Warm hugs; a Baby’s giggle; the sunlit reflection of love in my dear one’s eyes; the smell of baking cinnamon rolls; fresh hot coffee in the morning … these are just a few of my favorite things. They make me happy.  I have a much longer list, but I’d like to focus on you.  

What makes you happy?  When you have a moment, write down those wonderful ideas and memories.  Go wild and list the big and small things (all the things) that impact your happiness. Aim for at least one or two dozen… the more the merrier. As time goes by, and other things come to mind, keep adding to your list. Making this list has great practical value … you could say it’s a golden investment in your own well-being.  

First: a) Knowing what makes us happy helps to focus the view so we can find and recognize more happiness. It often seems embedded in the little things — easily taken for granted. If we’re feeling a bit downcast, we can review our ‘happiness’ lists to refresh appreciation for things that may have been overlooked. 

1. b) Since we have clearly identified a few ‘happy’ things – we can visualize them, in place of other things that may clog our view with stress and negativity. Try it:  The next time you find your view darkened, close your eyes and visualize one of your ‘happy’ things.  Be very deliberate in your recall. Re-capture the details of sight, sound, smell, feel, or taste of that joyful experience.  Savor it for a few moments and enjoy the shift in perspective that’s likely to be available to you.  

Second:  There’s a lot to be learned from studying our lists. What’s at the top?  

How many ‘of your joys are linked to relationships – loved ones, friends, colleagues?  How many are material? Are your joys connected to achievement, athletics, hobbies or other activities?  How many are career oriented? Go ahead and categorize. 

Try ranking the categories, then try ranking items within your categories. 

Which are more important to your happiness? Are time and energy devoted to top ranking happiness factors, or has distraction caused sliding into a different path? Is re-direction possible?  What actions can we take to multiply our happiness factors? Clarity can be gained, and plans laid from this kind of study. Blessings come as we share our thoughts with God.  He has plans too.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Third: The greatest source of happiness is that the God of heaven came down to our rescue – touching us with His love, in Jesus Christ our Lord. His word tells the story and instructs us in all things.  He said … 

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)

My prayer echoes a great apostle …

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Blessings, Love, and Laughter,

Margaret