This whole idea of intentional happiness is on my heart big time! I’ve been making it really personal lately, finding small meaningful things that will increase my happiness, even just a little. It’s amazing when you monitor your thoughts and act purposefully in ways that will help you feel good, how much lighter you feel inside. I used to think of happiness as a goal, and sometimes I think it can be, but I’m learning that happiness is an ongoing pursuit, I heard someone call it a continuum.

So today, one of the things I’ve done to help increase my happiness is take Jake, our Golden Retriever, to a dog park. Oh my goodness, he loved it so much; and he was so well-behaved! Anybody who has known Jake for any length of time knows he can be a little naughty. He loves to jump up and be pushy, and that’s intimidating when you’re uncertain of a dog’s personality. Thank goodness there was none of that today, he made friends with several dogs and ran so hard that he was slobbering. Some dogs jumped up my clothes and got mud on my skort, but I decided in that moment to let it go; who cares anyway? It’ll wash out. I figure it’s a small price to pay for a little canine love.

I’m on a mission to find happiness in every place of my life, even the most mundane. I’m committed to learning more about happiness and understanding. It’s not always how I feel, it’s meaningful actions that lead to my well-being.

What about you? Have you done something intentional that makes you happy today?

Jake, our Golden Retriever.