Honoring Happiness

Honoring happiness starts with being present and aware. When we acknowledge the sensations we feel in our bodies and the emotions connected to our sensations, we can more fully experience the happiness in our lives. More subtle emotions like joy, playfulness, pride, contentment, bravery, peace, and hope add depth to the core emotion of happiness.

​In your body, you may feel light, loose, soft, warm, alive, steady, relaxed, and energized. 

​For me, happiness shows up in my face first. I notice the relaxation in my jaw, the lift in my brows, the laughter bubbling up. It can be helpful to identify the sensations and emotions that signify happiness. 

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When you are aware of how you feel and what situations evoke happiness, you can make more authentic choices, practice self-care, and honor the wisdom of your emotions.

According to Hilary Jacobs Hendel's book "It's Not Always Depression", happiness seeks connection. Connection can mean different things to different people. For me, connection means feeling part of something bigger than myself. Finding ways to connect that work for you has the potential to enhance your happiness.

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Click the above image to purchase the Guided Happiness Journal

Tracking your happiness can be enlightening. By noting what's happening at times you feel happy, you can begin to identify patterns. Here's what I noticed brought happiness when I tracked it for a week:

• Seeing my neighbor and his lady friend holding hands.
• Seeing Dolly Parton remake “What’s Up?” with Linda Perry.
• Riding a bike!
• Walking with my friend.
• Drawing, painting, listening to music.
• Hosting brunch.
• Laughter with my neighbors.

For me, happiness comes from witnessing unexpected moments of care and kindness. It comes from play. It comes from creativity. It comes from time with loved ones. It comes from time in nature. ​By tracking your happiness, it's possible to gain deeper insights into what brings you joy.

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It takes presence, patience, and practice to honor and nurture your emotions. Take your time and remember that caring for your emotions with compassion is deep self-care!

If you'd like more emotion education, check out:

• Linsday Braman's Emotion-Sensation-Feeling Wheel Handout 
• Hilary Jacobs Hendel's book It's Not Always Depression: Working the Change Triangle to Listen to the Body, Discover Core Emotions, and Connect to Your Authentic Self
• Brené Brown's book Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
• Dr. Tracy Marks YouTube Video Claim Your Emotions: How to Identify and Name What You're Feeling

If you'd like guidance on honoring your happiness, I have created a Happiness Journal, which is available for purchase on the Present to Beauty Etsy shop.

Click the above image to go to Etsy

​This 8 page journal includes:

• Information on happiness
• Four journal prompts
• Space to note how to best nourish your happiness
• A happiness tracker
• Space for reflection
• A 4x6 printable photo reminder