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The word ‘happy’ is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as – “feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc.” Everyone is different and will have their own ideas of what makes them happy. And, everyone wants, and I hope, everyone strives for happiness. After all, it would be a pretty miserable existence if we aren’t happy at least some time in our lives.
My very wise business coach, Melanie Yost, suggested that I create a bliss list to help me realize what makes me happy. The word ‘bliss’ is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as – “complete happiness”. This important exercise helped me understand what it is that makes me truly happy. The list I created has small things that I have taken for granted in the past, and not realized that they are sources of my happiness. I no longer take these things for granted. I embrace them, and savior them. My list has grown over time and I refer to it, not every day, but frequently. Typically, whenever I’m feeling stressed, discouraged, or negative, I review my bliss list, and do at least one thing to shift my mindset.
It’s important to understand what makes us happy for a number of reasons. Past studies have suggested that being happy can buffer stress, which leads to a healthier, longer life. The main reason, I believe, at least for me, is sort of a life road map, if you will. Understanding my sources of happiness keeps everything in check for me, why I’m here, and what I’m living for.
Many of us create goals; in a few or many areas of our lives. A goal, once again, is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as – “the end toward which an effort is directed.” My main goal in life is to be happy. The bliss list I created keeps me focused on my main goal. The items on my list are objectives that lead to that goal.