I've spent a good amount of time lately observing people. Friends, family, strangers... I've just been quietly watching people go about their lives. It's become fascinating to watch peoples' moods and the way they carry themselves when they think no one is watching. Some smile and say "good morning" to a bus driver as they board public transportation; some gruffly get on the bus and find a seat. Some joggers politely smile and nod as they run past on the sidewalk; some look straight ahead, remaining stone-faced. Over time, I've come to be encouraged by the people who smile, even to themselves. And I've come to realize that these people-- who give off an air of happiness, even as they go about the mundane parts of their day-- are doing something right. This made me wonder: what makes people happy? What makes people feel full and stay inspired? |
Today, if you're in need of a balance break, take a moment to soak up some of this happiness. After all, it's all around you! As a friend reminded me, "Happiness in not getting what you want, but wanting what you have." (And, I'm convinced it's contagious!) ;)
My children make my life full. My life is crazy! I barely have time to shower or eat, I am always sooo tired, and I don't have a social life anymore, but I love them so much and I honestly don't know what I would do without them! They give my life meaning and happiness that I can't even begin to describe! I'm so blessed to have them in my life.
When I'm feeling down, chocolate chip cookies and 'You've Got Mail' cheer me up, but that rarely happens for me anymore. Now, my go-to is going outside, taking a deep breath, looking at the blue in the sky and the clouds drifting by, and realizing the beauty in the world. It's calming and helps put things in perspective. Our world is beautiful and I have my health and a wonderful friends and family. I have everything I need and sometimes I need to remember that and then I'm happy.
I have so many favorite quotes! This one from Grey's Anatomy is my favorite one: 'Time waits for no man. Time heals all wounds. All any if us wants is more time. Time to grow up. Time to let go. Time.'"
- Maria, 25, stay at home mom
I feel good when family calls and says something good happened to them. My life feels full when I complete projects that I've been working on and when family is around having a good time. A quote that inspires me is, 'It's the truth that hurts; be brave.'"
- George, 75, Retired
I feel good about myself when I accomplish the tasks I set out to conquer. I feel good when I am organized, rested, and when I wake up early to tackle the day!
Giving my time or energy to others makes my life feel full. I recently decided to sponsor a little boy in Uganda through Compassion International, and it has lit up my whole life. I have gone back to church, and the letters I receive from little Charles make every hour of boring work well worth it. And at home, even when I am exhausted, it makes me feel like I have a good, full life when I can take the time to make my significant other dinner and listen to his stories about his day.
When I am having a rough day, I think of Charles, the boy I sponsor. I know he faces a much tougher day than I, every day. I take the moment and turn it around, trying to be thankful. Working in news, I see a lot of weary faces around me every day. Even when I'm hurting, if I can just make one of my coworkers feel appreciated for a moment, it also cheers me up."
- Ginger, 29, Producer
Doing something good for someone else without the attention of having done it makes me feel good. My life feels full with the realization that putting in (as well as receiving) the effort for a successful marriage and family is worth more than anything I could have achieved as an individual.
When I'm having a down day, it cheers me up to be grateful that my down could be worse.
In performance, I say '15 or 15,000,' the idea being that I will perform at my best always, whether it be to 15 people or 15,000 people."
- Anonymous, 48, Musician
There are a lot of different ways that I can feel good about myself. Having that one go-to outfit (for me, a purple wrap dress) can make me feel extra-pretty. Having a best friend to call to talk about my day makes me feel special for having such great friends, while loved ones help me feel blessed to not be alone. Lastly, a job well-done at work that other people recognize... there is no sense of euphoria quite like it!
Sometimes when I'm having a down day, dressing up when I don't want to and going out to celebrate something can really brighten my mood.
I have so many favorite quotes and sayings! One is, 'Don't hold back on the present because you live in fear of the future... or your past.'"
- Megan, 30, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator
I feel good about myself when I share a smile and small conversation with those around me, even if it's just waiting in line at the grocery store.
A close relationship with my family, including my in laws and friends that are like family makes my life feel full. When I'm having a down day, my kitty always knows when extra snuggles are needed and that cheers me up! .
A quote that inspires me is, 'Life provides losses and heartbreak for all of us. But the greatest tragedy is to have the experience and miss the meaning.'"
- Lisa, 26, Business Development
My son makes my life feel full. It used to be my job- which is awesome! But three years ago, that all changed when I held my son in my arms for the first time. My whole world shifted. Less job, more family.
If I'm having a down day because of mom stresses, reading something like Harry Potter helps cheer me up. Or, if it is something heartbreaking and sad, I am all for funny tv shows- my go to shows are Modern Family and Friends. Anything that makes me laugh! I really believe that laughter is the best medicine. I can never go wrong with an Ellen Degeneres clip.
The quote that has helped me get through some tough times is, "It's a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you're ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing is ready. There is only now." It makes me realize that no situation will ever be perfect. But if I keep waiting for the right timing, I could be waiting forever! I have no clue who said it, but I keep it close.
- Meghan, 28, Husbandry Assistant/Diver
I feel good about myself when I know I helped someone else. It doesn't matter if its giving money to a random subway person or sending a birthday card.
I feel full when my boyfriend, my cat and I all snuggle together in bed on weekend mornings. I also feel full when my friends and I have to separate from a fun weekend together. I think the togetherness fills me up and the knowing it's going to end soon makes it feel like I've reached my limit of happiness. When I'm having a down day, my cat helps cheer me up. He always sits on my lap or purrs when I'm sad. I don't even have to ask.
I probably say this prayer on every hard day...at least every two weeks. 'Lord give me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.'"
- Jenny, 28, Doctor