Earlier this month I posted a beautiful, scenic picture of a family day out. Commenting below, one reader asked me ‘Tell me please, how can you enjoy your life so much?’ Honestly, the question took me by surprise. I have my down days like everybody else but for the most part, I’m a pretty happy person. Maybe too happy and optimistic for some people’s liking. I believe that comes down to experiencing severe depression about 4 years ago.
Once you experience such soul-crushing sadness and grief, even the smallest of blessings make you swell up in joy and tears. I appreciate and value my happiness because I know what it feels like to wake up in misery and cry yourself to sleep, praying that you wouldn’t see daylight.
I want to share with you my little not-so-secret anymore on cultivating lasting happiness. Happiness that isn’t restricted to your relationship status, the size of your thighs, the number of digits in your bank account or the busyness of your social calendar. Whilst all these components can enhance your happiness, none of them can truly ever replace the joy and sweetness that is found from cultivating your own happiness.
By now your probably wondering, what is this secret? Are you ready for it? Do not underestimate it’s simplicity…
Make your happiness a priority.
That’s it. Every day I go about my life, constantly asking myself ‘what will make me happy?’ Sometimes it’s as simple as using my favourite mug for my daily cup of organic green tea. Other times it’s forcing my tush into the gym. Some days I have to grudge my feet against the ground to make my way but I always return overflowing with love and so much zest and appreciation for life. Sometimes making my happiness a priority means not showing up to family gatherings in-spite of the comments that I get afterwards. Other days it means rearranging work commitments so that I can cherish random hour-long catch ups with my bestie. You get the idea…
So Darling, how can you make your happiness a priority today? Does it meaning using your favourite cutlery instead of saving them for guests? Does it mean waking up 30 minutes earlier so that you can squeeze in self-love time before waking up the kids?
Whatever happiness looks like to you, make it your priority. Let me know in the comments below, what happiness looks like to you and how you plan on investing in your happiness. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Happiness … that elusive concept!
For me, happiness is a lot of things, but what tops all is all-nighters chatting with my favorite person in the world <3
There's also the little things, anything from a smile to coloring to a busy day full of accomplishments, and baked goodies.
Investing in my happiness … I guess the first and foremost thing is to learn to stop reacting when I'm hurt. I end up hurting others too when I do that, and that makes me super un-happy. Then comes actually taking the time to say NO to the things that get me down, like conversations about the terrible side of life that don't end up with solutions to the problems. After that, investing in making the little things, baked goodies, and busy days full of accomplishments happen!
Jazakillahu Khairan for this insightful post!
Your comments about what happiness looks like to you is sooooo beautiful :))
Taking the time out to say no to others for your own happiness is far much better than saying yes and keeping the regret within. At least with saying no, you show up as your most truest and auuthetic self at that moment – even if it does upset people x
I really needed to read this – I struggle terribly with prioritising myself and always have, more so since having children.
Yep you’re not alone 🙂 Just 5 minutes of giving to yourself, really fills you up to give to others. It’s such a positive cycle – the more you give to yourself, the more you can give to others.
Happiness for myself – Sleep lol
Or else tea. Me time. Quiet time for writing and reading. Clean house. That’s about it I think.
I liked the happy tone of your post. Mashaallah
Jazakillah khair! Sleep is a major one!!
This is so beautifully written. Often we breeze through someone’s blog post and there is a whole life contained in it. Thank you for sharing these lovely thoughts.
What does happiness look like to me? Being peaceful and contented. Memorable moments. Tea and books.
How do I plan on investing in my happiness? I want to learn to make dua a daily habit of mine. Heartfelt dua. Not mechanical.
Your concept and action plan for happiness sounds soo incredible! I love the ‘memorable moments’ – soo special 🙂 Jazakillah for commenting xxx
Very well said! For me happiness is simply a book, or a cup of coffee or sitting in a quiet place with with my notebook to write something thought provoking.
Same!!! 😀 It’s all those little moments of bliss x
A great tip thank you for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome Aaliyah 🙂 x
Yes we make choices for our happiness! Trying to find happiness in what life gives us is the meaning of living life to the fullest according to me! And using a decorative cutlery for myself makes me soo happy loll.
heheh make that two! Pretty cutlery just makes the day that much more nicer alhumdulilah x
Ma sha Allah how inspiring. I was also in a downward spiral at some point in my life years ago. Same as you, “down-in-the-dumps”…
Sub han Allah when I also decided to cultivate my own hapiness, as well as doing things for the sake of Allah, everything changed for me.
Jazzakallah khair for this reminder.
BarakAllah fee 🙂 You summed it up beautifully: cultivating your own happiness + doing things for the sake of Allah 🙂