Are you a thinker? I’ve been a deep thinker for as long as I can remember. Every month for 2018 The Oprah Magazine is asking a big question for each of us to think about. “What would make you happy?” is July’s big question. Oprah says that for her “it’s about having a gorgeous day all to myself.” I bet! Oprah’s so busy and involved in so many different projects, businesses, etc that I’m thinking that she rarely has many moments, let alone days, to herself. You can read more about Oprah’s Happy Place on the magazine’s website.
How beautiful does Oprah look on this cover??!!
Oprah says that “if you can define it, you’re one step closer!” The way Oprah’s big question is put is this… If you could start being more joyful right here, right now, for the low price of free, what would make you happy? Happiness is about losing yourself in what you love.
What would make me happy?
Like I mentioned above, I’m a very deep thinker. I’m pretty happy most of the time. I can think about happy, enlightening, joyful things and then I am happy. It’s pretty simple for me.
I think about my husband (my soul mate and best friend), his kind heart and soul and the twinkle in his eye I am transformed into utter happiness. I feel like the luckiest lady alive!
When I think about my children and how they’re each coming into their own lives now that they’re adults, it makes me instantly happy. Seeing my daughters with the good men that they have chosen to do life with makes this mom so very happy (and I know my son will make an equally good choice in the future).
I can walk around a beautiful garden or I can walk around the garden department at Home Depot just looking at flowers and I can feel my mood being elevated and I am happy. In fact, scientific studies have shown that flowers make people happy.
I think about cinnamon sugar covered donuts melting in my mouth or fresh baked cookies and I am happy. The scents make me almost as happy as eating the delicious treats.
Reading a good book while listening to the waves crash in the distance makes me happy.
Good music makes me happy. It’s like my heart starts dancing to the beat. There are some artists whose voices get the serotonin flowing in my brain and I get an electrifying happiness. I joke about it to my friends that it doesn’t matter what James Taylor is singing about in his songs. Just hearing his voice makes me happy.
I am very fortunate to have a very blessed life. I have had my share of sadness and loss too, just like everyone else. And if I’m going to lay the facts on the table I wish everyone could experience happiness more often. I wish we had world peace, that families could stay together, that there was racial equality and that there was no more gun violence, etc.
Nonetheless, when I look at the list that I created above it makes me realize that what makes me the happiest isn’t a “thing.” It’s the moments in life and the people in my life that make me the happiest. It may have taken me 53 years to realize this, but at least I’m there now.
Can you answer Oprah’s Big Question? What would make you happy?
You can read my previous post answering Oprah’s Big Question for June here. Additional posts can be found in the Big Questions tab at the top of my blog in the Lifestyle section.
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That is SUCH a tough question because while we all think we know our answer, when we are asked to name what would actually make us happy… it’s so hard to put into words. I can get really deep with my answer and it would be in regards to my children and their happiness but if I just name something simple that I know would bring me true happiness, I would love for my house to be clean and organized all at once, lol!
Yes, I know exactly what you mean Keri! Welcome to the deep thinker club!! Love your answers!! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah’s Big Question: What Would Make You Happy?
You’re so right – it’s not “things” that make me happy. It’s the sweet moments in life, whether small or large. It’s also family, friends, and love that are all wrapped up in gratitude. 💞
That’s exactly right Rachel! We don’t realize how blessed we are sometimes. Have a wonderful weekend! Stacie xo
Stacie recently posted…Oprah’s Big Question: What Would Make You Happy?
Such a nice tribute to your wonderful husband and 3 great kids.
Awww, you’re so sweet. You know they mean the world to me. 🙂 Stacie xo
Living a satisfying and fulfilling life, and having good health– those certainly make for a happy life.
I’m a deep thinker as well. What makes me happy is knowing that people I love are healthy, precious dog included. Good post!!!
Beautifully written post Stacie. I don’t think I’ve given this question as much thought as I should. I always say my grandchildren but there’s so much more in my life that makes me happy.
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To know that mine, my husband’s, and all of our pets future was secure would make me happy.
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It’s a tough question, because there are things that make us feel joy instantly, but those things are not necessarily what makes us happy in the long run. I would say that material things don’t make me happy, although I can feel a rush of joy from them. Spending great time with people I love is what makes me happy long term!
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Such a tough question but I do think it’s the little things that can make you happy!
Now this is one of those questions that I would take forever to answer! Definitely food for thought though!
Such a deep question! There’s a lot that goes into happiness.
Like you, so many things make me happy! I have a lot to be thankful for and seeing my family happy probably makes me the happiest.