The 20th of March is international happiness day and it is a reminder that the world is a better place when we are able to feel happy in ourselves. This has made me think about how important it is to have happiness in our lives. When I consider things that make me happy I think about 4 principles wellness, connection, gratitude and giving. The times that I have positive factors in each of these areas are the times that I am at my happiest.
To me wellness means keeping myself well both physically and mentally. There are many ways to do this and essentially it is ensuring that you take care of yourself. I try to have wellness in my life by eating a healthy and balanced diet and engaging in exercise which for me is mainly walking. Doing this means that I can be in nature, which adds to my happiness.
What makes you feel well and happy??
Connection is also very important. It is being with others and knowing that we are part of something bigger. My connection is spending time with my family and friends and doing the things that we enjoy.
Being grateful also helps us to be happy as it allows us to reflect on the positive things in our lives rather than only focusing on the negatives which pulls us down. A tip that helps me is writing a gratitude list thinking about all the things in my life that I am grateful for and that bring me joy.
Why don’t you try writing a gratitude letter??
Lastly my happiness comes from giving. I enjoy giving back and doing so brings me happiness. It is important to remember that we can give in a variety of ways and often it is the giving of our time that makes us happy and adds to the happiness of others.
I hope that everyone has a happy international happiness day and remember a smile is contagious, spread the joy!
With love and happiness
Dorothy Watson, Network Manager, North Lanarkshire
