What makes you happy?

They say you can’t buy happiness, but what can you do to make yourself happier? There are a myriad of small things that can contribute to our mood; often changing it from down in the dumps to downright jovial. Let’s explore a few of those things:

Music

Can you name 3 songs that always make you smile? I’m betting Pharrell’s “Happy” is one of them. (Weird Al’s recently released parody, “Tacky” is also smile-inducing.) For me, Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is on the top of the list. Also on the list: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony (bum-bum-bum-BUM) and almost any song from Philadelphia Chickens CD (my children liked this for about a month, but it still makes me laugh). At a loss? Search Pandora or other music service for “Happy” and listen to the songs that come up. You may discover a new tune that elevates your mood.

Movies

What movie makes you laugh out loud? Humor is quite subjective, so what is funny for one person may seem outlandishly idiotic to another. The important thing is to make note of a few movies that make YOU laugh, or at least smile a lot. For me: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, A Fish Called Wanda, and in the right frame of mind, <Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Special Edition). (Are you getting the sense that I came of age in the 1980’s?!)

Memories

Surely you have a memory that puts a smile on your face. I can recall many instances, especially when getting together with my sister, of laughing so hard we could barely breathe. I usually don’t remember what we were specifically laughing about, just that it sent us into such convulsions of laughter – and remembering that feeling of pure tear-inducing laughter brings a smile to my face.

Next time you feel your mood shifting into negative territory, invoke one of the 3 M’s (or all of them!). Plan now the specifics of the music and movies so you can have them ready when needed.

Comment below what your favorite happy movies and music are!

Disclaimer: First three music links are to YouTube videos of the songs. Philadelphia Chicken CD and movie links are Amazon affiliate links to DVD’s of the movies.