Jelena Dincic
What exactly is happiness?
I guess that while everyone has their own personal definition of happiness, we can all agree that it’s a positive feeling – one of satisfaction, joy, and inner peace.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 signs that you’re a happy person who finds joy in everyday life.
Recognizing these signs will give you a greater understanding of what makes you happy, as well as how to cultivate more joy in your life.
Let’s get started:
1) You laugh every day
If you can find something to laugh about every day, then you really are a happy person.
You see, laughter releases endorphins also referred to as “feel-good hormones” that reduce stress and anxiety and boost your mood. Turns out that laughter really is the best medicine.
And do you know what else?
Your laughter and happiness are infectious and that’s why you’re always surrounded by cheerful people.
2) You appreciate the little things
Here’s the thing: If you can appreciate the little things in life – the warmth of the sun on your face, your cat purring in your lap, coffee with a friend – then you’ve found happiness.
Let me explain why.
You see, some people spend their whole lives searching for happiness in all the wrong places. They think if they can just make more money, become more successful, and find their soulmates, they’ll finally be happy.
But nothing ever seems to be enough. And do you know what? They miss out on the joy of everyday life.
Happiness is all around us, we just have to embrace it – the same way that you do.
3) You love your friends and family
If you have family and friends who you love and who love you back, what more could you ask for?
Isn’t that what life is all about? Having people in your life who love you?
Not everyone is lucky to come from a good family. And many people struggle to find true friendship.
Yes, it’s true, life has been kind to you.
4) You practice gratitude
You’re lucky and you know it.
That’s why you keep a gratitude journal and you make sure to write at least one thing you’re grateful for each day – even when you’re having a really bad day.
In my experience, practicing gratitude is a good reminder of all the things that are good in our lives and of how lucky we are.
So, if you can find just one thing to be grateful for each day, then that’s another sign that you’re a happy person.
5) You make an effort to stay positive
The truth is that nobody can be happy 100% of the time.
Even happy people like yourself who find joy in everyday life have bad days. You too feel sad, hurt, and disappointed. You too experience loss.
But no matter what happens, you try to stay positive. You think about all the good things that you’ve experienced and all the good things to come.
You know that whatever it is that you’re going through now is temporary.
In other words, you’re aware that life is a fleeting series of moments – good and bad. That’s why you choose to remain positive, even during the hardest of times.
6) You take time to relax and unwind
You know the importance of finding time for yourself.
You know that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” – or as I would put it, a sad boy.
Look, I know so many people who keep making excuses as to why they can’t find 5 minutes for themselves – and they’re miserable.
So what are they in a constant rush for? What are they working so hard for if they never find the time to relax and unwind?
7) You don’t take yourself too seriously
It’s a great attitude to have in life.
The truth is that happy people have a healthy sense of perspective and a positive attitude toward life.
You know that life has its ups and downs and that taking yourself too seriously can lead to anxiety, stress, and even disappointment.
People who take themselves too seriously tend to become too critical of themselves and set impossible standards for themselves. And when they can’t attain perfection, they become the opposite of happy.
But people like you are able to laugh at their mistakes and don’t feel the need to conform or change to fit other people’s expectations.
You get that life is about the journey, not the destination, and that’s why you want to enjoy the ride.
8) You make time for your hobbies
Life can’t just be about work (even if you love your job) and responsibilities.
A happy person makes time for activities that bring them joy and fulfillment, whether they be riding a bicycle, baking cakes, or playing fantasy role-playing (FRP) games with their buddies.
The bottom line is that you know the importance of making time for your hobbies when it comes to your emotional well-being.
9) You don’t compare yourself to others
Great!
Because comparing ourselves to other people serves no purpose.
The only way to measure your success is to look at where you are now as opposed to where you were 6 months ago, a year ago, or even 10 years ago.
Take me for example.
I learned to drive in a country where everyone respects the rules. Then, I moved somewhere where making your way through traffic in a car was like making your way through a jungle – and it scared me senseless.
That’s why I didn’t dare get behind the wheel for years.
And then Covid hit and I felt trapped. I walked everywhere but that wasn’t enough. I wanted to get out of the city and spend more time in nature.
Then, finally, last year, I got a car!
And for like the first month, I was too scared to even leave the parking lot.
But then bit by bit, I started to get further and further away from that parking lot.
And now? I can drive through the jungle at rush hour, without panicking!
It may not sound like much, but I’m really proud of my progress.
10) You love your job
We spend a significant amount of time working to make money to pay for bills and to be able to afford the things in life that give us pleasure.
So, if you make a living doing something you love, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
Think about it:
You spend 8 hours a day working.
That’s 5 days a week, 20 days a month, and 240 days a year. That’s 1920 hours!
And I’m not even mentioning overtime.
So, if you actually enjoy whatever it is that you do, and if it gives you a sense of purpose and joy, then, you’re one lucky person.
You have something to look forward to when you wake up each morning, and that’s another sign that you’re happy.
