What Makes You Happy?
The question “What makes you happy?” is often loaded and arbitrary. Happiness means different things to different people. Yet, many will answer with a list of conditions they believe must be met: “I could be happy if I lost 20 pounds,” “I could be happy if I had that expensive house,” “I could be happy if my boss stopped bothering me,” and so on. Happiness often seems linked to external events—what’s happening around us. We tend to think of happiness as an “outside job,” something dependent on circumstances beyond our control.
But is it really? Yes, there are countless things happening in the world we can’t control, but who put us in charge of fixing it all? Why do we feel we have to manage every little detail? It’s exhausting.
Stop Waiting for Happiness.
Happiness isn’t something to “arrive” at—it’s already within you. If you’re always looking ahead, you’ll miss it. Everything you seek is right where you are, right now. No matter what’s happening in the world, no matter what struggles you face, you can always turn inward and claim your joy. It’s a constant within you, and you have the power to transform darkness into light.
This isn’t to say you won’t feel pain, anxiety, or frustration. Negative and positive emotions can coexist. In fact, joy helps us endure the tough times. The more challenging life feels, the more important it is to find joy to navigate through it.
Finding Happiness in Simple Things.
One way to stay in a state of happiness is by appreciating the small things around you. A warm home, a loving family, a bed to rest in, food on the table—these simple blessings can fill your emotional tank. You can also intentionally recall happy memories, moments of love, or challenges you’ve overcome. Happiness is always available—it’s a switch you can flip anytime.
Other ways to foster happiness include being around people who make you laugh, honoring what you value, embracing imperfection, imagining the best in life, doing things you love, finding your purpose, listening to your heart, pushing yourself to grow, and staying open to change. Adaptation is key to survival.
Your Inner Sanctuary.
No matter where you are or what’s going on around you, happiness is always within reach. It’s an internal refuge, a sanctuary that no one can take away from you. Just like people in solitary confinement find peace by turning inward, you can always find peace and joy within yourself.
For my friend, David.
One20 Tuesday 