Streaming Happiness
February 26, 2016
You’ve probably heard the term “income streams,” referring
to various ways to bring in money. Whether it’s salary, interest or dividends,
selling items on eBay or Craigslist, the idea is the more income streams you
have, the better. What if we apply the concept to happiness, too?
It’s just as important to have multiple “happiness streams”
as it is to have multiple income streams (and a lot more possible, for many of
us). The more sources of happiness we have, the happier we can be. And if one
area of life isn’t going so well, having other sources of happiness to turn to
can be comforting, and perhaps even keep us from becoming downright unhappy.
This blog is mostly about simple pleasures and everyday
adventures and how they relate to happiness. I know, however, that there a
number of common happiness streams, including:
Health/Vitality. Our health is one of our most
precious gifts—to keep it a source of happiness, we need to care for our bodies
lovingly, with nutritious food, adequate sleep, and movement that makes us feel
good. At the very least. It’s hard to be happy if you just don’t feel well.
I’ve noticed that when I feel ill or in pain, my mood often crashes.
Appreciation/Gratitude. When we take time to
notice and appreciate the good things in our lives, our happiness levels rise
and we tend to notice even more things to be happy about. (What we focus on
expands.)
Relationships. Even for introverts (like me), the people we love play a huge role
in our happiness. Our family and friends, co-workers, even the friendly lady at
the checkout in the grocery store, can cause happiness to flow.
Accomplishment/Learning. Working on and completing projects, as well
as learning new things, is a major happiness stream for many people. I notice a
lift of my spirits when I do something as simple as check off an item on my
list of things to do, especially if it’s something that’s been weighing on me.
Spiritual Practice. Whether we belong to an
organized religion or pursue spiritual growth independently, many of us find
comfort and joy in a spiritual practice.
So you see, we can boost our happiness by opening ourselves
to many different happiness streams. I’m generally happy with how my streams
are flowing, but in 2016, I’m spending more time cultivating health and
accomplishment.
How about you? What are your happiness streams? Are they flowing freely?
6 comments
Kathy what a great thought about happiness streams. I know many of mine echo your list. Just being grateful for those single moments is a huge one for me. Also my daily walks. Exercise really improves my mood. Thank you for this wonderful concept. Have a great weekend. P.S. I am always grateful for my visits here. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI whole heartedly agree! Thank you for putting into words what I have always thought. Long live happiness (and your blog which honors it)!
ReplyDeleteDebbie--There's some research out there about how beneficial taking a walk in the morning is--something about how the light affects areas of the brain... Hope you have many happiness streams flowing into your life. Your consistently positive comments are one of mine! Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Poodlekrazee! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment. May you always have plenty of streams of happiness flowing your way.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've been feeling so happy at this time in my life and I see why now in a more categorical sort of way! Yes, yes, and yes! (PS Me, introvert too, so rest times of solitude also contribute to my happiness...)
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are enjoying your streams of happiness...I am not surprised!
Thanks, as always, Rita
Rita--All your happiness streams must be flowing freely! Wonderful to hear. And thank YOU for coming to visit, and for all your nice comments. They add to my happiness.
ReplyDelete