At a certain point, we need to start the discussion about how will you know you are feeling better… Today, we just start to scratch the surface of that topic by dipping your toe into happiness.

Happiness is an emotion that is generally followed by a tough emotion that might question, guilt or downplay your experience of joy.

When we are new to grief, we tend to be more internally focused. We think more than we observe the world around us. As time continues and we continue to understand our grief, we begin to observe more and become more aware of the world again. This is quite a natural process.

In time, we are looking outward again and able to see things that may bring forth a flutter of happiness, a gentle smile, a pause in awe of beauty or even laughter. Remember, you can still experience moments of happiness while you are grieving.

We all become comfortable with the idea of happiness in our own time. The video speaks just a bit more about happiness. The activity will explore happiness through your senses as well as the areas in which we experience the world through physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and relational encounters.

Watch the video and print the handout.

Handout: What gives you joy?

BONUS: CAPTURE “HAPPY”

Learn how to capture happiness through the use of your smartphone. This is a great way to carry moments that feel good to you. The golden nugget is that you can go back and gift yourself these little moments of joy when you need it most when you choose to capture joy using a portable device.

Give it a try… Capture some things that bring forth happiness. Then, review the images before bed time to unwind or during a more difficult time of the day to reset your mindset.

Helpful Links:

iPhone – Organize and find photos on iPhone.

Android – Create a New Album in Gallery photo app.