10 Ways to Boost My Happiness

It doesn't have to be long. It takes 7 minutes to walk around my apartment complex. Less than that to walk through the park out my back door. In the warmer weather I can also work on my balcony. Just get some fresh air when I need it. Be outside more.

Who cares about the phone. Who cares about work. All that stuff will be there when I am done. Spend time with my son. Enter his world. Mine won't go anywhere.

Anything. Get some thoughts on paper (or a blank screen). Get some ideas down. Share them, maybe. See who they might benefit.

If I am physically moping around, it's tough to magically be struck by happiness.

Yes, I love watching a great TV show, movie or sporting event. I love consuming something entertaining. But sometimes I need to create something. For myself.

Break out of your rut. Try doing something new. Take a picture of something new. Cook something new. Go on a hike somewhere new. Just go be somewhere new. Have a new experience.

Breaking a sweat will do it. Elliptical. Run. Just get at it.

It's time to go on more mini-vacations around the area. Chicago, Springfield, Carbondale, Galena, Starved Rock, the Field of Dreams field, all of it...understand the area I live in.

I absolutely love to read books. I haven't done nearly enough of that in a LONG time. Read 20 minutes a day. I think my happiness would skyrocket.

The smile on your son's face. The taste of coffee. The feeling of a deep breath. The beat of the song that's on the stereo. Just take the time to enjoy it.