One Small Step Toward a Huge, Optimistic Perspective on Life

I wouldn’t call myself a Beatles fan, but I have a deep admiration for John Lennon. To me, he’s a legend. His legacy isn’t just about his incredible music; it’s also about his courage to speak out for what he believed in. While his talent as a musician was undeniable, he connected with people far beyond his songs. As described on his official website, “Lennon came to view his life as a work of art in which every act shimmered with potential meaning for the world at large.”

One of my favorite John Lennon quotes is this gem:

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

Frame this quote in an 8.5×11 display as a daily reminder whenever you feel disconnected from life—it’s a powerful anchor.

What Does Happiness Mean to You?

Aren’t we all chasing happiness in some way? The truth is, happiness looks different for everyone. While we each have our unique ways of measuring it, I think we often lose sight of its true essence. We get caught up in pursuing career goals, wealth, status, and other markers of success. But what do they all mean if they don’t bring joy?

That’s why I try to teach my kids that the most valuable lesson in life is to find happiness in what you do. It’s not about external achievements; it’s about enjoying the journey and savoring life’s small moments.

The Happiness Journal

I came across the idea of a Happiness Journal in The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. It’s such a simple yet transformative concept. The journal serves as a personal reminder to see life through an optimistic lens, ultimately boosting long-term happiness.

Here’s how it works:
All you need is a notebook and a pen. Each day, jot down the things that make you happy—no rules, no pressure. Want to doodle? Go for it. Add smiley faces? Why not? It’s your happiness journal, your safe space to focus on joy.

Make it a family activity! Keep the journal somewhere accessible, like on a frequently used table, so everyone can contribute. Kids especially love this idea—they might draw pictures or write about their favorite moments. Over time, these little entries become treasures you can preserve, even framing your children’s drawings as custom masterpieces for your home.

The journal helps us recognize the beauty in life’s simplest pleasures: the warmth of the sun, a delicious meal, a friend’s hug, a smile from a neighbor, or an unexpected call from a loved one. These small joys are easy to overlook, but the journal gently reminds us to cherish them.

Find Your Tools for Happiness

We all experience moments of unhappiness, but there are countless ways to redirect our thoughts toward joy. A happiness journal is just one tool—what’s yours? Maybe it’s filling your space with custom signs displaying uplifting quotes or placing reminders around your home to stay positive.

The key is to find what works for you and use it as a guide to reconnect with happiness. Taking these small steps can heal your soul and create a ripple effect of positivity in your life.

Remind yourself how to be happy—you’ll be amazed at how much it transforms your perspective!