18 Nov When times are tough and happiness seems to much to ask for, here’s what to try instead …
For a variety of reasons, happiness doesn’t always seem achievable, or within reach.
This might be because of our current mental health, or lack thereof, or more attributable to our perceptions of the state of the world (how can I be happy, we might think, when there’s so much pain and suffering around me?).
Either way, positive emotions such as happiness are still worth striving for, because they protect against hopelessness and helplessness, which achieve nothing of value, and promote inspiration and motivation so we might, then, actually be able to create some positive change or do some good.
Even still, knowing happiness is worthy of our efforts doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to achieve, or to enjoy.
But the good news is there’s something we can aim for instead.
And that is … moments of micro-happiness, or tiny joys, glimmers of hope that are all around us, every day, if only we pay attention to to them.
Too often, we discount these mini-miracles, convincing ourselves that they’re not really valuable, or too small to make a difference.
But here’s the thing; every little bit counts, and from little things, big things come.
Focusing on and appreciating tiny triumphs creates more positive emotion which then feeds into hope and inspiration and increases our chances of seeing more good things and doing more good things.
From the smallest of accomplishments, we can trigger a positively upward, self-reinforcing cycle that rockets us towards a better life in so many ways.
So, next time happiness seems like too much of an ask, try, instead, for some mini merriment, some puny pleasure or just a bit of bliss … and then wait and see what comes next!