In this post, you will find many reasons to be happy, even when things are terrible.
There are a lot of awful things happening in the world and maybe even in your life.
It may seem like there’s nothing you can do to feel better about the situation that you are in.
What I wish for you to realize today is that even when things are going terribly, there are also good things happening to you and all around you.
There is always something going right in your life.
I have another piece of good news and that is that “whatever you focus on expands”.
This simply means that if you’re looking for reasons to be happy, you can and will find them.
I’m here to help you do just that so keep reading!
Why Being Happy Matters More Than We Think
Happy People Are Healthier
It is common knowledge that excess stress and poor mental health can affect physical health negatively.
In contrast, the American Heart Association agrees that “being happy […] helps us eat healthier, be more active and sleep better.”
Happy People Enjoy Better Opportunities
When you are in a good mood, the world feels more open to you.
You feel that there are more possibilities which leads to a more confident, creative, problem-solving mindset.
Happy People Get More Things Done
Get ready to check more things off of your to-do list.
Just like feeling sad makes you want to spend all day in bed, feeling happy makes you more productive and motivated.
There Are So Many Reasons to Be Happy: Here’s 15 of the Best
I bet you won’t get through this list of reasons to be happy without feeling better.
Just 1 or 2 of the following thoughts are enough to lift your spirits. So you can bet the entire list will have you feeling good. Make sure to save this page and return whenever you feel down in the dumps.
1. Be Happy for the Gift of Life
Have you ever thought about the people that wake up in the morning with no idea that later that day, their lives will end due to a random act of violence or a car crash or freak accident?
Or the people that make plans for the next day not knowing that they will never actually wake up?
The most basic reason to be happy is that you are alive! With the gift of life comes the opportunity to love one more time, to laugh one more time, to strive again, to get better, to get a second chance and to hope.
There is no opportunity for anything else without that breath in your lungs.
2. Be Glad for a New Day and Fresh Start
One of my favorite reasons for happiness in life is that bad days don’t last forever.
Even on your worst day, it is encouraging to know that you never have to live that day ever again.
It’s over. Forever.
Be happy for tomorrows and the opportunity to start again.
3. Be Joyful in the Little Things
If you are mindful, you will find an abundance of mini-moments in everyday life that are simply wonderful.
Even when the moment lasts for seconds, those seconds are pure bliss.
The taste of a refreshing cup of water when it is hot outside, for example.
The adorable sound of a baby’s coo.
The bounce in your step from a good hair day.
Finding out it’s girl scout cookie season!!
The feel of your favorite sweater.
The first sip of your daily cup of coffee or tea.
There are quite literally thousands of little things to be happy about every day if you just start noticing them! A gratitude list can help you to keep your eyes peeled.
4. Find Happiness in Unanswered Prayers
This is a weird one isn’t it? Who doesn’t want their prayers answered?
The reality is that if you had gotten all of the things that you prayed for, some of them wouldn’t have been at all like you thought.
Or they may have led you down a path not meant for you.
Like can you imagine if God actually smited that person that did you wrong? Or if you had gotten that job you were desperate to get? Or that man or woman you thought you wanted to keep actually stayed?
We are not all knowing. So be grateful that some of those requests went unanswered.
5. Be Happy That Your Story Isn’t Over
Now this is a beautiful reason to be happy.
A quote that I love says “where there is life, there is hope“.
It means that even when life sucks, the fact that you are still here means that there is a chance to turn things around.
6. Be Glad for Your Experiences
Be happy for the wonderful memories that you’ve gotten to create and be happy that you’ve conquered 100% of all of your bad days so far.
Everything you’ve gone through, both good and bad, has created the beautiful, complex and valuable individual that you are today.
Find joy in the fact that no one on the face of this earth shares your unique perspective and rich history.
7. Be Happy for Friendships
It’s not the quantity of your friends that should bring you joy, it’s the quality of those relationships.
Don’t take it for granted that there are people that are willing to love you unconditionally, make you laugh, listen to you, help you and walk alongside you in this life.
Furthermore, friendship not only brings happiness to our lives, it allows us to be a source of happiness to others.
8. Be Joyful in Challenges That Strengthen You
Do you realize how much stronger and wiser you are compared to 10 years ago…. 5 years ago… even 1 year ago?
Take some time to reflect on it.
You have so much more capacity to deal with challenges that come your way and you should be proud of your resilience.
Celebrate your ongoing growth and evolution!
9. Find Happiness in Your Passion
There are so many reasons to be happy but near the top of the list should be your favorite hobby.
Find joyfulness in that activity that makes your heart smile.
What can you work on for hours at a time? What keeps your brain churning with ideas?
Whatever that is, treasure the fact that you discovered it, or shall we say, that it discovered you!
Be happy about your talents, your gifts and your individual brilliance.
10. Be Happy for the Moving Power of Music
Sometimes I’m amazed that with all the songs that there are out there, artists continue to create unique arrangements to inspire and excite us.
Music is such a gift. The way it can transport you and take you elsewhere.
It can make you happy and make you want to dance. It can help you cope with difficult times and elicit a good cry.
Think about your favorite song and artist and be happy that you discovered them both.
11. Be Glad for Rest
Is there a better feeling than lying down and resting your back after a long, hard day? Hardly! That feeling is A++.
Resting brings reprieve from anxiety and stress and helps us to reset.
Think about it- there is a reason why sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Rest is vital for both our physical health and mental health.
Being able to climb into bed and sleep off is an underrated blessing.
12. Find Joy in Your Abilities
Have you ever thought about all of the bones and muscles that it takes for your legs to work? Most of the time, you don’t even have to think about them working for them to work!
Wiggle your fingers, flex your toes, move your eyeballs.
It’s so easy to take your abilities for granted but they are all reasons to be optimistic.
Even when it feels like your body doesn’t work as well as it used to, find joy in the fact that you have more abilities than inabilities.
13. Be Happy You Have a Place to Call Home
This is one of the most classic reasons to be happy.
Did you know that there are half a million people in this country that are homeless on any given night?
It’s normal to wish for bigger or better housing but at this moment, you have a roof to keep you dry and walls to keep you safe. No matter the square footage, that should make you happy.
14. Be Glad for Unexpected Opportunities
Serendipity is the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Be happy for when the right things happened at the right time.
15. Find Happiness in Your Surroundings
Even if you don’t live in the most green of places, you can appreciate fresh air and the wonder of nature.
Find an opportunity to spend time outside. Go for a short walk. Really think about the uniqueness of each tree, leaves that change color year after year and the elusiveness of the wind. It’s all so amazing!
Choose Happiness No Matter the Reason
If you decide to, you can always find a reason to be happy. I assure you of this.
For a healthy mental attitude, try to meditate on these reasons often. It will transform your mindset.
What are your go-to reasons for being happy? Share with me in the comment section!
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