The happiness list

In 2018 one of my friend asked all of us to make a list of 25 things that made us happy and then post it on Instagram. This is what I came up with:

A lot has changed since then… I moved cities, my hobbies and habits have changed… but at the core, as I am still the same a lot of these are just modified to fit into my current life.

How does making a list of things that make you happy help?

Here are 10 reasons:

Positive Focus: Writing down things that bring you joy shifts your focus from negative aspects of life to positive ones. It helps you remember and appreciate the good things, even during difficult times.
Gratitude: The process of making the list encourages gratitude. Being grateful for the things that make you happy can lead to increased feelings of contentment and satisfaction.
Self-Awareness: As you compile the list, you become more aware of what truly makes you happy. It helps you understand your own preferences, values, and passions.
Stress Reduction: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, referring to your list can serve as a quick pick-me-up. Engaging in activities that bring you happiness can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Mood Booster: Reviewing your happy list can instantly lift your mood. Whether it’s revisiting fond memories or planning to engage in activities you enjoy, it can bring about positive emotions.
Motivation: Your happy list can act as a source of motivation. When you’re feeling low, it reminds you of the things worth looking forward to and can help you get through challenging times.
Better Decision Making: Knowing what makes you happy can help you make better decisions aligned with your values and desires. It can guide you to prioritize activities and opportunities that contribute to your overall well-being.
Increased Happiness: The simple act of focusing on happiness and joy can increase your overall happiness levels. Positive thinking and seeking out sources of joy can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Emotional Resilience: Having a happy list can enhance your emotional resilience. It provides a positive resource to turn to when facing difficulties or setbacks.
Connection with Others: Sharing your happy list with friends or loved ones can strengthen connections and foster positive conversations about shared interests and passions.

If you’re drawing blank when trying to list the things that make you happy then here is how you can do it:

Set Aside Time: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can reflect without distractions. Set aside some dedicated time to focus on this exercise.
Reflect on Past Experiences: Think about moments in your life when you felt genuinely happy. Consider events, activities, people, places, or things that brought you joy in the past.
Ask Yourself Questions: To jog your memory and explore your happiness triggers, ask yourself questions like:
- What activities make time fly because I enjoy them so much?
- What hobbies do I find fulfilling and engaging?
- Who are the people that bring positivity into my life?
- Are there places or environments that make me feel happy and at ease?
Identify Present Happiness Sources: Take note of the things that currently bring happiness into your life. These could be recent experiences, activities you enjoy, or people you appreciate having around.
Pay Attention to Emotions: Pay attention to moments when you feel particularly happy or content. Take note of the circumstances and the elements contributing to those positive feelings.
Explore Different Categories: Organize your list into different categories, such as hobbies, activities, relationships, achievements, personal qualities, places, or even simple pleasures like favorite foods or songs.
Be Specific: As you make your list, try to be specific about each item. Instead of simply listing “traveling,” you can specify a particular destination or type of trip that brings you joy.
Avoid Judgment: Don’t judge or censor yourself during the process. Your list is personal, and it’s essential to include things that genuinely bring you happiness, regardless of how significant or trivial they may seem to others.
Use Positive Language: Frame your list in a positive manner, focusing on what brings you joy rather than what you want to avoid or escape.
Review and Update: Your happy list can be an ongoing and evolving document. Review and update it regularly as your interests, passions, and life circumstances change.
Include Small Pleasures: Don’t forget to include small, everyday pleasures that make you happy, like watching the sunset, enjoying a cup of coffee, or spending time with pets.
Visual Aids: If you’re a visual person, consider creating a vision board or a collection of images that represent the items on your happy list.