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What Makes Us Happy?

The world is noisy, and in the United States, we are in a period when we need earplugs. It’s a presidential campaign year which means advertising and news stories are going to get louder.

To counter the stress of the noise, my goal is to bring you posts that leave you feeling positive, happy, and hopeful. Some of the pieces I write contain important, albeit troubling, information, like last week’s post on “Forever Chemicals.” When I write these types of posts, I include alternatives or solutions in addition to the facts to give you some tools to deal with it all. I strive to reveal the hope that exists regardless of any trauma.

Seeking to bring you one of the happy posts today, I planned on writing about finding joy in the little things of every day. But when I began my list, it was so long that I decided to make this a series, possibly a weekly post where I can offer suggestions you might want to do for yourself.

For the first installment of this happiness series, I give you my greatest joy. Spending time with my family is at the very top of my happiness mountain. I’m shouting from the top of that mountain peak when I see all my children, children-in-law, and grandchildren getting along and enjoying each other’s company.

For my upcoming birthday this year, my children have granted me a wish I’ve wanted for many years. My children reserved a house in a family resort area where we all can stay for a long weekend. I’m delighted and excited anticipating them together, playing and relaxing as one family.

The thought of this trip is bringing me joy every day. Prayerfully, when we actually experience that getaway, it will be as happy and peaceful as I hope. It then will be an incredible dream come true.

*Photo and Post©2024, Mary K. Doyle

**Have you read any of my books? If so, please write a short review on Amazon. Readers rely on these reviews to make their purchases.

Responses to “What Makes Us Happy?”

  1. Looking for the Light

    What an awesome gift!!!!! Happy Birthday. Yes, they are getting louder and this election is even worse. I haven’t seen anyone I would vote for. That’s one reason I watch the news only once a day. When is your birthday? 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I know. It’s a sad position for our country. My birthday is not until May 31st.

      1. Looking for the Light

        Pretty close.

  2. vermavkv

    Yes, spending time with family is a happy moment.. Happy birthday🎂🎂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. My birthday is the end of May, so this is something I can look forward to for the next couple of months.

  3. Rosaliene Bacchus

    What a wonderful birthday gift! Enjoy 😀

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene.

  4. sandyroybessandbugzy

    Oh, Mary, this is so wonderful! You really deserve this time with your family! We will pray that it will be everything you want it to be and that your birthday is blessed.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sandy. I do hope all goes well.

      1. sandyroybessandbugzy

        Ah, it will be full of personality!!!

        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Hahahaha. Exactly.

  5. Pooja G

    That’s such a wonderful way to spend your birthday, surrounded by those you love. I try to avoid all the negativity of politics too. It just gets too much. Focusing on what makes us happy is such a wonderful way to remain more positive.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Pooja, you are right. We had some issues when Trump was in office, but I think we’ve since learned to talk about other things. The old saying was not to talk about in-laws, politics, or money. Or, at least I think that was what we were to avoid. 🙂

      1. Pooja G

        That’s fair, I think when we start talking about politics no one is happy at the end of the conversation. We usually avoid talking about that too.

  6. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Family time is priceless. Enjoy, Mary. 🧡

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        You’re welcome.

  7. restlessjo

    The orchids are lovely and that sounds like the perfect birthday gift, Mary.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jo. I’m so happy.

  8. Nancy Homlitas

    We have family day every Sunday for the same reason you enjoy family time-because it brings each of us joy. 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are blessed to do that every Sunday, like the old days for my family. I miss that, Nancy.

  9. arlene

    How lovely! There is nothing that makes us happy than the presence of family.🥰

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re so right, Arlene.

  10. Cindy Georgakas

    The joy of family is such a gift. Happy weekending with your fam, Mary💕

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Cindy. We have a couple of months until then. Have the fun is the anticipation.

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  12. Gitanjali vg

    a thought that happiness is unlimited makes me cherish old memories of me being actually happy and not just existing hope happiness was as limited great like other wonders of the world

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, for commenting. Wishing you true happiness.

  13. satyam rastogi

    Nice post 🌹

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

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  15. Johnna

    I am not your mother, nor strongest mother! Keep off my hips and bones 🍓😍. Madre

  16. MsHazyBrain

    Happy Happy birthday

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

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  18. Awakening Wonders

    Enjoy and happy birthday!

  19. Alexandra Santamaria, PharmD, CDE

    We all have it within us to make ourselves happy, focusing more on the things that makes us happy like family is very important. Happy Birthday in advance!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Alexandra. I do think it is harder to remember to be happy because of all the stress from TV, social media, and newsfeeds.

  20. aana

    According to me, helping and motivating others always makes me happy.

    The topic is amazing.

  21. Shayla Hoang

    I think what makes me happy is just being around family and friends without any worries. Not having to worry about school, work, etc., just gives us an opportunity to adopt a stress-free mindset and enjoy the company we are with. I really like to eat, whether it’s eating or cooking a meal because that’s just what makes me happy. I think we take happiness for granted because we feel a lot of emotions when angry, but I am trying to appreciate the small things more every day.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for joining the conversation, Shayla. You are right about us feeling the things that make us upset and needing to acknowledge all of our joy. Have the best day.

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