Day 73 of 100 Days of Hope
What Is Happiness to You? Rediscovering Joy With Intention
Have you ever stopped long enough to ask yourself what truly makes you happy?
So often, especially as women and midlife moms, we move through our days on automatic. We wake up, handle the routines, support our families, manage responsibilities, take care of everyone else… and suddenly the day is over. We fall into bed exhausted, without ever checking in with our own heart.
It’s easy to forget that happiness isn’t something that just happens to us.
Happiness is something we choose.
Something we create.
Something we can nurture, even in the middle of messy, imperfect, ordinary life.
What Happiness Means to Me
For me, happiness is connection.
Connection to myself
Connection to the divine
Connection to the people I love
It shows up when I choose things that feel good and align with who I am becoming. When I follow my higher calling. When I trust and let go of what doesn’t serve me anymore. Happiness feels like letting in more light, love, and joy. It feels like being willing to receive goodness instead of brushing it off.
It’s a practice of:
trusting the journey
becoming brand new
seeing every experience as a way to rise
believing that all things can be learned from
knowing I am supported in each moment
It also means letting go of judgment—especially the fear of what others might think. It’s okay to feel afraid, but I don’t want fear to stop me from moving forward.
Happiness Is Not Circumstantial
Money comes up a lot when people talk about happiness. We’re told that once we have more of it, life will feel better. And sure, money can make things easier—but happiness tied to circumstances is fragile. It disappears the moment something changes.
True happiness can exist in any season.
In struggle.
In growth.
In uncertainty.
In abundance.
In simplicity.
Happiness is available no matter what is or isn’t happening.
It is a choice. Always an option.
A Moment of Gratitude
Today is my birthday, and I feel so happy simply because I have been remembered. The kindness of others, a message, a hug, a thought… each one fills me with gratitude. People are such a gift.
Sometimes happiness is that simple—feeling loved and seen.
Questions to Help You Notice Your Happiness
I wonder for you:
What are some things that make you happy?
What do you notice you would like more of?
What could you choose to be happy about right now?
What are some simple ways you find enjoyment in life?
These questions matter. They bring awareness back to your heart. They open the door for intentional joy.
Happiness Takes Practice
Happiness might feel elusive at times, especially when life feels heavy. But keep looking. When we search with intention, joy reveals itself in the smallest, sweetest ways.
A warm conversation
A quiet moment alone
A favorite song
A beautiful sunset
A kind smile
A moment of connection
Happiness grows where we give it attention.
What is happiness to you?
I would truly love to know.
Much love, my friend,
Julie Burningham
The Hope Coach