Everyday Happiness: How to Thrive in the Cosiest Season

It's a blustery autumn day, and I'm snuggled up, listening to the rain as I write. You know, the kind of day that just begs for a warm blanket and a steaming cup of tea. Ah, the beautiful memories of summer still linger, but there's something about the shift into fall that's truly magical.

As the days grow shorter and winter approaches, I'm reminded of one of my favourite quotes: "If you want to be happy, you have to be happy on purpose. When you wake up, you can't just wait to see what kind of day you'll have. You have to decide what kind of day you'll have." - Joel Osteen

With that wisdom in mind, I've put together a list of things that can add a sprinkle of light and happiness to our lives during the darker months.

Make a List
Raise your hand if you're a list maker! I know I am. But, even if list-making isn't your usual thing, hear me out. Creating a list of things that bring you joy is like having a happiness cheat sheet. It's a collection of little pleasures, like snuggling with your dog, enjoying a warm shower, or sipping a soothing cup of tea. These simple joys often slip our minds when winter blues or challenging times roll around. But these small things can make a big difference in how we feel about ourselves and our lives.

Declutter
If you've followed my blog for a while, you know that decluttering is my go-to solution for almost everything. It's not just about tidying up physical spaces; it's a way of letting go of what no longer serves us, making room for new, and finding peace in an organised environment. Making decisions on what to keep, donate, or recycle flexes our decision-making muscles, giving us a sense of control that ripples into other aspects of life.

Love
Let's talk about self-love, the kind we often overlook. You might surprise your loved ones with little gifts, but when was the last time you treated yourself to flowers or a leisurely afternoon lost in a good book? It's easy to slip into the habit of putting ourselves last despite our best intentions. I still have days when work seems more important than taking extra exercise. But taking care of our well-being shouldn't be a once-in-a-while thing, nor should it feel indulgent. 

Let Go of Expectations
I debated whether to include this because it's a deep and complex topic. Expectations, whether self-imposed or imposed by others, can weigh us down. It's the "I should have achieved this by now" or "I must follow the path laid out for me" kind of thinking. If these expectations affect your happiness, it's time to release their grip. This process might involve self-reflection or discussions with a trusted friend. And if they still cling too tightly, consider seeking support from an alternative therapist.

Take Action
In my early twenties, I spent a lot of time waiting for motivation to strike like a lightning bolt. I thought it would appear in a self-help book or spontaneously manifest. It took a while to realise that motivation doesn't work that way. I had to stand up, get off the couch, and take the first small step. Even when you're stuck in a low mood or can't kickstart your dream project, taking action—no matter how small—makes all the difference.

So, there you have it. I hope this list sparks some inspiration to infuse a little more happiness into your days. After all, there's no such thing as having too much happiness. 💖🍂

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.