50 Things to Be Happy About

Happiness is a funny thing. Have you ever actually sat around and wondered what happiness is and how to be happy? Sometimes it feels big. And sometimes it’s just a teensy tiny glow in your heart. Sometimes it’s expected. And sometimes it comes completely out of nowhere and you’ll find yourself randomly thanking your lucky stars for all the amazing things you have in your life.

 But for all the good things we have, many of us still spend way too much time feeling unhappy. And when those less pleasant feelings hit us, it can be nice to remind ourselves of all the truly excellent things in our lives.

So on that note, here’s my (completely non-comprehensive) list of 50 things designed to help you figure out how to be happy, each one designed to bring a smile to the face of even the grinchiest of happiness-grinches.

1. Wet puppy noses
2. Getting a compliment from a loved one
3. A big glass of red wine
4. New gym clothes
5. Planning a holiday
6. Skipping
7. Sipping coffee at 5am while the rest of the world is still sleeping
8. Dessert
9. Going for a long walk with a friend
10. Trampolining
11. Spooning with your favourite person
12. Picnics
13. Fresh flowers
14. Half price Easter eggs in the week after Easter
15. Cat memes
16. Fresh pasta
17. Open fireplaces
18. Cheese
19. Sparkling mineral water
20. TED talks
21. Unlikely animal friends
22. Love notes
23. Diving into the ocean
24. Dad’s advice
25. A tough workout
26. Brunch
27. The perfect cup of coffee
28. ‘Just because’ presents
29. Mum’s hugs
30. New Year’s Eve
31. Prawn sandwiches
32. Candlelight
33. Friendly baristas
34. Chocolate covered sultanas
35. Bonds trackies
36. Travelling to far-off places
37. Gurgling babies
38. Family
39. Getting stronger
40. Buying a new bedspread
41. Tabata
42. Fresh sheets
43. A well-cooked steak
44. The smell of rain
45. FaceTime dates with family
46. The sound of laughter
47. Dancing alone in the living room
48. Scrabble
49. Mangoes
50. Going to bed early

Life is too short not to be happy… what’s on your list?