my ingredients to live a happy life

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I like writing about happiness. Not because I believe I know all the answers to living a happy life but because it reminds me to appreciate what I already have in my life. The more I write about it, the more I know happiness comes from the simple things in life, that are free and are given away from the heart.

Over the years on my travels I have seen people with nothing, no real material possessions, that were truly happy. At first this was a shock to me but as I spent time with them, the more I could see that they truly lived a blessed life. They were free from the pressure to acquire more, to be like others and could focus on what matters most in this life; family, simple living and feeling real love.

Sometimes I get lost in the need to acquire more things, to keep up with everyone else and I start to see that I need to change my ideas on what is going to make me happy. I need to commit myself, once again, to be happy with the things that I already have in my life.

So after all of this thinking about happiness, I thought I would share what ingredients I need in my life to live a happy life. Here is what I came up with so far:

Family and family adventures * My family means everything to me. They are the source of so much happiness in my life. I love hanging out with my family, exploring new places and the time we spend just playing with each other 

Flowers * I love fresh flowers and they do not have to be expensive or from a florist. I am happy with flowers from the garden and any type of greenery will add a smile to my face.

Music * I love listening to different styles of music. Music motivates me and uplifts me. I love to see my children creating music from household items around our home.

Books * I need to read to be happy. I love learning about people's lives, getting lost in an adventure and educating myself. I love to keep my mind active through reading.

Hugs * I love getting them and giving them. I love having that physical contact in my life and feel happy when I have received a lot of hugs during my day.

Dancing around the house * In our house we love putting the music up loud and dancing our little hearts out. I love it when the whole family gets involved and it makes me laugh to see the little ones giving a dance move a good try.

Faith * My belief and religion bring me happiness. It keeps me grounded and helps me focus on nourishing my spirit. It gives me guidance and helps me think outside of myself.

Children * I love spending time with children. They inspire me. Babies make me feel so happy and I love nothing more than holding onto a cute cherub.

Love * I love, love. It fills my heart and motivates me to do so much more than I normally would during my day. I that feeling of feeling so much love that your heart wants to burst. I am blessed to have a heart full of love with seven cherubs and a wonderful husband.

Goals * I need goals in my life to keep me happy. I love to have a focus, a quest and an adventure to work towards to motivate me and to keep my mind and heart active and happy.

Exercise * I don't really love to exercise, but I know it helps me feel happier. I have come to learn that it is necessary to boost my spirits and to help me feel better about myself.

Of course I have many other things that make me happy such as: sunsets, the ocean, creating craft, coriander, dark chocolate, gardening and bargains. They are just extra's that fill my life and add a dash of happiness to my day. Of course I can do without these things and would still be happy but I am so lucky that I have the opportunity to have these extra's in my life. I truly live a wonderful life.