When you’re an adult, it might be difficult to remember what it was like to put yourself first and not wait to be happy until you had a better job, lost 20 pounds, or paid off all of your debt. Nevertheless, no matter how many achievements you have, according to the renowned priest, professor, and author Henri Nouwen, pleasure is not something that just happens naturally.
1. Write down anything that makes you smile. We may lose sight of why we are even alive due to the stress of managing our daily life. Make a list of 100 things that make you happy to help you remember them. Yes, 100! You will be reminded of what makes you happy by setting a challenge for yourself to complete this activity, especially if you have been down lately. Include everything that brings you life, such as people, places, music, meals, etc. You will be motivated to experience it more frequently once you clearly understand what you appreciate most in life.
2. Go on a “happiness date” with yourself. Set aside a few hours each week to spend alone. Disconnect from job, kids, housework, friends, and Facebook. Regardless of what others may feel or say, use that time to do something that brings YOU joy. For instance, if you enjoy going to art galleries, seeing foreign movies, or taking long walks in the park while listening to the birds, get out there and enjoy yourself. Spend some time with yourself and see how satisfying it is to enjoy the present.
3. Write in a thankfulness notebook every day. According to psychologist and author Robert Emmons, being thankful may raise your sense of optimism, self-worth, and life satisfaction while being ungrateful is linked to loneliness, anxiety, and sadness. Put your thankfulness on paper to start adopting it into your life! Simply make a list of three things for which you are grateful each morning or evening.
