Happiness is one of the most sought-after possessions in the world. It’s a process, an ebb and flow. Sometimes it’s elusive and other times it’s present in great abundance. Science has recently taken an increased interest in happiness recently, releasing a number of studies on how to attain it and how to keep it.
I came across an article in Yes Magazine that details 10 things we can do to improve our own personal happiness. It’s a very short read and completely worthwhile. It also got me thinking about the 10 things that make me happy in my day-to-day. In no particular order:
1.) My dog, Phineas. The other day I got home from grocery shopping and ran into one of my neighbors. We chatted for a bit, and Phineas heard us so I opened the door and let him run around the hallway a bit. He ran right up to my neighbor with his characteristic joy as if he hadn’t seen her in years. She turned to me and said, “With that to come home to, how could your day ever really be that bad?” She’s right. He makes my day-to-day life so joyful.
2.) My network. I’ve got great friends and a great family. My relationships are, and always will be, my most valuable asset. They’re priceless.
3.) Time. I’m very lucky that most of the time my working hours are very manageable and allow for lots of free time to pursue my own projects. My yoga and writing are possible because I have a well-paying, mostly 40-hour / week job.
4.) A quiet home. Many years ago, I lived in Washington Heights in a much larger and less expensive apartment than I live in now. And while I loved the culture of my neighborhood, it was so loud that for a year I barely slept. It was an exhausting existence. Now I have a peaceful home. It’s small but it’s enough. My own little place where I can go to get away from it all. And I’m so grateful for it every morning when I wake up, rested.
5.) The freedom and resources to learn. Sadly there are so many areas of the world where people are not free to be curious and industrious. Too many people now, even in this country, don’t have the means to get the best education. I was lucky to go to college during a time when federal aid was readily available and fairly affordable. My education made the life I have now possible. It’s an amazing gift.
6.) New York, NY. Let people say what they want. This is the greatest city in the world. It’s a fascinating, bubbling place of diversity. The whole world really is here, just a few steps outside my door every day. You really can be anything you want to be in this city. No matter what pack you wish to join, it’s here. Or feel free to just go it alone, too. This city has freedom in abundance. It’s a place for people who want to build their own road, by their own design.
What keeps you smiling?
The image above is not my own. It can be found here.
Christa Avampato 
Great idea to get us thinking about the little things that make us happy. I’m thankful for my family and friends, of course. Running makes me happy and, to take it one step further, my running group makes me happy. I’ve been with the group for nearly a year, a record for me as far as joining activities go! I’m happy that I have a few people who are employing me as a freelance writer, and that there are many people out there who have been willing to tell me their stories during interviews. And finally, my hometown of Baltimore makes me happy. People are actually really friendly here (most of them anyway); it’s kind of like having a community and a city at the same time.
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Christa,
I think what is remarkable about you is your willingness to share so much of your personal journey and how that also relates to your professional life.
You make that connection clear, which is why your writing is lucid and flawless. And you capture the reader’s attention.
Following your story has been a moving experience. You have been through so much and you have come out on top. You have experimented and taken risks and look at you now.
Cheers to your life.
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Thanks, Archan. I’ve learned so much on my journey and I hope that these small stories on this blog will also help others along their own journey. Stories are gifts.
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