Happiness, according to Wikipedia is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.  It’s something we all strive for but many of us struggle with.  I used to think that once I get that job I’ve always wanted, find the girl of my dreams or start a family I would finally be happy.  I’m starting to realize that if I think happiness will come when this or that happens, I’ll never be happy.  Happiness to me is finding joy in everyday, mundane things and just enjoying the moment.

I was recently sent an email from my mom that I thought was pretty fitting for this post.  It’s nothing mind-blowing but helped me put things into perspective when looking at life.  Here are some of the things that it said.

As we grow older (and wiser), we slowly realize that whether we wear a $300 or $30 watch, they both tell the same thing.  Whether we carry a $300 or $30 wallet/handbag, the amount of money inside is still the same.

Whether the home we live in is 300 or 3,000 square foot place, the loneliness is still the same.

Whether you fly first class or economy, if the plane goes down, you go down with it.

5 Undeniable Facts of Life:

• Don’t educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. So when they grow up they will know the value of things, not the price.
• Eat your food as medicines. Otherwise, you have to eat medicines as your food.
• The one who loves you will never leave you because even if there are 100 reasons to give up they will find one reason to hold on.
• There is a big difference between a human being and being human. Not many really understand it.
• You are loved when you are born. You will be loved when you die. In between, you have to manage.

The thing that really sticks out for me is the first part about the cost of your watch or wallet not really mattering.  I remember in high school, a few friends would compare how much their clothes cost to what I was wearing.  They obviously had the name brand stuff and would make fun of me for wearing what I did because it didn’t add up to what they were wearing.  It’s easy to look back now and laugh but at the time it made me feel like I wasn’t “cool” enough for them. Nowadays I feel the more inexpensive stuff I wear or own, the more freedom I have.  I guess it goes with the whole less is more saying.  The more inexpensive stuff I have, the less I have to worry about getting it dirty or breaking it and the more peace of mind I have.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy nice things, it can be a nice reward for all of your hard work.  I just think we should put more value on things that money can’t buy.  With that being said, here is a list of 25 things that bring me happiness.

• Morning workouts
• Green tea in the morning
• Getting unexpected texts/calls from friends/family.
• Learning something new
• Receiving recognition for a job done well
• Making someone laugh or smile
• Hearing my favorite song on the radio
• Reflecting on life
• Writing
• Reading inspirational quotes/articles
• Hugs
• Yoga – more specifically Shavasana
• This video
• UCLA victories
• Any Taylor Swift song
• Seeing guys walk on the outside of the sidewalk
• Seeing couples smile/laugh
• Going for a walk to break up the workday
• Ramen & Curry
• Naps
• Playing with my dog
• Watching the sunset at the beach
• A restful night of sleep
• Seeing and playing with my niece
• Love – for my family and friends…and most of all for myself

Merry Christmas to all!  I hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks of the year and I look forward to continuing this journey in the new year.

QOTP:  “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have but of appreciating what we do have.” –unknown