Happiness: Creating Your Own Sunshine

Are you truly happy with your life?

That’s a big question — and if we’re honest, the answer for most of us is… sometimes. No one feels happy all the time, and that’s perfectly normal. Not every day will be good, and not every day will be bad. But here’s the thing: the tough days make the good ones shine even brighter.

Where Does True Happiness Lie?

Is happiness found in the things we own, the people we love, or the goals we achieve? The truth is, there’s no single answer. Happiness looks different for everyone — and recognising what it looks like for you is the first step to finding more of it. You can’t aim for a target you haven’t defined.

For me, happiness is sitting on the front porch, drinking coffee with my family. It’s baking pancakes and eating far too much Nutella. For someone else, it might be driving a fast car down an empty road, or finally finding that perfect pair of shoes. Whatever it is for you, go after it.

Happiness is Something We Create

Happiness rarely just happens — it’s something we make space for. It’s a choice and a responsibility we take on for ourselves.

Some weeks might feel like a string of bad days. But even then, you have options. You can sit with the sadness, or you can choose to do small things you know will lift your mood — whether that’s making a cup of hot cocoa, going for a walk, reading a book, or calling a friend.

Small actions won’t solve everything, but they can make the clouds part, even just a little. And sometimes, that’s all you need to start feeling better.

Gratitude: The Quiet Key to Happiness

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learnt recently is that happiness often begins with gratitude. When you truly appreciate what you already have, you feel more content with your current situation.

Gratitude also fuels motivation. Once you start acknowledging the good, you often feel more inspired to go after the other things you want — the ones you believe will make your life even richer.

Happiness at Work

We spend so much of our lives at work, so our workplace environment naturally plays a huge role in our daily happiness. It’s not enough for work to be stimulating — it should also be a place where people feel valued, accepted, and supported.

Creating a positive workplace culture isn’t just about productivity; it’s about building an environment where people can thrive, feel inspired, and bring their best selves every day.

Your Challenge for Happiness Week

To celebrate this year’s Happiness Week, try this: For one week, write down five things you’re grateful for every single day — and no repeats allowed.

By the end of the week, you might notice your thinking shift. You’ll start spotting more moments of joy in your day, however small they might be. And you might realise that happiness isn’t as far away as it sometimes feels — it’s been there all along, waiting for you to notice it.