Today marks one year since I clicked Publish on my very first Happy Things Friday post. I started this series on a whim and here we are a year later.
It might sound ridiculous to say it has changed my life. But, it has changed my life.
Am I suddenly the most optimistic and grateful person in the world?
No.
Am I more optimistic and grateful than I was this time last year?
Yes.
Having a regular gratitude practice requires me to slow down and pay attention. I put pen to paper and jot down happy things in my planner throughout the week and it makes me happy. I look over the list and type it up on Thursday and it makes me happy again. I notice more Happy Things because I’m looking for them. And I’m more intentional about creating potentially happy moments because I know how thrilling a good memory can be.
Happy Birthday, Happy Things!
Your turn. Do you have any suggestions for simple ways to incorporate a gratitude practice into daily life? What’s one “little” thing you’re happy for today; what’s one “big” thing?
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mbmom11
I’m at a place in life where I feel like counting my blessings emphasizes the hard things, so I’m trying to enjoy the good things as they come without thinking too much about it.
Little thing- soft kitty fur.
Big thing- hot water heaters.
Elisabeth
Hot water heaters. Yes!!!! WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT ONE? In the fetal position cold and shivering in a corner, that’s where.
Nicole MacPherson
Happy birthday to happy things!
Little happy thing: having coffee in my Kermit mug
Big happy thing: living in this beautiful place!
Elisabeth
You know how I feel about favourite mugs. They make coffee taste better and the whole experience has a bit of a glow to it with the right mug involved; and you live in a stunning part of Canada!
Suzanne
Yay! I love your Happy Things posts! And I think they encourage me to look for happy things more regularly, which is always a good thing.
Little happy thing: bread dough proofing on the counter, which means fresh bread later today!
Big happy thing: my daughter seems to be doing so well in middle school so far!
Elisabeth
Fresh bread. Hard to beat!
Aww. Middle school can be so fraught, so I’m thrilled Clara is starting strong. That can go a long way toward promoting overall confidence for the whole middle school journey <3
Kate
You are absolutely right that the practice of observing and documenting makes you aware of things you wouldn’t necessarily consciously think about otherwise; and even the motivation to put a little extra effort into something to get the most out of it! I’ve gone through various phases of paying especial attention to words and when I’m doing it regularly, they stand out to me even more (new words or particularly descriptive and precise words: some of my favourites are “petrichor”, the smell of fresh rain, and “glaucous”, which can mean either blue/green or a filmy texture, like the coating on the surface of a grape).
This whole weekend has been a huge happy thing for me. A friend and I went out to a paint night together on Friday, then I dropped the kids off with my mother-in-law and Nick and I went to a local Oktoberfest celebration where we danced to live music, then this morning I ran my absolute favourite race in Pittsburgh, a 10K that runs through the heart of the university district and into downtown. Then I’ll go pick up the kids in a few hours. It’s been a perfect balance of social time and time alone and my “gas tank” is full!!
Elisabeth
Wow – those are some words! I do love the smell of fresh rain and who knew there was a word in the English language to describe it.
A Huge Happy Thing Weekend sounds amazing. All of those things sound both energizing and happy. Getting that gas tank to full (especially as moms) can be tricky, so gold stars for setting things up for success (and fun).
Elinoora
Congratulations! I really like reading your happy things posts, it encourages me to look and think about them as well 🙂
Little thing: when I had a shower, there was just enough conditioner left for my hair (I’m a curly head, conditioner is not optional).
Big thing: I told my husband I was quite stressed out by all the things, and could he please help me with the laundry. And he did, which means I now start my week a lot less stressed out. <3
Elisabeth
One of my favourite things is when there is just enough of an item for me to get what I need and have a “clean” finish.
Oh, laundry. Sigh. Having some help in that department sounds wonderful and it means you literally have a cleaner slate going into the weekend.
coco
I love your happy posts! I should get back to it, small and big make our life.
Big thing this weekend: girls excellent swimming performance
Small thing this weekend: finding a perfect kabocha at Japanese store.
Elisabeth
Your girls are such strong swimmers! What a great life skill, amazing exercise, and so good for building confidence.
Lisa’s Yarns
Happy one year! I need to work on incorporating a gratitude practice into my life. A little thing: the boys are upstairs happily playing with LEGO tomorrow (dare I type this out and invite conflict? Ha!). Big thing: having all my basic needs more than met!
Elisabeth
Siblings happy with each other? SUCH A HAPPY THING.
And your big thing is so, so big and yet so easy for me to overlook in my day-to-day life with its myriad of tiny (mostly insignificant) frustrations.
San
I’ve really been enjoying your Happy Things posts, Elisabeth. It’s such a good practice to find the silver linings in the everyday! 🙂
Little thing: my first cup of piping hot coffee after my morning run. (I also second Suzanne’s fresh bread comment!)
Big thing: some good things on the horizon (will share soon).
Elisabeth
That first sip of the first cup – well, there’s nothing like it!
Ohhh. I’m intrigued and VERY EXCITED.
Michelle G.
I love your happy things posts – and happy first happy things anniversary!
Small happy thing: We’re watching the new Frasier, and it’s just as funny as the original!
Big happy thing: It’s Fall, and it’s beautiful! I can’t get enough of the changing leaves!
Elisabeth
We’re rewatching the “old” Frasier for the 5th (?) time. It’s my favourite sitcom. I have not watched the new Frasier so now it’s a must!
I was outside talking to one of the kids’ friends last evening and suddenly spotted this shock of BRIGHT red leaves (one branch on a tree that was otherwise still green), and it took my breath away. Partly because it was so lovely and also because in my gut I was like: Oh right, winter is so close and I’m not ready!
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Jenny
What??? How has it been a year of Happy Things? Time is moving quickly.
A little thing I’m happy for today is eating pumpkin oatmeal out of my pumpkin bowl! lots of big things to be happy for, but I’ll choose the fact that I ran this morning. I don’t take any runs for granted!
Elisabeth
I know, right? Which means it has been over a year of being in this “new” blog space.
Pumpkin oatmeal out of a pumpkin bowl. How meta!!!
And yay for running. Long live healthy calves!
Katy
I’ve kept a thankful journal for years and love it!
Elisabeth
That’s great, Katy. It reminds me of Ann Voskamp’s book where she keeps a numbered list of things that she’s thankful for/bring wonder. If you haven’t already read it, I bet you’d enjoy it (One Thousand Gifts).
Maria
Happy Happy Things Anniversary! These posts are always a bright spot in my week. Thank you!
Something I’m grateful for/a small happy thing : I have successfully grown flowers this year in the garden and being able to enjoy them outside and to cut some and bring them inside brings me a lot of joy.
Elisabeth
Awww, thanks Maria. I’m glad my Happy Things cheer can spread via the internet.
I’d love to see pictures of your flowers! And how perfect to have that burst of colour in your yard and then inside your house!
Tobia | craftaliciousme
Happy Anniversary to Happy Things Friday. I love reading about your happy moments.
When I was deep in my burnout and depression phase I started writing a gratitude journal. Three things daily and it truly helps to focus on the good things. And if it only is the cup of coffee or having a shower. I stopped that about two years or so ago when I realized it became a chore rather than a happy experience. But I have a feeling I will be picking up that practice again in 2025.
Elisabeth
Those “little” things can go so far to boost our mood, and even more so when we recognize them (which generally means we slow down long enough to really appreciate the nuances of the experience – coffee can be slurped and barely noticed or savoured and enjoyed).