My awesome 6 kids. Watching my wonderful adopted girls who were malnurished when they came home from Haiti blossom. Now, one is second in the Nation in the 100 meter dash at the age of 14. What joy they bring my heart.

I just watched a documentary on happiness called "Happiness." It was really good. The documentary concluded that it's usually things like being out in nature, spending time with close friends or family, meditating on compassion (I am adding here--not for abuser if you're still around them), and feeling part of the community by working on a big picture problem or volunteering.

It's a really cool documentary--it's on netflix. I recommend it to anyone.

Me? I think that it's spending time out in the desert, looking for things and taking photos. I like to find things too--mushrooms, shellfish, flowers etc. I think it's a very primitive happiness. It's also best when it's with people I'm close to. I also like petting my cats and giving them kisses on the face.

My happy button is waking to my childrens smile every day, and when that one certain thing turns out right, and you weren't expecting it. I love rainy days, and the sunshine through the rain, laughter through tears, I love that each day brings hope and faith in my life and evidence of it all the time.
Just the simple things make me happy. I have a joy and a peace that passes all understanding all the time because of my faith.
Luv n (((((hugs)))))

RunningWild, you asked me what makes me happy or used to? My little dog in the profile photo used to. Now? The concept of an abuse free world. Might as well dream big, huh.

He's a gorgeous little dog :)

The dream of an abuse-free world sounds good. You're already helping us move towards that just by being here x

great thread!

I love hiking in nature and being surrounded by trees and wildlife, that actually makes me happy. I also love to cook and try new foods that always is fun too.

going to the park with my brother and just enjoying time with him. we dont get to do that very often and when he goes he describes what the trees and the lake looks like. and it just seems like for one instant we dont have to go back to a house we hate.

I am happy you have a loving brother who describes beautiful things to you. Always hold on to that. :)

Running Wild, thank you for the nice words about my dog. She was truly my best friend.

I'm so glad you posted this discussion topic!
I went to a friends wedding last weekend and I realized that because of the things I've been through, and the growth I've made since then that the small things really don't bother me as much anymore. I had SO MUCH FUN! I danced, I met new people and had fun! No worrying about anyone else being mad at how I looked, or if someone talked to me. I didn't bring a date, I danced with the kids, with the girls and with my friends husbands here and there for a couple slow dances. At one point my sister's date was dancing with me and said how he felt bad that I wasn't dancing during all the slow songs. I really hadn't even noticed.

I don't really know where I'm going with this, but I think the freedom of not having to check my phone, not worrying that I am doing something "wrong" has left me pretty happy about the good things in my life.. So I count all the blessings I have and have been enjoying them!

Having to battle depression daily, I often have to dig down deep for just a little happiness.

My dog makes me happy. She is so loving and affectionate. Even at my worst, she makes me grin.

Having to battle depression daily, I often have to dig down deep for just a little happiness.

My dog makes me happy. She is so loving and affectionate. Even at my worst, she makes me grin.

Having to battle depression daily, I often have to dig down deep for just a little happiness.

My dog makes me happy. She is so loving and affectionate. Even at my worst, she makes me grin.

Dark chocolate
UConn women's basketball
Great salsa music
Producing digital animated videos
Robert Redford in just about anything
Laughing with my whole body
People helping people
Surf and turf
Ceramic donkies
Ice skating
Hiking
Rainbows and the Northern Lights
Springtime
Loving friends
Freedom

A few of mine...

I do a daily gratitude list; it has to be three NEW things every day, so I can't list "my health" day after day (though I am very grateful for my health). Sometimes I have to look hard to find three new good things, but I can always find them.

Most days I will repeat out loud and/or write down, positive, encouraging, supportive messages to myself, as a form of self-suggestion.

Regular exercise is vital. For me it's just walking, preferably outside on a beautiful day.

Working on a project that I care about is a huge mood-booster for me, especially if that project involves creativity and making new things. Drawing, painting, crafting, or just building/creating something -- even if it doesn't come out that pretty -- is a wonderful outlet and helps me think positively about the future. It helps me feel like I have something to look forward to.

Learning new things is another biggie for me. In fact, this is one of my all-time favorite quotes:

The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.
-- T.H. White, The Once and Future King

Hope this helps a little.