth a platypuss (sp?) really is, and so I find out. Again. That one never quite sticks with me.

andrea · 1 year ago

to promote my own happiness, I dig in my garden, plant things in soil, eat veggies and fruit from my yard, bake with my children, cook with my children, invest in really good ingredients (spend a little extra on some really, really good olive oil), take the time to be kind to strangers (you never know what kind of day they could be having), do a favour for someone, laugh with a friend, read a really interesting article or begin a new book, breath really "oceany" air, snuggle with my husband, doodle (how I love pen on paper) and the list could go on and on...there are so many things that I do to promote happiness but I am always looking for new ideas!

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing it. I am going to give it a try.

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

be silly with the dogs. Spend time in nature. Write. Eat real food. Dancemeditation.

angie · 1 year ago

Wow, was this question ever timely! You've heard about people who are genetically pre-disposed to depression? Well, I'm their evil twin-the person hardwired for positivity. I've been called "relentlessly cheerful" and "professionally perky" but even people like me have to work at it (I compare it to Michael Jordan and basketall-even though he was gifted at birth, he still had to work hard at it.) For me, it's the work of putting in "what works for me" every day. Is it reading, journaling, rest, talking with friends, volunteering (maybe all of the above during the hard times!)
The work is finding out "what works for me" and committing the time and energy to make it part of my life.

Cindy · 1 year ago

Dance meditation? Sound like something I could love. Can you tell me more about it? Thanks and hugs
c

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Dancemeditation is a practice developed acclaimed dancer and dance teacher Dunya Diane McPherson. Here's what she says about it:
"Dancemeditation is a unique, integrated movement meditation system for healing self-discovery. It approaches dance as a meditation and meditation as a dance. Both are an entwined opportunity to explore the relationships between self-&-other, self-&-cosmos, self-with-Self and self-to-the Divine Eternal. By encouraging receptivity, creativity and present-ness, Dancemeditation cultivates our inherent ability to heal and self-regulate."

It combines Eastern (Yogic and Sufi) and Western (Martha Grahm, somatics, etc.) traditions and modalities, and is basically a continuous inquiry into the wisdom of the body. It has really made a huge difference in my life. I am much more in tune with myself, my body is stronger, my posture is better, I am more confident and more at peace with myself than ever before, as well more detached from my own anxieties. I can laugh at myself more, and dig myself out of holes faster. (a. Kate)

Dunya's website is: www.dancemeditation.org

bene · 1 year ago

Oh, that amount to soo much! I love nature and it makes me happy to talk a walk in the forrest or by the sea. I also like taking walks in the rain and having no care in the world. It makes me blissfully happy when the raindrops meet my face and iI hear the wind in the trees. I keep my home tidy and cosy, I eat comforting food-what beats sausages and mash? I dance and sing loudly in the living room. I only interact with people who I like and that makes me happy. I read a lot, mostly classics and I write. Being creative makes me happy and so do bold colours . I have profound conversations with friends. I listen to classical music, so soothing and uplifting, like Handels Sonatas. In short music, literature, friends, food ,art and yoga makes me happy.