​Don't Worry. . . . be Happy, and Have a Plan!

​Don't Worry. . . . be Happy, and Have a Plan!

One thing we know for sure is that one must pursue happiness. Although we all know people who are happy most of the time, bad things happen to all, and happiness can change into doubt and worry in an instant. The difference between happy people is in the duration of time they spend in happiness, in contrast to disappointment and worry, and unhappy. 

Making a plan means being intentional. Happiness doesn’t just happen, it requires intentionality, at least with adults. Children are mostly happy, but it’s the ups and downs of life’s challenges and disappointments, and joys and accomplishments that are at the heart of human progression and character-building, and the development of the tug of war between happiness or worry. We tend to doubt when things are going well for us for too long. And we allow the ‘dark passenger’ of worry to stay with us for too long. Like visitors who overstay their visit. We can close the door and say enough. 

The quote, "If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything" means that if you don’t have strong beliefs or principles, you are likely to be easily swayed by anything or anyone. It reminds us to intentionally plan toward happiness through knowledge, common sense and realistic thinking instead of idealistic expectations. 

When we worry, we give way to anxiety or unease. We allow the mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. Much of our worry is habitual, a state of mind we expect to assume in certain circumstances and forget to stop when things get better; afraid not to worry in case the difficulty or trouble occurs again. 

There is a story about a mother and her three daughters who worried that their mother worried too much. The three daughters had a conversation with their mother. For the next two months, the daughters would take on the mother’s worries by listing and numbering what the mother worried about. They each took on the listed worries and promised the mother they would worry for her giving the mother time for her to enjoy her life with no worries. At the end of the two months, when they asked their mother how her time had been, she answered she was more worried than ever! She worried the daughters didn’t worry enough.  

And how much happiness is enough? As much as you can hold in your heart and spread to others. Don’t be complacent with little happiness, but plan for more. Hoping for happiness is not a strategy, it takes action and planning. 
And just in case you need Science-Backed Happiness Tips, here is a synopsis of an article by Freepick to help you make a plan. 
“As we move further into 2025, many people are searching for actionable strategies to improve their overall well-being. Fortunately, emerging research points to several practical approaches that can foster happiness, support mental health, and build resilience. Here are eight science-backed tips that can make a meaningful difference:

Value Friendship as You Age: Friendship remains essential throughout life, but it becomes especially important in later years. 
Practice “Confelicity”: You’ve likely heard of compassion, but “confelicity”—the act of sharing in someone else’s happiness—can be equally transformative. When a friend or loved one achieves a milestone, celebrate with genuine enthusiasm. 
Volunteer for Well-Being: Acts of altruism have been scientifically shown to boost mood, alleviate chronic pain, and help alleviate symptoms of depression. In fact, some healthcare providers now prescribe volunteer opportunities as a form of “social prescribing,” recognizing its ability to connect individuals with community activities and support networks. 
Connect with Your Ancestors: Exploring family history provides a valuable sense of context and gratitude, grounding you in the broader narrative of your heritage. 
Keep a Gratitude List: A simple but powerful way to shift your outlook is by noting three positive things that happen each day. 
Anticipate Fun Activities: Research shows that simply looking forward to a vacation, gathering, or celebration can heighten positive emotions. Planning enjoyable activities and allowing yourself to savor the anticipation, can sustain a more optimistic mindset.
Embrace Doing Nothing: Striving too hard for happiness can backfire by creating unnecessary pressure and disappointment. Allow yourself moments of stillness without any expectations
Limit Your Caffeine Intake: Caffeine can offer a quick energy boost, but moderation is key. High consumption—or drinking it too close to bedtime—can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety. 
Spending time outdoors is a tried-and-true method for improving mental health. But even if it’s difficult to get outside, virtual experiences—like watching nature videos or listening to wildlife recordings—can help promote relaxation and elevate your mood.

By integrating these science-backed strategies into your routine, 2025 can become a year of more profound contentment, improved mental clarity, and a balanced approach to living happy.”

Love,
Hilda