How to be Happy

happiness

Web definitions

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

After a miserable January with my health (‘flu and ever other bug under the sun) I

I have decided to really focus on my health and wellbeing this year. These last few weeks I have been getting to bed early, running when I’ve felt able and reading a lot (a rediscovered long lost passion). During a recent run, I got to thinking ‘what makes us happy?’. Those that know me well will be smiling and thinking ‘shoes and handbags’, and of course a new pair of shoes will almost certainly guarantee to put a smile on my face.

But I’m not talking about ‘stuff’ or material possessions. No. I’m talking about deep, true meaningful happiness. Is long-term happiness merely contentment? If so, then happiness itself has to be a combination of those ‘moments’ , those personal ‘things’ that we cherish and make us smile. I think happiness then is a combination of pleasure, engagement and meaning.

I currently have a long list of things that make me happy and I thought I would share a few with you:

1. Long runs at 5am on a mid-summer morning

2. The smell of sea air

3. Good, simple food

4. Long, hot showers with plenty of lotions and potions

5. Eating alfresco

6. Love and being loved.

7. Memories of a holiday to Sorrento

What makes you happy? I would love to know………..