Notice When You're Happy

 

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Please notice when you're happy, and exclaim or murmur, or think at some point, "If this isn't nice I don't know what is." (Kurt Vonnegut)

'Uncomplicated happiness' was how my husband described this picture. Children simply express their happiness, unprompted and in the moment. They don't hold back and their joy and delight is immediately infectious. 

As adults perhaps we are more guarded. Our moment of happiness might be nothing more than a thought, or a 'murmur' rather than an exclamation, but we should acknowledge it nonetheless, as it's all too easy to be overwhelmed by negative thoughts, anxiety and worry. As I've been sitting here, at my laptop, I've stopped to watch two blackbirds having a vigorous bath in our garden pond outside our window. Now if that isn't nice I don't know what is.

Writing Prompts:

• Make a list of five things that have made you happy today. Write about one of them, what happened and how it made you feel in your body and mind.
• If you haven't noticed any moments of happiness so far today, make a conscious effort to do so from this moment forward, then write a list.
• Do you 'exclaim' your happiness like a small child? When was the last time you really let rip to announce your joy to the world? What effect did it have on other people?