Next Week is Hunt for Happiness Week

It’s almost funny that we have to hunt for happiness, but with only 39% of people in the United States feeling “very happy” (I guess that’s better than 3% of Latvia…), something’s got to be missing…right?

Maybe it has nothing to do with what’s missing; maybe it has to do with what we just don’t see. After all, plenty of people, from Sarah Ban Breathnach to Oprah to the people behind The Secret, maintain that by keeping a journal of things you’re grateful for, you’re bound to feel happier and more appreciative of what you’ve got. And I can certainly vouch for this; after keeping my own gratitude journal, I’d say that I went from being unhappy half of the time to being happy most of the time. And nobody’s happy all of the time, right? Well, almost nobody.

So if you’re really in the doldrums and feel like you need to go on a happiness hunt, here are a few stops you might want to make.

Your Own Happiness Project: If you haven’t checked out Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project, you should. At her website you can start your own project toward happiness, with monthly themes, progress trackers, and plenty of advice, interviews and tips from Gretchen.

Your Own Gratitude Journal: Just write down five simple things you’re grateful for—either in the morning or before you go to bed each night. Start each one with “Thank you for…” or “I’m grateful/thankful for…” Before long it will become a welcome practice that you anticipate each day. And like Breathnach says, if you have a rough day and have to be sarcastic (“Thanks a lot for my ruined shoes!”) then so be it. Move on tomorrow.

Laugh More: When was the last time you had a big belly laugh? Rent a movie featuring your favorite comedian this weekend and really let go. Or try looking up one on YouTube right now, such as Jeanne Robertson.

Do What You Love: If you can’t remember the last time you engaged in your favorite hobby or activity, it’s high time you took the time to do so. Make a list of ten things that you absolutely love to do, from gardening to reading to swing dancing, and make a note in your planner to do one of them this week. Can’t think of something? Visit a hobby store and browse.

Go to the Toy Store: Leave the kids with a sitter and go play! Did you love to play with dolls as a child? Hotwheel cars? Maybe you’re like me and you loved Lincoln Logs and Sylvanian animals. They’re also bringing back lots of fun old toys, like sock monkeys, My Little Ponies, and Monchichis