Thinking your way out of joy

Spending time recently with one of my young daughters and her friend, I asked them what makes them happy?

They simultaneously responded, “Food!” After we all had a good laugh at their first response, I asked, “Why?” They replied, “It tastes so good.”  “It’s enjoyable.” One commented that when she’s hungry, she gets grumpy.

They continued sharing what makes them happy.

They both agreed that Nature makes them happy. I again asked the question, “Why?” Their response: “It’s pretty.”  “It’s cool.” “It’s enjoyable.” “It’s calming.”

Music was another response to what makes them happy. Once again I pressed, “Why?” The response: “It can be entertaining, calming, exciting.”  “When I’m depressed I can listen to sad music and I feel better.”

Last but not least they responded that “being with people you love” makes them happy.

I was delighted with their responses and their willingness to share. These young women understood what makes them happy. As I kept pressing to know why, I realized they didn’t necessarily know why, but that didn’t matter. They intuitively knew how to be happy and went about being so. They had not yet succumbed to thinking their way out of joy.

How many of us intuitively know what brings us joy but for various reasons think our way out of it? Maybe responsibilities seem to be too heavy, or challenges seem to outweigh any hope for happiness.

Now, these young women have their share of challenges, yet they choose to focus on the appreciation and enjoyment of the life they were living. What an inspiration to me! They knew how to recognize, appreciate and enjoy.

I invite you to do the same – recognize, acknowledge, appreciate and enjoy that which makes you happy.

I’d love to hear what makes you happy. Share below in the comments. And now, I’m going to go out and enjoy the company of my daughter and her friend!

Love,